EP1627227A1 - Method for the detection and multiplex quantification of analytes in a sample, using microspheres - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the detection and multiplex quantification of analytes in a sample, using functionalised microspheres, whereby said microspheres are magnetised after the sample has been brought into contact therewith. The inventive method is particularly suitable for the detection and multiplex quantification of several analytes by means of flow cytometry. The invention also relates to a kit which is used for the detection and/or quantification of several analytes in order to carry out the inventive method, comprising a suspension of functionalised non-magnetic microspheres, a ferrofluid solution and a solution with at least one conjugate.

Description

METHOD FOR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION MULTIPLEX ANALYTE IN A SAMPLE USING MICROSPHERES

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and / or multiplex quantification of analytes in a sample using functionalized microspheres, these microspheres being magnetized after the presence of sample in step with these microspheres. The process of the invention is particularly suitable for the detection and quantification of multiplex several analytes by flow cytometry. The subject of the invention is also a kit for the detection and / or the quantification of several analytes for the implementation of the method according to the invention which comprises a suspension of functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, a solution of ferro fluids and a solution of '' at least one conjugate.

The development and diversification of in vitro diagnostics increasingly requires the establishment of means for the rapid detection and identification of various compounds and microorganisms. This need concerns both the field of human or animal health, for example for the research and determination of antigens or particular pathogens, the field of food, such as for example quality control and screening for possible contaminants in products intended for food, or in the field of the environment when it is, for example, the prevention of any biological risk, or the detection of impurities, pesticides or various pollutants. The use of immunological tests on microbeads associated with flow cytometry type analysis systems, constitutes one of the technological routes best suited to these needs and many approaches based on this principle have been proposed in the state of art.

For example, the international patent applications published under the numbers WO 98/51435, WO 94/09368, W0 90/15666 and the European patent application published under the number EP 180384 describe magnetic or fluorescent particles of particular type, usable in diagnostic methods. Other documents of the prior art propose different protocols for the identification and / or the assay of multiple analytes on microbeads. Thus by way of example, the international application published under the number WO 90/05305 relates to a method and its corresponding kit for detecting and / or assaying several analytes in a sample by an agglutination method using several subpopulations of fluorescent beads . The fluorescence of the aggregates formed can be measured by flow cytometry, image analysis or a laser scanning system.

The US patent granted under the number US 4,665,020 relates to a process

^• of an antigen assay by flow cytometry using two populations of spheres of different diameter, the largest being covered with a specific anticoφs of the antigen, and the smallest being fluorescent. The assay is performed according to the principle of a sandwich method or a competition based on the ligand bound to the fluorescent spheres (anticoφs or antigen).

The international application published under the number WO 97/14028 relates to a method of analysis by flow cytometry for the detection of several analytes of interest, in which a plurality of subpopulations of beads is used, at least one of the Classification parameters for flow cytometry analysis differ from one sub-population to another. Each subpopulation is coupled to a compound which reacts specifically with one of the analytes to be assayed. The subpopulation of beads, and therefore the nature of the compound having reacted with the corresponding analyte, is identified by cytometry, from the analysis of all the classification parameters of each subpopulation.

The international application published under the number WO 98/20351 relates to a method for determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample, in which "test" populations of microparticles are used, each of the populations carrying a ligand specific for a analyte, and reference microparticles not reacting with any of the analytes sought. The assay is carried out by counting the number of free microparticles in each “test” population and comparing it to that of the reference microparticles. The counting is carried out according to different methods, including preferably cytometry.

The international application published as WO 96/31777 is a method for detecting microorganisms in a sample using at least one type of detectable particle on a specific ligand of the desired microorganisms. The microorganisms attached to the particles are then revealed with a second ligand with a fluorescent marker.

The US patent issued under the number US 6,280,618 relates to a method for individually detecting a plurality of analytes. in which a mixture of populations of magnetic microparticles is used which can be differentiated from each other and each carrying a different ligand. The microparticles of each group are separated from the medium and then suspended in a second liquid medium in which they are analyzed by flow cytometry. The international application published under the number W0 93/02260 relates to a method of flow cytometry to simultaneously detect multiple analytes in a single sample, and the reagent for its implementation. This reagent consists of a mixture of several subpopulations of microspheres, each subpopulation carrying on the surface a particular ligand capable of forming a specific binding pair with one of the analytes sought. The detection of the analytes attached to the microspheres is carried out after the addition of an agent carrying a fluorochrome, capable of binding to the pairs of bonds formed.

These concurrent methods for detecting several analytes in the same sample can also comprise one or several stages of magnetic separation.

Indeed, such a magnetic separation step facilitates dosages in certain complex media where the antigens of interest must be isolated specifically (cytometric analysis may be not feasible in the presence of certain microparticles). This is the case for example for analysis in food processing, paper and sewage treatment are sought where molecules / particles in various liquefied ground materials (pulp, soft, dairy or cheese, juice f ucts, shredded vegetables, fermentation juice etc ...), preparations which cannot be filtered at the risk of losing the analyte to be assayed.

This is the case also for analyzes in environmental science and human health where the particle of a large volume of air is concentrated in a liquid through a bio-collector. In this case too it is essential to remove all particles, dust, micro-fibers, etc .. pollen suspended in the air, the size i) either covers that of the capture beads (1 to 30 μm) and makes it difficult or even impossible to identify them solely by light scattering parameters, ii) or makes the analysis by clogging of the cytometer incompatible (high risk from 100 μm ) and which are found concentrated in the liquid after biocollection. In addition, we must also get rid of oily particles (greasy) which are incompatible with the proper functioning of the fluidics of a cytometer.

In addition, the use of a magnetic separation also makes it possible to quickly concentrate the agents to be assayed and avoids having to use centrifugation steps to wash the capture beads. Such an association between a specific capture step, on microbeads and a magnetic separation step has already been described in the state of the art, in particular in the patent issued under the number US 6,280,618.

However, the use of magnetic microspheres in a process for identifying and assaying the analytes contained in a sample can present various industrial constraints, and hinder the handling and homogeneity of sampling of the suspensions. Indeed, magnetic microspheres of different sizes (and often of different contents in magnetizable material) can have different behaviors during magnetic separation, that is to say more or less long magnetization times. This results in separation of variables yields according to the microbeads in the presence of families, leading to heterogeneity of results or a lengthening of magnetic separation phases. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to have magnetic microspheres whose content in magnetizable material is adapted according to the size. This obviously creates industrial constraints in terms of manufacturing or supply. In addition, the magnetic microspheres are dense, which poses practical problems settling in storage, resuspension and rapid sédiήientation for analysis. Indeed, the density of magnetic beads is commonly greater than 1.15 and, depending on the rate of magnetite, oscillates between 1.15 and 1.50, leading to very rapid sedimentation rates, in particular for particles of large diameter (> 2 μm) (cf. European patent application published under the number EP 1248110).

Thus, there is today a need to develop a new specific process for the identification and determination of several analytes contained in a sample liquid and which comprises one or more stages of magnetic separation, said method being able to circumvent such drawbacks associated with the use of magnetic microspheres.

US Patent US 5,998,224 (published December 7, 1999, Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES), relates to a method for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample.

According to a first embodiment, this method comprises bringing the test sample into contact with a mobile solid phase and a magnetic reagent to form a reaction mixture in which said analyte binds to said mobile solid phase and said magnetic reagent to form a complex, then applying a magnetic field.

According to a second embodiment, the method comprises contacting the analyte with the magnetic reagent to form a first complex, and contacting the magnetic reagent with the strong mobile phase to form a second complex, followed by application of the magnetic field.

According to an alternative of this second embodiment, the analyte binds to the mobile phase to form a first complex and the magnetic reagent binds to the mobile phase to form a second complex, then a magnetic field is applied.

The US patent application, published December 27, 2001 under the number US 2001/0054580 (BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC linked to EP 1,248,110) relates to a multiplex assay for differentiating multiple analytes in a sample. This test uses magnetic particles as a solid phase and generates an individual result for each analyte. Magnetic particles can be distinguished from each other by characteristics which make it possible to differentiate them into groups, each group carrying a reagent linked to the surface of the particle which is different from the reagents present on the particles of the other groups.

In this multiplex test, the sample containing said analytes is placed in the presence of magnetic particles.

The European patent application published on 5 August _1987. under the number EP 230 768 (Syntex Inc.), relates to a method for separating a substance from a liquid medium. This method implements magnetic particles or non-magnetic. The nonmagnetic particles may be functionalized so as to bind to a member of a specific binding pair or to a magnetic particle.

A ferrofluid is described as a magnetic fluid, wherein the suspended particles are ferromagnetic particles. Colloidal magnetic particles of the magnetic fluid can be listed with the protein material such as ferric proteins: albuline, gamma globulin, etc .... The "coating" of the magnetic particles with protein can be accomplished by a physical link, such Pabsoφtion , or a chemical bond.

The subject of the present is a process for the detection and / or multiplex quantification of analytes which may be contained in a sample using functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said analytes possibly being previously marked with a marker, said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) bringing said sample into contact with a suspension of populations of functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said microspheres carrying on their surface: for all populations of microspheres, a compound A forming a first member of a binding pair, said compound A also being characterized in that it cannot bind with said analytes, and for each of the populations of microspheres, a compound B, different for each population, capable of form a specific binding pair with one of the said analytes in the sample, b) addition to the medium reaction obtained in step a) of a ferrofluid, which ferrofluid contains magnetic particles which carry on their surface a second binding member capable of forming a specific binding pair with compound A, c). at least one washing step by magnetic separation of the magnetized microspheres in step b), d) if necessary when said analytes are not previously labeled, bringing the suspension of the magnetized microspheres obtained in step c) with a solution of at least one conjugate, said conjugate comprising a compound C capable of recognizing and specifically binding with one of said analytes and a marker, this step d) preferably being followed by at least one step of washing the microspheres by magnetic separation, and, e) detecting and / or the quantification of said marker on the surface of the microspheres.

The term “multiplex detection and / or quantification method” is intended to denote in the present description a method of detection and / or quantification of several analytes of interest in a single test. The term “sample” is intended to denote by sample in the method according to the present invention any sample which may contain several analytes which it is desired to detect and / or quantify in said sample.

Of the samples that may contain said analytes according to the present invention, there may be mentioned biological samples (particularly whole blood, plasma or serum, cerebrospinal fluid, mucous membranes, etc ..) or chemical from all types of samples, particularly in areas of human or animal health, food or the environment, or even from the chemical industry, which samples are taken to detect and / or quantify several analytes of interest likely to be contained in said sample taken. By analyte is meant in the present description any compound of interest capable of being able to be detected and / or quantified according to the present invention.

Preferably, said analytes are of protein and derivative type, or are nucleic acids.

The terms protein, polypeptide or peptide are used interchangeably in the present description to denote an amino acid sequence or, for their derivatives, containing an amino acid sequence.

The term “nucleic acid, nucleic or nucleic acid sequence, polynucleotide, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide sequence, nucleotide sequence, terms which will be used interchangeably in the present description, is intended to denote a precise sequence of nucleotides, modified or not, making it possible to define a fragment or a region of a nucleic acid, containing or not containing unnatural nucleotides, and which may correspond both to a double stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA as transcripts of said DNA. These nucleic acids are isolated from their natural environment, and are natural or artificial.

According to a particular embodiment, such analytes are organic compounds, chemical or biochemical, that may be present either in solution in a liquid or present on the surface of a cell or of a particle in suspension in the sample.

As an example of a cell or particle capable of carrying said analyte on its surface, mention may be made, but is not limited to, eukaryotic cells such as a mammalian cell or a yeast, prokaryotic cells such as for example a bacterium, and particles such as for example a viral particle, a spore or pollen grain, or microorganism, especially a fungus.

A first embodiment of the invention relates to the identification and / or multiplex assay in a sample of biological agents such as antigens bound to carriers, such as microorganisms of surface antigens, receptors and other membrane structures, or free-form analytes in the sample, such as proteins, enzymes, metabolites, and other secretory products.

As an example of analytes of interest, mention may be made in particular, but not limited to, of proteins and their derivatives such as glycoproteins or lipoproteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipid compounds and all natural compounds or may be obtained by chemical synthesis. Mention may also be made, as examples of analytes, of the compounds having a functional particularity such as cytokines, cellular receptors, antibodies, antigens, toxins, allergens, drugs, pesticides or herbicides, or any pollutant, analytes that to be detected and / or quantified in a sample, they are present in solution or if necessary brought to the surface of a cell or of a particle.

Particularly preferably, said compounds are protein toxins, or said cell or particle is a microorganism such as a bacterium or a virus. When the analytes are present on the surface of a cell or particle, detection and / or quantification of said analyte allows the detection and or quantification of said cells or particles if said chosen analytes are specific for said cells or particles.

As another example of analytes of interest which may be contained in a sample, mention may be made of the compounds present in the atmosphere, naturally or accidentally, which can be collected in a liquid, such as for example by means of a biocollector , which takes particles from the atmosphere and impacts them in a liquid, generally a buffer such as PB S, or an oil.

A typical example of a bio-collector is described in the commercial documentation of the BioSampler® from SKC Inc., PA, as well as in patents US 5902385 and US 5904752 and in technical publications such as: Buttner et al. : Sampling and analysis of airborne microorganisms, in Manual of environmental Microbiology,

ASM Press, Wash.DC, 1997, pp. 629-640, Improved aerosol collection by combined impaction and centrifugal motion. Willeke K et al. , Sci Aerosol. Tech. 28: 439-456

(1998) US 6,468,330 Irving et al. The term “analytes” previously marked with a marker in the method according to the invention means any analyte which it is sought to detect and / or quantify in a sample and which is in marked form before the implementation of said method. As an example of previously labeled analytes, mention may be made, but not limited to, of nucleic acids, or PCR products (amplicons), which result from an enzymatic amplification, such as PCR (polmyerase chain reaction), which can be obtained in a labeled form, in particular using fluorescent markers, these nucleic acid labeling techniques being well known to those skilled in the art.

The term “non-magnetic microspheres functionalized in the process according to the present invention” is intended to denote non-magnetic microspheres carrying on their surface a compound A and a compound B.

The compounds A and B can be fixed on the non-magnetic microspheres according to methods known to those skilled in the art, such as coupling by covalent bond, by affinity, by passive or forced adsorption. Such methods are also used for fixing the compound to the surface of the magnetic particles of the ferrofluid. Such methods for functionalizing various supports have been widely described in the literature, for example in the American patents granted under the numbers US 4,181,636 - US 4,264,766 - US 4,419,444 - US 4,775,619, etc. and Legastelois S et al., Latex and diagnosis. 1996, or Le Technoscope. Biofutur, 161: 1-11; Duke Scientific Coφ .. Çatalog, Palo-Alto, CA. Technical Note-013A "Reagent Microspheres-Surface properties and Conjugation Methods".

In the case of a covalent bond by coupling the microspheres used are carriers of chemical groups capable of reacting with another chemical group carried by the compound A or B to form a covalent bond. As an example of chemical groups which may be present on the surface of the microspheres, mention may be made, but not limited to, of carboxyl, amino, aldehyde and epoxy groups. In the particular case where the analytes which one seeks to characterize are reactive chemical species, one of the chemical groups carried by the non-magnetic microspheres may be capable of reacting specifically with the reactive chemical species of said analytes which one seeks to detect and / or to be quantified, said chemical group thus also ensuring the role of compound B.

For the functionalization of the microspheres, it is also possible to use the interaction by affinity, which is generally implemented by two partners of a bond couple with high affinity such as in particular, but not limited to, couples (poly) carbohydrate / lectin, biotin or biotinilated compounds / avidin or sfreptavidin, specific receptor / ligand, antigen or hapten / anticoφs, etc ...

The functionalization of the microspheres can also be carried out either directly or by using spacer arms also designated under the terms "linker" or "spacer". Functionalization by passive or forced adsorption is known to those skilled in the art, and has already been described in the previously cited American patents. For functionalization by passive adsorption, it is possible to use, for example, BSA-biotin (Cattle Serum Albumin) (Sigma, Lyon, FR - Ref. A-8549).

The non-magnetic microspheres functionalized in the present description may be constituted by any type of material to the extent that it contains no magnetic component. Preferably, a material inert to the analytes in the sample and to the other analysis reagents, insoluble in the sample and in all the other reaction media used in the process according to the invention and which can be functionalized. It may, for example, be a polymer, or a copolymer, or else latex, glass or silica.

Since these microspheres are not magnetic, there is no particular constraint as to the choice of the material in which they can be manufactured. Thus, any type of microsphere can be used in a very wide range of non-magnetic latex. Microspheres can also be used in other materials, more or less suitable depending on the analytes to be detected and / or quantified, which are sold in various sizes in non-magnetic form. Thus, the method according to the invention may use, for example glass or silica beads, respectively materials preferably used for capture of blood platelets and nucleic acids (see in particular the international application published under the number WO 94/19600 which describes the use of glass beads to capture (and in this case eliminating) aggregated activated platelets). There may be mentioned as examples of polymers or copolymers, but are not limited to, divinylbenzene, polystyrene, polyvinylpyridine, styrene-butadiene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, polyesters, acetate copolymers vinyl ester acrylate, vinyl ester chloride-acrylate copolymers, polyethers, polyolefins, polyalkylene oxides, polyamides, polyurethanes, polysaccharides, celluloses, and polyisoprenes. Cross-linking is useful for many polymers in order to give structural integrity and rigidity to said microspheres.

Thus, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the method is characterized in that the microspheres are of a material selected from the group consisting of latex, a polymer, copolymer, glass or silica.

Non-magnetic polymer or copolymer, latex, glass or silica microspheres are well known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available, such as for example the ranges of microspheres supplied by the companies Spherotech (Libertyville, US), Polysciences (Warrington, US), Merck Eurolab SA (Fontenay-sous-Bois, FR) for the Estapor range, Duke Scientiftc (Palo Alto, US), Seradyn (fridianapolis, US), Dynal Biotech for Dyno Particles (Oslo , NO), etc. Other microspheres ranges may be provided by Bang's Labs (Fishers, US) and Polymer Laboratories Ltd. (Church Stretton, UK).

Likewise, nucleic acid adsorption / desoφtion procedures on silica beads are described in TechNote # 302, Bang's Labs (Fishers, US) for the capture of nucleic acids.

Furthermore, thanks to the wide choice of material for the microspheres which can be used in the process according to the present invention, it is possible to use microspheres which sediment less, for example non-magnetic latex beads, and which are therefore easier to be used, in particular in automatons. By compound A is meant in the present description, for all populations of microspheres, any compound present on the surface of said functionalized non-magnetic microspheres as described above, which compound is capable of specifically binding with another fixed compound on the surface of the magnetic particles of a ferrofluid, said compound A forming the first member of the specific binding pair, and the other compound forming the second member, said compound A also being characterized in that it cannot bind with analytes

Is meant ferrofluid in the present specification a stable colloidal suspension of magnetic particles in a liquid carrier. The magnetic particles, which have an average size of about 100 Å (10 nm), are coated with a stabilizing dispersing agent (surfactant) which prevents agglomeration of the particles even when a strong magnetic field gradient is applied to the ferrofluid. In the absence of a magnetic field, the magnetic moments of the particles are randomly distributed and the fluid has no clear magnetization.

The magnetic particles of the ferrofluid are covered on the surface by said compound forming the second member of the specific binding pair with compound A on the surface of the microparticles. Thus, these magnetic particles are capable of coming to be fixed on the surface of the microspheres by means of said bond pair formed, said microspheres being in this way magnetized.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the method is characterized in that said pair of connections formed between compound A and the second member fixed to the surface of the ferrofluids, is preferably chosen from the group formed. by specific binding pairs of biotin / avidin or biotin / streptavidin type, enzyme / cofactor, lectin / carbohydrate and anticoφs / hapten.

As an example of ferrofluid include particularly, but not limited to the FF-SA (ferrofluids-streptavidin) Molecular Probes Europe (Leiden, NL) (Ref. C-21476, lot # 71 Al-1).

The quantity of magnetizable material (magnetic particles of the ferrofluid) to be placed on each population of microspheres can therefore be easily managed by modifying the quantity of attachment points (formation of bond pairs) per population of microbeads. In addition, the sedimentation of ferrofluids is also very limited, which facilitates the handling and homogeneity of sampling suspensions.

The magnetization of the microparticles is carried out according to a conventional protocol using a magnet (Ex. DYNAL MPC).

For compound B, is meant in the present description, for each of the populations of microspheres, any compound present on the surface of the microspheres of one of the populations, which non-magnetic microspheres are functionalized as described above, which is compound capable of form a specific bond with one of the analytes that one seeks to detect and / or quantify which are likely to be contained in the sample. As examples of compound B include, but without limitation, proteins or their fragments and derived structures, receptors, polyclonal anticoφs or monoclonal or fragments thereof, monovalent anticoφs, nucleic acid single or double-stranded and any fragment or derivative construction, as well as associations of several of these components. There may be mentioned as examples of specific binding between the compound B and the analyte an antigen-antibody or ligand-receptor coupling membrane, or a hybridization between nucleic acid, the nucleotide sequence of the compound B grafted to the surface of the microspheres is then complementary to that of the analyte.

Preferably, compound B is a protein or one of its fragments, capable of recognizing one of said analytes, such as for example a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody or one of its fragments, directed specifically against the analyte that we seek to detect and / or quantify, or vice versa, compound B can be a antigen or hapten capable of recognizing an anticoφs which one seeks to detect and / or quantify, or a ligand specific for a receptor, an enzyme specific for a cofactor, or a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing specifically with a nucleic acid which one seeks to detect and / or to quantify. In the case where compound B or C is an anticoφs, reference may be made, for the preparation of polyclonal, monoclonal anticoφs, or their fragments, or recombinant, to techniques well known to those skilled in the art, techniques which are described in particular in the “Antibodies” manual (Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Publications pp. 726, 1988) or to the technique of preparation from hybridomas described by Kohler et al. (Kôhler and Milstein. Nature, 256: 495-497, 1975). Specific anticoφs can be obtained eg from serum or cell of an animal immunized against specific antigens.

By anticoφs fragment capable of specifically recognizing antigens, in particular is understood to mean fragments anticoφs comprising any fragment of said anticoφs capable of binding specifically to the epitope of said antigen which binds the anticoφs which said fragment is derived . Examples of such f agments in particular include single chain anticoφs (scFv) or monovalent Fab or Fab 'fragments and divalent fragments such as F (ab') 2, which have the same binding specificity as the anticoφs they are from. These fragments anticoφs can be obtained from polyclonal or monoclonal anticoφs by methods such as digestion by enzymes, such as pepsin or papain and / or cleavage of disulfύres bridges by chemical reduction. In another way, these anticoφs, or their fragments, can also be obtained by genetic recombination (recombinant anticoφs).

Thus, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the method is characterized in that said compound B is selected from the group consisting of proteins and nucleic acids.

According to a particular embodiment, the compound B present on the surface of the microspheres of each of the populations is an anticoφs and the analytes to be detected and / or to be quantified are antigens. Step d) of the method according to the present invention is implemented only in the case where said analytes which it is sought to identify and / or to quantify have not been previously marked as described above. In this case, said step d) is necessary for the realization of the step after e) detection and / or quantification. It involves a solution comprising at least one conjugate capable of specifically binding to one of said analytes that are to be detected and / or quantified in the sample.

Said conjugate of the method according to the present invention comprises a compound C capable of reconnaîfre and specifically binding with one of said analytes and a label associated with it.

Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the compound C of said conjugate used in step d) is a compound chosen from the group consisting of proteins and nucleic acids, when said analytes that the it is sought to detect and / or to quantify in the sample are proteins or nucleic acids respectively.

When step d) of the process according to the invention is implemented, this is preferably followed by at least one washing step by magnetic separation, which step is necessary to separate the marked magnetized microspheres from those carrying their surface only said analytes. Step e) of the process according to the present invention may be embodied in any electronic or optical automated method of detecting and counting particles. Flow cytometry is particularly suitable for this type of analysis.

This method, widely used today, allows very high sensitivity light intensity measurements to be carried out on microspheres suspended in a reaction medium. These measurements are made individually on each microsphere, at high speed (several hundred to several thousand microspheres analyzed / interrogated per second), which allows in a few tens of seconds to perform these measurements on a large number of microspheres. Several light parameters can be measured simultaneously on each of the microspheres: i) laser light scattering / diffraction parameters to characterize / evaluate its size and structure (granularity, compactness) on the one hand and ii) on the other hand, several fluorescence parameters, differentiable by their wavelengths and generally associated with the presence of fluorochromes, or fluorescent markers, present intrinsically in the microsphere, or associated with the specific binding of conjugates. In practice, flow cytometry (CMF) consists in scrolling one by one in front of a focused laser beam the microspheres suspended in a liquid, and measuring, on each microsphere, individually, on the one hand the light scattering / diffraction laser and secondly associated fluorescence signals. All this information is presented to the user in the form of frequency distributions (histograms) in which the latter easily locates homogeneous subpopulations on one or more of the parameters considered (for example size or fluorescence). One (or more) fluorescence parameter (s) can be used, in addition to the size / structure parameters, for grouping individuals belonging to the same type of microspheres (multiplex assay). One (or more) other fluorescence parameter (s) can serve as a developer, the intensity of which is directly proportional to the quantity of analytes present on the type of microsphere considered.

An example of flow cytometry which can be used in step e) is the FACS (flluorescence-activated cell sorter) technique, which consists of an electronic system for separating microspheres according to their size and the intensity of fluorescence that they emit after various markings. The apparatus prepares microdrops from the suspension of microspheres which are diluted so as to contain only one microsphere. The microdrop passes in front of a laser beam of light and the microspheres are analyzed (histogram) and separated on the basis of their fluorescence and / or their size. Among the markers which can be used for the marking of compound C or for the marking of said analytes which it is sought to detect and / or to quantify in the sample, fluorescent markers are preferred such as in particular, but without being limited to , fluorescein and its derivatives, such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), or allophycocyanin (APC), phycoerythrin-cyanine 5 (PC5) and phycoerythrin (PE), R-phycoerythrin (R-PE ), or rhoda ine and its derivatives, coumarin and its derivatives, luciferase and its derivatives, chromomycin, mithramycin, GFP (GFP for "Green Fluorescent Protein"), eGFP (eGFP for "Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein"), RFP (RFP for "Red Fluorescent Protein"), BFP (BFP for "Blue Fluorescent Protein"), eBFP (eBFP for "Enhanced Blue Fluorescent Protein"), YFP (YFP for "Yellow Fluorescent Protein"), eYFP (eYFP for "Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein") dansyl, umbelliferone, ethydium bromide, acridine orange, orange thiazole, propidium iodide (PI) etc.

Thus, preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the marker or markers used are fluorescent.

More preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the detection and / or quantification of said marker in step e) of the method is carried out by flow cytometry.

Techniques for coupling these markers are well known in the art and will not be developed in this description. Nevertheless, for certain analytes, one can find commercially conjugates comprising such fluorescent markers directed against the analyte that one seeks to detect and / or to quantify.

In such a method of multiplex detection and / or quantification of several analytes, it is preferred to use a range of _. markers which can be detected and / or quantified simultaneously in a specific manner, preferably fluorescent markers. In a particularly preferred manner, flow cytometry will be used for the detection and / or the direct and simultaneous quantification of said range of fluorescent markers.

Thus, the suspension of populations of microspheres may comprise a first population ni of which the microspheres composing it will each have compound Bi attached to their surface, a second population n of which the microspheres composing it will each have compound B attached to their surface, a third population n ₃ whose microspheres composing it will each have compound B ₃ attached to their surface, and so on. So the analyte- _. will be recognized by compound B- _. , Analyte ₂ will be recognized by the compound B, the analyte ₃ will be recognized by the compound B _3, and so on. According to a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention is characterized in that at least two of said populations further have at least one intrinsic physical characteristic for the differentiation between them. A person skilled in the art can have populations of microspheres having intrinsic physical characteristics making it possible to differentiate them from each other, thus making it possible to increase the number of different analytes to be detected and / or quantified in a sample, said physical characteristics intrinsic which can be differentiated by their size and / or their optical properties (specific fluorescence for each population).

Thus, preferably, the intrinsic physical characteristic of the microspheres of the method according to the present invention making it possible to differentiate the at least two populations of microspheres is the size and / or an optical property of said microspheres.

More preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the microspheres have a size of between 0.3 and 100 μm.

Even more preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the microspheres have a size between 1 and 20 μm. These size ranges best correspond to the size analysis domain of current flow cytometers. In these diameter ranges and provided they do not pose additional constraints too rigid (magnetism, fluorescence), it is easy to find distinguishable balls apart by their single parameter size, measured by the parameter called forward light scatter (FS or FLS), to form several distinct groups (e.g. 1, 3, 5; 8; 10 and 15 μm). Some of these diameters are also available in a fluorescent version, or even with several different levels of intensity.

According to another embodiment, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the optical property is the emission wavelength and / or the intensity of the fluorescence of said microspheres.

Thus, it is possible to differentiate the n populations of microspheres of said suspension between them.

For example, the QuanfrimPlex ™ ranges supplied by Bang's Labs

(Fishers, US) and CytoPlex ™ provided by Duke Scientific (Palo Alto, US) allow access for a given size, differentiable ball subfamilies by their intensity levels in red fluorescence, up 10 levels for beads 4 .mu.m

(CytoPlex) or 2 x 5 levels for beads 4.4 and 5.5 microns (QuantumPlex). In assuming that the appropriate beads are available in the above-mentioned diameters and each with 5 levels of red fluorescence intensity, the possible multiplex detection according to the invention amounts to 6 × 5 = 30 analytes.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows the rapid detection and / or quantification of at least 6 different analytes.

The specificity required for the population of conjugates used depends on the complexity of step e) detection and / or quantification of the type and number of analytes. It is thus possible to use only one population of conjugate comprising a single type of marker, said conjugate then having a ubiquitous developer function. In this case, the specificity is provided solely by the selectivity of each catch ball. Conversely, it is also possible to use as many populations of different conjugates as analytes to be assayed. Depending on the test to be performed, the skilled person can of course choose the suitable alternatives in between variants.

According to a mode of _. advantageous embodiment the method according to the invention is characterized in that said analytes are nucleic acids and in that in step a), compound B is a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing specifically with one of said analytes preferably, said analytes are PCR products.

More preferably, said PCR products are obtained labeled. Such PCR products, where appropriate labeled, have been described previously. The functionalized non-magnetic microspheres used in this embodiment carry on their surface a compound B of oligonucleotide type, which compound B is complementary to one of the amplification products sought. When the products are marked beforehand, step d) of bringing the magnetized microspheres into contact with conjugates is not necessary. The labeling on the surface of the microspheres is provided by the marker carried by the PCR products that the microspheres have captured.

Even more preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the compound C of said conjugate used in step d) is a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing specifically with one of said analytes. Such a type of conjugate can be used for example to detect and / or quantify several analytes such as in particular genomic material not previously amplified, or derivatives not previously amplified, such as fragments generated by enzymatic cleavage using enzymes restriction of this genomic material.

The signal amplification step can then be performed by the ligation (or ligation) step between compound B of the microspheres and compound C of the conjugates.

Thus, the invention also relates to the use of the method according to the invention for the detection and / or quantification of multiplex SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymoφhisms).

In this case, the method of the invention is preferably used in combination with the technique for OLA "Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay" (test ligation of oligonucleotides) based on the action of a ligase which connects two adjacent oligonuléotides d covalently only on condition that they are perfectly complementary to the template DNA strand (Landegren et al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. US 1990; 87: 8923-8927; patent US4988617). As indicated previously, the template DNA strand can be either an amplicon (fragment amplified by PCR / Polymerase Chain Reaction or other enzymatic amplification reaction), or genomic material not previously amplified or its derivatives not previously amplified, for example fragments generated by enzymatic cleavage using restriction enzymes from this genomic material.

Thus, preferably, the use according to the invention is characterized in that the detection and / or the multiplex quantification of SNPs is carried out by the OLA method.

In this variant, the conjugate within the meaning of the general definition above is a revelation probe (compound C) carrying a fluorescent label. The ligation step constitutes an additional step between step d) and step e) of said method.

The protocol described below and shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 illustrates the general principle of the invention. This embodiment relates to the detection of three different antigens. Of course, on this basis, numerous variants could be envisaged by those skilled in the art, depending on the nature and the number of different analytes to be detected and or quantified, the sensitivity of the test, the speed of execution, the equipment used, etc. These variants may for example relate to the number and / or the size and / or the optical properties of the functionalized microspheres, the number of ligands specific for the desired analyte attached to their surface (compounds B), the magnetization step which can be repeated several times alternately with successive washes, the nature of the marker linked to the conjugate which may be the same for all the conjugates in the mixture or be different depending on the specificity of the conjugates, etc.

Populations of functionalized microspheres are placed in the presence of the sample that we want to test. For simplicity and clarity, it is considered in this description that there are three populations of latex microspheres (three analytes to detect and / or quantify) of different sizes. Each of the populations carries on its surface a compound B which is an anticoφs of specific capture of one of the three analytes sought. In this illustration, it is also contemplated that the compounds A are biotin molecules which are grafted to the surface of the microspheres to allow attachment of the magnetic particles of the ferrofluid by means of a biotin-sfreptavidine. When the microspheres are mixed with the sample, each of the analytes sought will bind to the population carrying the specific antibody. The magnetic particles of the ferrofluid coupled to the sfreptavidine are then added to the medium and will bind to the surface of the microspheres. The microspheres thus rendered magnetizable can be separated from the other interfering products of the medium by one or more stages of magnetization alternately with one or more stages of washing with an appropriate buffer.

The populations of microspheres are then placed in the presence of a mixture of three types of conjugates, each type of conjugate being represented in this scheme by a compound C which is a specific anticoφs carrying a fluorescent marker. After an incubation phase of the microspheres with the solution of conjugates sufficient to allow the fixation of said conjugates on their specific analyte, itself retained on the surface of the microspheres, the microspheres associated with fluorochrome, can be analyzed. In the present case, these are analyzed by flow cytometry according to their size. The conjugates are generally used in excess so as to ensure best labeling of the analytes fixed to the microspheres. Therefore, before proceeding with the analysis of the microspheres, it is best to isolate them from the medium containing excess conjugates remained in suspension. This separation is advantageously carried out again by one or more series (s) of magnetization and washing (s).

As already indicated, an advantageous variant of the method according to the invention aims to detect and / or quantify n nucleic acids. In its simplest embodiment, this variant proceeds according to the following protocol, schematically in Figure 2.

In this case, the analysis relates to three fluorescent PCR products using beads of different sizes. Each of the populations of functionalized microspheres is covered by a compound B which is an oligonucleotide complementary to one of the PCR products (capture probe) and no longer by a specific anticoφs. The steps of mixing and magnetizing the microspheres are identical to those described in the previous embodiment. After steps magnetization ,, and washing the microspheres having captured fluorescent products on their surfaces are analyzed by flow cytometry.

The present invention also relates to a kit for the multiplex detection and / or quantification of analytes likely to be contained in a sample, characterized in that it comprises a suspension of populations of functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said microspheres carrying on their surface: a) a reagent 1 comprising:

- a compound A forming a first member of a binding pair;

a compound B capable of forming a specific bond with one of the said analytes in the sample, and b) a reagent 2 comprising a ferrofluid which contains magnetic particles carrying on their surface a second binding member capable of forming a pair of specific binding with said compound A; and c) a reagent 3 comprising a solution of at least one conjugate, said conjugate comprising a compound C capable of reacting specifically with said analytes and a label capable of being detected. More preferably, the kit according to the invention further comprises:

- a reagent 4 comprising said analytes which may be contained in a sample. Even more preferably, the kit of the invention further comprises:

- a reagent 5 composed of a dilution buffer; and

- a reagent 6 composed of a wash buffer.

Finally, according to another even more preferred embodiment, the kit according to the invention further comprises:

- a reagent 7 comprising a buffer for neutralizing the aggregation of the different microspheres.

Said buffers are for example buffers based on PBS, such as for example PBS / Tween 20. Reagent 7 will be more particularly used in the case where compound A on the surface of the microspheres is a compound of biotin type. Said neutralization buffer makes it possible to avoid aggregation of the various microspheres covered with compound A during the magnetization. In this case where they are biotinylated microspheres, the neutralization buffer consists for example of an aqueous solution of biotin. As has already been indicated, and as will emerge on reading the examples below, the method of the invention makes it possible to carry out, in relatively quick times, the simultaneous identification of several agents in a sample.

The legends of the figures and examples which follow are intended to illustrate the invention without in any way limiting its scope.

LEGENDS OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Diagram of the principle of the detection and / or quantification method (multiplex assay) according to the invention applied to the detection and or the quantification of three antigens using beads of different sizes.

Figure 2: Diagram of the principle of the method according to the invention applied to the multiplex assay of three fluorescent PCR products using beads of different sizes. Figure 3: Scheme of the principle of the multiplex assay method of the invention applied - in molecular genetics to the search SNPs. Figure 4: Diagram illustrating the same principle as the previous, wherein an additional degree of specificity is achieved at the level of grafting of the disclosure probe. Figures 5 A, 5B, 5C: FCM analysis of a mixture of beads of 3-8 -10 and 15 microns depending on the size.

RI: Estapor 3 μm + Polymer Laboratories 8 and 15 μm + Dynal Particles 10 μm;

R2 and R6: Estapor 3 microns; R3 and R7: Polymer Laboratories 8 μm; R4 and R8: Dynal Particles 10 μm; R5 and R9: Polymer Laboratories 15 μm

Figures 6 A, 6B, 6C and 6D: Analysis in CMF of a mixture of beads of 3 - 4.4 - 8 - 10 and 15 μm as a function of the size and of a fluorescence.

RI: Estapor 3 μm + QuantumPlex Bangs 4.4 μm + Polymer Laboratories 8 and 15 μm +

Dynal Particles 10 microns; R2 and 6: Estapor 3 μm + Bangs QuantumPlex 4.4 μm; R3 and R7: Polymer Laboratories 8 μm;

R4 and R8: Dynal Particles 10 μm; R5 and R9: Polymer Laboratories 15 μm; RIO:

3 μm evapor; R s: Bangs QuantumPlex # 3; R12: QuantumPle bangs # 5 (RIO, RI 1 and R12 are contained inside R2).

Figures 7A and 7B: Analysis in CMF of a mixture of beads of 4.4 - 8 - 10 and 15 μm initially non-magnetic.

Figure 8: Evolution of the FS LOG distribution of the different populations of biotin beads during the fixing of the FF-SA.

Figure 9: Determination of B. globigii on a 15 μm anti-B. globigii microsphere.

Figures 10A and 10B: Ovalbumin Assay on microsphere 4.4 .mu.m QuantumPlex # 3 anti-ovalbumin.

Figure 11: Analysis of CMF duplex mixture:

The 2 types of beads are distinguished by their size in double scatter analysis, μS-FN

(diameter 6.7 μm), conditioned on the RI region) and μS-FII (diameter 9.6 μm), conditioned on the region R2. This selective analysis based on size is repeated in all the figures which follow.

Figures 12 and 13: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a doubly positive test:

The balls are placed in the presence of two O.Ν. representing the two genes simultaneously.

Fig 12 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FN (region

R4) and ĩS-FII (region R3). Fig 13 shows, in superposition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of beads, solid curve for the μS-FN ball and empty curve for the μS-FII ball. The average intensities of green fluorescence (MFI) are measured in each of the windows M1 and M2. Figures 14 and 15: Analysis of CMF duplex mixture; negative control: The beads placed in the presence of the two ONs simultaneously are dehybridized by heat, showing the marking of non-specific background noise. Fig 14 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FN (region R4) and μS-FII (region R3). FIG. 15 shows, in superposition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of bead, full curve for the μS-FN bead and empty curve for the μS-FII bead. The MFIs are measured in each of the windows M1 and M2. Figures 16 and 17: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a simple positive test for FN: The beads are placed in the presence of a single O.Ν., corresponding to the FN. Fig 16 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FN (region R4) and μS-FII (region R3). Fig 17 shows, in superposition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of beads, full curve for the μS-FN ball and empty curve for the μS-FII ball. The MFIs are measured in each of the windows M1 and M2. Figures 18 and 19: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a simple positive test for Fil: The beads are placed in the presence of a single O.Ν., corresponding to the Fil. Fig 18 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FN (region R4) and μS-FII (region R3). Fig 19 shows, in superposition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of bead, full curve for the μS-FN bead and empty curve for the μS-FII bead. The MFIs are measured in each of the windows M1 and M2.

Figure 20: The critical base (specificity SΝP) is carried by each of the exposure probes, allele-specific and each carrying a different fluorochrome (or hapten / tag which can be revealed by an anti-tag mAb fluorescent). This system takes advantage of multi-color analyzes achievable in CMF. Each type of ball allows differential detection of a mutation.

Figure 21: The critical base (specificity of SΝP) is carried by each of the capture probes, allele specific, and each coupled to a different type of bead (differentiated for example by size). This system requires, for the analysis of the signal in CMF, only one fluorescence allowing either to use a simpler and less expensive apparatus, or to take advantage of other colors to differentiate the families of beads between them, in multi-color analyzes. Figure 22: CMF analysis on duplex mixture:

The two types of beads are distinguished by their size duplicate analysis scatter ĩS-FNwt (diameter 6.7 .mu.m, conditioned on the region RI) and ĩS-FNmut (diameter 9.6 .mu.m, conditioned on the region R2). This selective analysis based on size (FS) and grain size (S S) is repeated in all the figures which follow.

23 and 24: Analysis of CMF duplex mixture of a negative control: The balls are placed in the presence of non-specific amplicons of the studied mutation that serve as negative control in the presence of PCR mixture "Amp Mix." Fig 23 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FNwt (region R4) and μS-FNmut (region R3). Figure 24 shows, in supeφosition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of beads, solid curve for the ball μS- FNwt and empty curve for the ball-ĩS FVmut. The mean fluorescence intensities (MFI), measured in the windows M1 and M2, are indicated for each type of bead. Figures 25 to 28: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a simple positive test on wild allele:

The beads are placed in the presence of amplicons of a single allele (FNwt). Figure 25 shows the fluorescence levels depending on the size ĩS-FNwt (region R4) and FN μS- C (R3 region). Figure 26 shows, in supeφosition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of beads, solid curve for the ball μS- FNwt and empty curve for the ball-ĩS FVmut.

Fig 27 shows, on μS-FNwt, the histograms of the test (curve on the right) and of the LF (curve on the left, taken from Fig 24).

Fig 28 shows, on μS-FNmut the histograms of the test (curve on the right) and of the LF (curve on the left, taken from Fig 24). Figures 29 to 32: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a simple positive test on mutant allele:

The beads are placed in the presence of amplicons of a single allele, here the FN mut. Fig. 29 shows the fluorescence levels as a function of size, μS-FNwt (region R4) and μS-FNmut (region R3). Fig. 30 shows, in superposition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of bead, full curve for the μS-FNwt bead and empty curve for the μS-Fvmut bead. Figure 31 shows, on ĩS-FNwt, test histograms (right curve) and BF

(Left curve, taken from Figure 24).

Fig 32 shows, on μS-FNmut the histograms of the test (curve on the right) and of the LF

(Left curve, taken from Figure 24). Figures 33 to 36: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a double positive test:

The beads are placed in the presence of amplicons from the two alleles simultaneously. The Fig

33 shows the levels. of fluorescence as a function of the size, μS-FNwt (region R4) and μS-FNmut (region R3). Figure 34 shows, in supeφosition, the respective green fluorescence histograms of each type of beads, solid curve for the ball μS- FNwt curve and vacuum to the ĩS-FNmut ball.

Fig 35 shows, on μS-FNwt, the histograms of the test (curve on the right) and of the LF

(curve to the left, taken from Fig 24).

Fig 36 shows, on μS-FNmut the histograms of the test (curve on the right) and of the BF

(curve to the left, taken from Fig 24) Figure 37:

In Fig. 37, as in Figure 21, the critical base (specificity SΝP) is carried by each of the probes, capture, allele-specific, and each coupled to a different type of ball (differentiated by size). This system requires, for the analysis of the signal in CMF, only an analysis by counting the balls on the basis of the parameters of size and structure, allowing either to use an apparatus devoid of a fluorescence detector and therefore less expensive, or to take advantage of other sizes to differentiate the families of logs between them.

Figure 38: CMF analysis on duplex mixture:

The two types of beads are distinguished by their size duplicate analysis scatter ĩS-FNwt (diameter 6.7 .mu.m, conditioned on the region RI) and ĩS-FNmut (diameter 9.6 .mu.m, conditioned on the region R2). This selective analysis based on size (FS) and grain size (SS) is repeated in all the figures which follow.

Figures 39 and 40: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a negative control:

The beads are placed in the presence of non-specific amplicons of the mutation studied which serve as a negative control in the presence of the PCR mixture "Ampli-Mix". The Fig

39 shows ĩS levels the number of a function of the size ĩS-FNwt (region RI) and ĩS-FNmut (region R2). Figure 40 shows, in supeφosition, histograms of number of respective ĩS of each type of beads. The number of μS, measured in windows Ml and M2, are indicated for each type of ball.

Figures 41 and 42: Analysis of CMF mixture duplex with a single positive test on wild allele: The balls are placed in the presence of amplicons of a single allele (FNwt). Fig 41 shows the levels of the number of μS as a function of size, μS-FNwt (region RI) and μS-FNmut (region R2). Fig 42 shows, in superposition, the histograms of the number of respective μS of each type of beads. The number of μS, measured in windows Ml and M2, are indicated for each type of ball. Figures 43 and 44: CMF analysis on duplex mixture of a simple positive test on mutant allele:

The beads are placed in the presence of amplicons from a single allele, here the FNmut. Fig 43 shows the levels of the number of μS as a function of size, μS-FNwt (region RI) and μS-FNmut (region R2). Fig 44 shows, in supeφosition, the histograms of the number of respective μS of each type of beads. The number of μS, measured in windows Ml and M2, are indicated for each type of ball.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Recognition of families of microspheres (μS) as a function of size by CMF

The microspheres listed below were mixed in similar proportions and the mixture analyzed on a flow cytometer of the EPICS XL type (Coulter) (Figure 5). • Analysis by flow cytometry of a mixture of 6 populations of beads of sizes 2 - 3.1 - 6 - 7.6 - 10.2 and 15.1 μm showed that the singlets of the different populations of beads were differentiable in double scatter analysis. The parameters are measured after logarithmic amplification (FS log / log SS) (SS for Forward light scatter; SS Side light scatter). List of the 6 populations of microspheres used

• Analysis by flow cytometry of a mixture of 4 populations of beads of approximate sizes 3, 8, 10 and 15 μm showed that the singlets of the different populations of beads were easily differentiable in FS log / SS log and that the any bytes were not a hindrance.

List of the 4 populations of microspheres used

See Figures 5 A to 5C

Example 2: Differentiation of multiple (6) families of microspheres by CMF as a function of combined size and fluorescence

Microspheres of 4.4 microns carrying a red fluorescence (measured on the FL4 detector has been added to the mixture of Example 1. The combination, the mixture described above, of 4.4 .mu.m microspheres allows recognition of 2 additional families unlike axial scatter (log FS) between the microspheres of 3 .mu.m and 4.4 .mu.m those still too low for easy discrimination (Fig 5A and B) Adding the parameter FL4. associated allows complete discrimination microspheres of 4.4 .mu.m vis-à-vis all other (3 microns in particular) and to the microspheres 2 groups 4.4 .mu.m them (Figure 6).

Example 3 Functionalization of 8, 10 and 15 μm Microspheres by Passive Adsorption

Purification of IgG:

Polyclonal sera from rabbits immunized against model bacteria B. globigii, B. pseudomallei or Y. pestis or against model soluble antigens ovalbumin (ONA) and ricin (Ricin) chain A were generated. The rabbit immunoglobulins G (IgG) were purified by affinity chromatography on protein G.

Briefly, 50 ml of diluted serum were placed on a column containing 5 ml of protein G Sepharose 4 fast flow (Pharmacia) previously balanced in buffer

Νa ₂ HPO ₄ pH = 7. The attached IgGs were then eluted in 0.1 glycine / HCl buffer.

M pH = 2.7 then immediately neutralized with Tris / HCl buffer pH = 9.

The eluates were dialyzed against PBS buffer 150 mM pH = 7.2 at 4 ° C and concentrated by reverse osmosis. IgG concentrations were estimated by reading absorbance at 280 nm _{(εo, ι%} at 280 nm = 1.41).

Preparation of beads 8. 10 and 15 μm:

1 ml of 10% solid latex beads (i.e. 100 mg of latex) with diameters of 8 μm

(Polymer Laboratories), 10 .mu.m (Dynal Particles) or 15 microns (Polymer Laboratories) were centrifuged 10 min at 500 g. After removing 600 μl of supernatant, 2 ml of 0.25% PBS / Triton X-100 buffer / 0.09% NaN ₃ (PBS / Triton) were added. The beads were incubated for 10 min at room temperature, washed with 2.4 ml of PBS buffer and then resuspended in a final volume of 6 ml of this same buffer and placed at

4 ° C for 30 min.

Preparation of the anticoφs (Ac): The Ac were diluted in PBS buffer to a concentration of 200 μg / ml in a volume of 1 ml and placed at 4 ° C for 30 min. Two tubes containing 1 ml of 150 mM PBS / 0.1% BSA / 0.09% NaN ₃ (PBS / BSA) were also provided in order to obtain uncharged beads.

The BSA-biotin (Sigma, Ref. A-8549) was diluted in PBS buffer at 500 μg / ml in a volume of 1 ml and placed at 4 ° C for 30 min.

Ball load:

1 ml of beads (8, 10 or 15 μm) was added to the various solutions of anticoφs maintained under vigorous stirring (vortex). The various mixtures were then placed for 12 hours at 4 ° C with rotary shaking. After this incubation, the mixtures were centrifuged for 10 min at 500 g. After removal of the supernatant, the loaded beads were biotinylated by an incubation for 3 hours at 4 ° C. in 2 ml of BSA-biotin at 500 μg / ml.

After removal of the supernatant, the loaded beads were saturated by incubation 2 hours in 2 ml of PBS / BSA 2% buffer. Two washes in PBS buffer were carried out before taking up the beads _. 1 ml of PBS / BA. The suspensions obtained were numbered and their concentrations adjusted to 2.5.10 ⁴ / μl.

EXAMPLE 4 Functionalization of 4.4 .mu.m microspheres by covalent coupling

The anti-ONA and anti-Ricin Ab were covalently coupled after activation of the -COOH beads (protocol adapted from the Bang's Labs procedure, TechΝote Ref # 205: "Covalent Coupling"). The carbo-diimide used for the activation of the beads is l-enyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide-HCl (EDC, Pierce - Brebières, FR -, Ref. 1853160). Preparation of Ac:

The anti ONA IgGs (respectively anti Ricin) were diluted in PBS buffer to a concentration of 200 μg / ml in a volume of 1 ml. Activation of the beads': 1 ml of Bang's Labs QuantumPlex # 5 and # 3 latex beads, diameter 4.4 μm, were centrifuged for 10 min at 1900 g. After removal of the supernatant, 2 ml of 0.1 M MES buffer pH = 5.5 was added. After repeating this operation, 500 .mu.l of 0.1 M MES buffer / 10 mg EDC / ml pH = 5.5 were added. The mixtures thus obtained were put under rotary stirring for 15 min, washed twice with 2 ml of PBS buffer and then taken up in a volume of 1 ml of this same buffer. Coupling Ac marbles:

1 ml of QuantumPlex # 5 beads was added to the anti-Ricin IgG solution kept under vigorous stirring (vortex). The same operation was carried out by mixing the beads QuantumPlex # 3 to the IgG anti ONA solution previously prepared. The various mixtures were then placed for 4 h at room temperature with rotary stirring. Biotinylation of the beads:

The mixtures were centrifuged for 10 min at 1900 g. After removal of the supernatant, the loaded beads were biotinylated by an overnight incubation at 4 ° C. in 2 ml of PBS / BSA-0.05% biotin / 30 mM glycine.

The load of the biotin beads was subsequently verified in CMF after labeling with Streptavidin-PE (Sigma, Ref. S-3402). Saturation of the beads:

Following this incubation, the beads were centrifuged for 10 min at 1900 g. After removing the supernatant, the loaded beads were saturated by incubation for 30 min in 2 ml of PBS / 2% BSA. Washing in PBS buffer was carried out before resuming the beads with 1 ml of PBS / BA. The suspensions obtained were numbered and their concentrations adjusted to 2.5 × 10 ⁴ beads / μl.

Example 5: Magnetic isolation and differential recognition of microspheres 4.4 μm, 8, 10 and 15 μm initially non-magnetic. l. Goal

• Demonstrate the possibility of magnetizing latex beads, initially non-magnetic, but which become so when fixing the magnetic particles of a ferrofluid via a streptavidin / biotin bond. • Show that this binding does not result in the recovery of different classes of beads in FS LOG / SS LOG.

• Show that the recovery yields of the beads are large enough to allow cytometric analysis.

2. Material - Blend of functionalized beads (5000 beads / ml of each specificity) consisting of:

4.4 .mu.m beads QuantumPlex # 3 / Ac anti-ONA / BSA-biotin (lot # 682).

4.4 .mu.m beads QuantumPlex # 5 / Ac anti-ricin / BSA-biotin (lot #

681).

Balls 8 .mu.m Polymer Laboratories / Ac anti Y. pestis I BSA-biotin (lot # 041).

Balls 10 .mu.m Dyno / Ac anti B. pseudomallei I BSA-biotin (lot # 042).

15 μm beads Polymer Laboratories / Anti-B globigii I BSA-biotin Ab

(Lot # 043).

- Ferrofluids-streptavidin (FF-SA) Molecular Probes (Ref. C-21476) at 0.5 mg Fe / ml (lot # 71 Al -1).

- d-biotin at 200 μg / ml in distilled water. - Buffer PBS / 0.1% Tween.

- Buffer PBS / BA. - the Tube IMS ml.

- Dynal magnet.

- Beads 5, 1 .mu.m Duke XPR green (lot # 1938).

3. Protocol

In a 1 ml IMS tube, introduce 790 μl of PBS / 0.1% Tween (IMS tube) or 490 μl of PBS / 0.1% BSA / 0.09% NaN3 (PBS / BA) (reference tube).

Add 10 .mu.l of mixture of functionalized beads (or 50,000 balls each).

Vortex.

Add 30 μl of FF-SA.

Vortex.

To 5 'rotary shaking.

Add 100 μl of biotin to 200 μg / ml.

Incubate 1 min.

Vortex.

Magnetize the tube for 2 min 30.

Remove the buffer.

Add 800 μl of PBS / BA.

Magnetize the tube for 2min30.

Remove the buffer.

Add 500 μl of PBS / BA.

Add 15 μl of Duke XPR beads diluted 1/50 in PBS / Tween 0.1% (reference beads to standardize the number of events counted during the cytometric analysis).

Analyze the two tubes on a Coulter EPICS XL cytometer as shown below Create a histogram FS LOG / SS LOG. On this histogram, create 4 analysis regions (A, B, C and D) (Figure 7A).

Square regions B, C and D of the balls 8, 10 and 15 microns respectively.

A square region A of the composite population of counting beads (5.1 microns.

Duke XPR) and 4.4 μm capture beads.

Create an F S LOG / FL4 LOG histogram conditioned on window A (Figure 7b). Create 3 analysis regions (E, F and G).

Place regions E and F on populations of 4.4 μm QuantumPlex beads # 3 and # 5 respectively. Place region G on the population of counting beads (Duke XPR).

Create a histogram single parametric conditioning on the region G. Placing an automatic analysis stop 10 000 events on this histogram.

Record the number of events counted in regions B, C, D, E and F. Calculate the recovery yields for each category of beads by dividing the number of events counted on the IMS tube by that counted on the reference tube.

4. Results 4.1. Evolution of the distribution in FS LOG of the different populations of biotin beads during the fixing of the FF-SA (Figure 8).

The fixing of the FF-SA on the ball / BSA-biotin causes a slight decrease in FS. This evolution does not entail recovery of the different populations of logs. 4.2. Recovery yields

The recovery yields (% of beads recovered) obtained during 3 different tests, under the conditions set out in paragraph 3, are set out in the table below.

Recovery yields of between 50 and 95% have been obtained.

5. Conclusion • The feasibility of the isolation by magnetization of biotinylated latex beads made magnetic by the fixing of FF-SA is acquired (sufficient recovery yields). ^•

• The magnetic separation is compatible with the implementation of a multiplex assay (no overlap of different types of microspheres).

. This example perfectly illustrates the flexibility of the system.

The separate use of multiplexing microspheres and separation nanospheres widens the field of availability of microspheres of required qualities (size, auto-fluorescence, density, material, surface chemistry ...). In fact, non-magnetic latexes are very easily accessible in all the ranges of the aforementioned characteristics, while the range of magnetic microspheres is very small (<1% of catalog references). The choice may impose such different suppliers to create a series of significant multiplex families or special achievements (and therefore costly). In contrast, with the proposed system, we can use any microsphere multiplexing, in the very broad range of latex nonmagnetic.

Example 6: Example of kit model according to the invention

. Reagent 1 - Functionalized microspheres: mixture of biotinylated microspheres coated with specific Ag Ab to measure. Concentration in beads: 2500 microspheres of each specificity / μl (following table).

Reagent 2 - Ferrofluids-Streptavidin: streptavidin, captofate ferrofluid conjugate (Molecular Probes, Ref. C-21476).

Reagent 3 - revelation reagent: mixture of specific fluorescent conjugated Ag to be assayed (according to Table).

Reagent 4 - Standards: concentrated mixture (concentration to be defined) 6 Ag to be assayed.

A series of dilutions of this reagent is to be prepared immediately (dilution in Reagent 1). Treated in the same conditions as the test sample, the range (number of points to be determined) allows quantification of Ag present in the sample.

Reagent 5 - Dilution buffer: PBS / Tween20 buffer 0.1% pH = 7.2. Reagent 6 - Wash Buffer: To be determined (PBS / BSA 0, l% / NaN ₃ 0.09% or PBS / 0.1% Tween 20 or other). Reagent 7 - Neutralization buffer: d-biotin solution at 200 μg / ml in distilled water.

D-biotin prevents the aggregation of the different biotinylated microspheres during magnetization (microsphere / biotin aggregation - SA FF / SA - biotin / microspheres avoided by neutralizing SA FF / SA with biotin to give biotin-SA / FF / SA- biotin which cannot bridge between the different microspheres-biotin). Material required not provided: Dynal magnet MPC Example 7: Model operating protocol for the multiplex assay of 3 bacteria and 3 proteins

1. Prepare a calibration range by mixing reagents 4 and 5 as shown below

2. 1 ml tubes, introducing 800 .mu.l of sample to be analyzed or 800 .mu.l of standard (T0 to Tn tube).

3. Add 20 μl of reagent 1. 4. Vortex the tubes.

5. Place the tubes for 8 minutes with rotary shaking (possibility of reducing this time to 5 minutes under study).

6. Add 30 μl of reagent 2.

7. Vortex the tubes. 8. Place the tubes for 5 minutes with rotary shaking.

9. Add 100 μl of reagent 7.

10. Vortex the tubes.

11. Incubate 1 minute at room temperature (this 1 minute incubation is not necessarily necessary) 12. Place the tubes on the magnet for 2 minutes 30 seconds (possibility of reducing this time to 2 minutes under study ).

13. Eliminate the medium.

14. Add 200 μl of reagent 3. 15. The tubes are vortexed.

16. Incubate for 10 minutes at room temperature.

17. Add 600 μl of reagent 6.

18. Place the tube on the magnet for 2 minutes 30 seconds (possibility of reducing this time 2 minutes under study).

19. Eliminate the medium.

20. Add 500 μl of reagent 6.

21. Analyze in CMF.

Example 8: Detection and determination of a bacterium on 15 μm microspheres after magnetic isolation.

Aim: Detect and determine the concentration of B. globigii on 15 μm biotinylated beads loaded with anti-B. globigii PABs.

Material and protocol: These correspond to Examples 6 and 7. Samples analyzed: dilutions of B. globigii spores in reagent 1.

Ag concentrations of 160,000 - 80,000 - 40,000 - 20,000 - 10,000 and 5,000 spores / ml.

Results:

See Figure 9. Example 9: Determination of ovalbumin on multiplex fluorescent microspheres 4.4 .mu.m after magnetic isolation.

Purpose: To detect and determine the concentration of ovalbumin on 4.4 μm biotinylated fluorescent beads charged with anti-Ovalbumin Ab.

Equipment and Protocol: the hardware and protocol used are described in Examples 6 and 7.

Samples analyzed: dilutions of Ovalbumin in reagent 1. Ovalbumin concentration of 1.6 - 0.8 - 0.4 - 0.2 - 0.1 and 0.05 ng / ml.

Results:

Example 10: Analysis multiplex cytometric flow applied molecular genetics to the search SNPs

OLA type test 1) An oligonucleotide capture probe, of a size generally between 5 and 100 bases, specific for a gene, is fixed by chemical methods on a microthere of biotinylated latex (Iannone MA et al 2000; Cytometry 39: 131-140). The biotinylation step of the latex microsphere can also be carried out after the coupling of the capture probe to the microsphere. In a single tube, the latex beads are incubated in the presence of sfreptavidin ferrofluids (FF-SA), revelation probes (A1 and A2 in the example in FIG. 3) and amplicons or genomic DNA extracted from '' a biological sample not previously amplified by PCR or fragments derived from this DNA not previously amplified by PCR. Probes Al and A2 can be either different fluorescent probes (for example Cy3 and Cy5) or separate haptens allowing a subsequent immunological reaction (for example with two anticoφs labeled with dissimilar fluorochromes [FITC vs PE]). Multiplexing is achieved by variation of the latex bead system which can either be of varying sizes and / or endowed with different fluorescent characteristics.

2) With the same principle as that stated in 1), a test can be developed by adding an additional degree of specificity at the level of the grafting of the capture probe on the latex microsphere. This grafting can be carried out by means of a specific antigen-anticoφs couple, a specific hapten-anticoφs couple or an oligonucleotide probe rich in G + C (Guanine, Cytosine). In this third case, an oligonucleotide sequence rich in G + C covalently attached to the microsphere hybridizes with a complementary sequence added 5 ′ to the capture probe (Figure 4). In addition in the case of nucleotide hybridization, the Tm (Melting Temperature) of the nucleotide anchoring sequence will ideally be greater than 60 ° C. and / or composed of a polymer of at least 15 guanine or cytosine residues or a mixture of the two nucleotide bases. Under these conditions, hybridizations and dehybridizations (generally carried out between 15 ° C and 40 ° C) of the genomic material or captured amplicons are possible without dehybridizing the probe that captures the microsphere.

Example 11: Differential detection of PCR fragments labeled

1. Material

In some approaches to performing PCR, PCR products are made fluorescent using labeled nucleotides. The technical approach proposed by the invention, which implements washing steps by magnetic separation of non-magnetic beads originally, could be applied to the differential detection of labeled PCR products, according to the principle schematized in the Figures 11 and 19 and which relates to 3 different specificities. The feasibility of Multiplex FCM analysis after washing the microspheres

(ĨS) by ferrofluids is illustrated in the example below and relates to 2 different specificities. Labeled PCR products are here modeled using oligonucleotides (ON) labeled with fluorescein whose sequences are complementary to those of the respective capture probes, previously cut on the surface of the beads. In practice : .

• the 6.7 μm diameter beads (Sphero ™ Carboxyl-polystyrene particles, CP-60-10, Spherotech, Libertyville, IL) carry a Factor V capture probe constructed according to the structure below, indicated at the end 5 'to 3': μS-FV: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT ggA cAA AAT Ace TgT ATT ccT c (SEQ ID

No. l)

• the 9.6 μm diameter beads (PL-Microspheres SuperCarboxyl White 10 μm, Polymer Laboratories, UK) carry a Factor II capture probe constructed according to the structure below: μS-FII: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT aat age act ggg age att gag gct c (SEQ LD N ° 2)

The 2 capture probes are constructed with an amino group (-NH ₂ ) in - 5 ', with a view to covalent coupling on carboxylated beads (μS-COOH). They contain a spacer arm (or spacer for the English term "spacer") formed of

6 carbons (C ₆ ) and 12 thymidines (T). All the oligonucleotides cited were specially synthesized by Proligo (Paris, F).

• The biotin group on the surface of the beads, necessary for the system of the invention in the examples which follow, is provided using a poly- (T) ₃₀ oligonucleotide (denoted polyT-biot), marked in -3 'by biotin and carrier in -5' of a NH ₂ spacer (C ₆ ). It is constructed according to the structure below: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT-biotin (SEQ ID No. 3) and coupled in the same way and simultaneously with each capture probe.

• The oligonucleotides complementary to the capture probes are constructed according to the structures below and are marked by fluorescein (Fluor-) in -5 ': for FV: Fluor-g Agg AAT AcA ggT ATT TTg Tcc (SEQ ID N ° 4 ) for Wire: Fluor-g age etc aat gct ecc agt gct att (SEQ ID N ° 5) The coupling of the capture probes on the carboxylated beads of corresponding diameter is carried out after activation by EDAC (N- (diméifrylarninoproρyl) -N'- ethylcarbodiimide HC1, Sigma) as follows:

For each type of bead 10 million beads are washed in PBS buffer by centrifαgation adapted to a concentration of 5 × 10 ^-6 ĩS / ml. The activation of the beads is carried out by adding 0.8 mg of EDAC (80 μl to 10 g / ml) and by incubating for 30 min. The probes are then brought into contact with the activated beads. In order to simultaneously couple the specific probe and the biotin-carrying probe, an equimolar mixture of capture oligonucleotide and polyT-biot probe is brought into contact with the activated beads (at 17 nmoles / ml in the end, ie ~ 250 pmoles from each ON in total)

The beads are incubated with intermittent shaking (vortex) for 2 hours at RT (room temperature) in a glass tube. After coupling, the activated carboxyl groups are neutralized by adding 400 μl of 0.2M ethanolamine, and by incubating for 16 h at 4 ° C.

Finally, the hydrophobic interaction sites of the beads are also saturated by incubation 1/2 h with stirring in PBS-BSA 2%.

For hybridization tests of O.N. on beads described below, the buffers are the same as those used in the following example (Example 12), where the detection effectively concerns double-stranded DNA. These optimal pH buffers, astringents or not and respectively to i) dehybridization of matched amplicons and ii) neutralization under conditions favorable for at least partial reannealing (§) (see note of Part 2 (hardware) of example 12) on the immobilized capture probes, are all from the kit GENECOLOR ™ FV Leiden (BioCytex, Marseille, F) under the respective names of "hybridization buffer" / hybridization buffer "Ligation buffer" / noted here neutralization buffer.

The washing / dilution buffer for cytometric analysis. flow, PBS-Tween20 ^® is 0, l%

(§) cf. note in the following example, (see note in part 2 (material) of example 12) 2. Method

The beads (5 μl test or 100,000 μS / test for each type) and the complementary oligonucleotide (ON) (5 μl or 3 pmol / test for each of the ONs for the maximum doses or 1/10 dilution according to indications) are incubated in PCR tubes (Simport, Quebec, C) for 15 min at RT in hybridization buffer then 15 min at RT in neutralization buffer to obtain hybridization of the complementary strands. After hybridization, the O.N. not attached to the beads are washed by magnetic separation. To this is added to the reaction mixture 10 .mu.l Captivate ™, ferrofluids responsible Sfreptavidine (denoted SA-FF, Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oregon, USA), 10 min incubated, it transfers the contents of the PCR tube in a tube CMF, 1 ml of washing buffer (PBS-Tween20® 0.1%) is added, and the tubes are placed against a strong magnet (MPC-L, Dynal F, Compiègne, F) for 5 min. The magnetized beads remaining glued against the wall of the tube, the liquid phase is eliminated and the beads are resuspended in 2 ml of washing buffer for the next phase (selective dehybridization).

For selective dehybridization, the tubes are heated near the melting point (T) of the probes to maintain only specific hybridizations (corresponding to the total complementarity of the sequences ie 100%) and to dissociate the non-specific hybridizations (corresponding to complementarities partial sequences ie <35%). For this, the tubes are incubated at 54 ° C in PBS / Tween20 ^® 0.1%, a condition which permits selective detachment of the fluorescent probes and FV wire their non-complementary sequence, "wire" and "VF", respectively. The tubes are kept in the water bath for 5 min at the indicated temperature and then immediately analyzed in CMF. For complete dehybridization, the tubes are heated well beyond the melting point (Tm), in practice for 10 min at 80 ° C.

3. Results

FIGS. 11 to 19 illustrate the differential detection of the labeled oligonucleotide fragments representative of the FV and Fil genes respectively, in duplex cytometric analyzes. In all cases, the FV specificity capture beads (μS-FV) and of 6.7 μm diameter are identified in the RI region for analysis of their fluorescence. Wire specificity capture beads (μS-FII) and diameter 9.6. μm are identified in the region R2.

a) In the simultaneous presence of the 2 labeled oligonucleotides, a maximum labeling of each type of bead is observed (Figs. 12 and 13), corresponding to maximum average intensities of respectively:

• 831 arbitrary units (u.a.) for μS-FV • 247 arbitrary units (u.a.) for μS-FII

b) When the same beads are subjected to total dehybridization by heating for 10 min at 80 ° C. (Fig. 14 and 15), a minimum marking of each type of bead is observed (Fig. 14 and 15), corresponding to intensities medium, minimum of: • 6 AU for μS-FV

• 18 u.a. for μS-FII

These results correspond to 2 working ranges of maximum amplitudes of, respectively:

• 6-840 u.a (ĩS-FV) • 18-250 u.a (ĩS-FII)

c) In the presence of a reduced dose (1/10 of the maximum dose) of only one of the 2 labeled oligonucleotides (FV). a strong marking is observed on μS-FV (Fig. 16 and 17; 266 u.a. that is ~ 25% of the maximum possible amplitude) whereas for μS-FII the signal remains close to the BF of 18 u.a seen in fig. 15. (21 u.ä. either <2% of the maximum amplitude possible).

d) Conversely, in the presence of a reduced dose (1/10 of the maximum dose) of only one of the 2 labeled oligonucleotides (Fil), a positive labeling is observed on μS-Fil (77 ua or ~ 30% of the maximum possible amplitude) while for μS-FV the signal remains weak (11 ua or <2% of the maximum possible amplitude) but nevertheless higher than the BF of 6 ua seen in fig. 15, which suggests the existence of a slight residual non-specific marking. The table below summarizes the results of the duplex CMF analysis of the representative ONs of the Factor II and Factor V genes and shows that the detection of DNA fragments labeled in fluorescence is simple and achievable on a single tube.

Example 12: Differential detection of an SNP mutation

1. Principle The detection of point mutations (SNP) is based on the OLA technique

(Landegren, Science 1988, 241: 1077-80). This technique involves:

• the formation of a ternary complex between the capture probe (immobilized here on a family of beads), the strand of complementary single-stranded DNA originating from the amplicons of the corresponding gene and a revelation probe contiguous to the capture probe.

• The covalent coupling of the capture probe and the revelation probe - hybridized with the complementary strand - by the specific action of a ligase which only splits together the exactly contiguous and perfectly hybrid strands. The absence of complementarity on the sole basis carrying the mutation is sufficient to prevent this coupling (noted here ligation).

• Dissociation in astringent conditions of the double strands of DNA. In the case where the ligase has found the specificity conditions required for its action, and only in this case, the revelation probe remains associated (covalent coupling) with the capture probe and therefore with the corresponding support (here a bead).

The application of this principle in the context of the invention is illustrated by the Figures 20 and 21 i.

Note: The CMF allows simultaneous measurement of fluorescence intensities of very different levels (from background noise to ++++ marking) on groups of beads which can be differentiated on the basis of another parameter (size or fluorescence of length of wave different).

2. Material

Detection of point mutations (SNPs), the principle of which is illustrated in FIG. 21, requires the use of two types of μS for differential detection. The μS used here are loaded with the ad hoc capture probes as illustrated in example 11 and are such that:

• the 6.7 μm diameter beads carry a wild Factor V capture probe (μS-FVwt) constructed according to the structure below, indicated from the 5 ′ to 3 ′ end: μS-FVwt: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT AAT ggA cAA Ace TGT ATT CTC C (SEQ ID NO: l)

• the 9.6 μm diameter beads carry a mutant Factor V capture probe (μS-FVmut) constructed according to the structure below, indicated from the 5 ′ to 3 ′ end: μS-FVmut: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT AAT ggA cAA Ace TGT ATT CCT T (SEQ ID NO: 6)

The biotin group on the surface of beads required by the system of the invention in the following examples is provided as in Paragraph A with an oligonucleotide poly (T) ₃₀ and allows the specific binding of streptavidin ferrofluide- (Captivate ™, Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR, USA). The probe contiguous to the capture probe allowing the revelation of the ligation carries a phosphate group in 5 'and a fluorescein labeling in 3'; it has been specially synthesized by Proligo (Paris, F) and has the following sequence: PO ₄ ^{2 "-gcc} tgt cca ggg ATc TgcTcc fluo (SEQ ID NO: 7).

The amplicons allowing the formation of the ternary complex result from the PCR amplification of a fragment of the wild Factor V gene and / or mutant from genomic DNA or specific plasmids, PCR carried out in the presence of a mixture for PCR reactive "amp Mix" available in the kit GENECOLOR ™

FV Leiden, (BioCytex, Marseille, F).

The ligase solution allowing the formation of a covalent bond between the capture probe and the signal probe is the reagent called "Ligation solution", or ligation solution, that is to say a T4 Ligase in its special buffer, called “Ligation buffer”, as used in GENECOLOR ™ FV Leiden kits, (BioCytex, Marseille,

F).

The buffers used below are of optimal pH, astringent or not, and respectively allow i) the dehybridization of the paired amplicons and their partial rehybridization (§) (cf. note of part 2 (material) of Example 12) on immobilized capture probes, ii) the action of the ligase and finally iii) the dehybridization of the unlicensed amplicons and probes after ligation.

They are also all from the kit GENECOLOR ™ FVLeiden, under the respective names of "Hybridization buffer" / hybridization buffer "Ligation buffer" / ligation buffer (also denoted neutralization buffer in Example 11, and "Washing solution "/ wash solution.

The dilution buffer for flow cytometry analysis is PBS-Tween ^20® 0.1%. (§) The stoichiometry conditions are previously optimized (excess amplicons, excess signal probe) to obtain rehybridization of a significant fraction of one of the 2 strands of DNA on the immobilized capture probes rather than on its complementary strand.

3. Protocol

The beads of the 2 types (μS-FVwt and μS-FVmut) are mixed in equivalent quantities and diluted in hybridization buffer at a rate of 40,000 μS / μl in total. In a special PCR micro-tube (PCR T 320-1N, Simport, Quebec, C), 5 μl of bead suspension (i.e. 100,000 μS / test for each type) are distributed, the amplicons (3.75 μl / test) and probe FV revelation (1 pmole under, 25μl of hybridization buffer). The reaction medium is homogenized (vortex) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature (RT).

The ligation step is then carried out by incubation for one hour after addition of 100 .mu.l of ligation solution.

After the ligation, excess amplicon and probe not involved signal in the ternary complex is removed by magnetic separation. For this, the reaction mixture (Vt = HOμl) receives 10 .mu.l of ferrofluid suspension (SA-FF). After shaking (vortex) and incubation for 10 min, the mixture is transferred into a 1 ml tube (Ringer tubes) and magnetization is carried out for 5 min with a strong magnet (MPC-S, Dynal, Compiègne, F ). The beads, glued against the wall of the tube, are dried by aspiration of the liquid and resuspended with 100 μl of washing solution. The washing solution, with appropriate characteristics, allows selective detachment of the products associated with the beads only by non-covalent interaction (hybridization without ligation) but not that of the covalently linked probes or that of the SA-FF. This washing is repeated a second time.

The beads are finally diluted in 1 ml of dilution buffer (PBS-Tween 20 ^® ), transferred to a tube for cytometry (4 ml) and analyzed in CMF.

4. Results a) In the presence of PCR products not recognizable by the system (by products of amplification of the P2Y12 gene, wild-type allele, generated with the reagents of the kit GENECOLOR ™ P2Y12 G52T, BioCytex, Marseille, F), each of the 2 balls gives a marking close to its intrinsic background noise (LF), in practice (Figures 23 and 24):

• μS-FVwt: 6.0 u.a.

• μS-FV mut: 15.3 a.a. b) In the presence of PCR products corresponding to the wild-type allele of the gene

Factor V (FVwt, PCR generated with the reagents of the GENECOLOR ™ kit Factor V Leiden, BioCytex, Marseille, F), the μS-FVwt beads show a clearly positive marking whereas the μS-FVmut beads give a marking close to their intrinsic background noise, in practice (Figures 25 to 28):

• μS-FVwt: 313 u.a. (versus BF at 6.0 u.a.) • μS-FV mut: 17.4 u.a. (versus BF at 15.3 u.a.)

The signal of each ball in the test is supeφosed to its non-specific BF (μS-FVwt: Fig 27; μS-FVmut: Fig 28). This suggests a wide working range for the FNwt specificity (from 6 to more than 300 a.u.) and an almost non-specific marking on the FNmut bead, in the absence of its specific ligand (FNmut amplicons). c) In the presence of PCR products corresponding to F mutated allele of the gene

Factor N (FNmut, PCR generated with the reagents of the GENECOLOR kit ™ FV Leiden, BioCytex, Marseille, F), the ĩS-FVmut beads show a marking clearly different from BF, corresponding at positive maximum signal possible with available equipment . The μS-FVwt beads give a weak marking compared to the maximum positive signal (14.8 versus 313 ua or <2% of the maximum amplitude of variation), although different from their intrinsic background noise, which suggests the existence of weak but real non-specific labeling on these beads in the presence of FN mut amplicons.

In practice (Figures 29 to 32): • μS-FNwt: 14.8 u.a. (versus BF at 6.0 u.a.)

• μS-FV mut: 43.4 u.a. (versus BF at 15.3 u.a.)

For the detection of this FN mutation, possibly in the presence of the other allele, the respective amplitudes (ranges) of work are therefore, at best:

FV wt: from 15 to 300 u.a. FV mut: from 17 to 43 u.a.

The shift observed on the maximum intensity (300 versus 43 ua ua) resulted in poorer coating efficiency for the balls ĩS ~ FVmut; as in Example No. ll, these 9.7 μm beads give a less good level of coating. Note that, thanks to the principle of the invention, other batches, types, origins and diameters of balls can be used at will to obtain the optimum characteristics of load capacity and or of intrinsic LF, without worrying about their properties. magnetic, which expands the choice of supply significantly. d) In the presence of PCR products corresponding to the 2 alleles of the Factor V gene simultaneously (FVmut and FV wt, PCR generated with the reagents of the GENECOLOR ™ Factor V Leiden kit, BioCytex, Marseille, F), the μS-FVmut beads as well that the μS-FVwt beads show a clearly positive labeling, although at lower intensity levels than those observed with specific amplicons of a single allele used alone, in practice (Fig. 33 to 36):

• μS-FVwt: 187 u.a. (ie ~ 2/3 of the maximum amplitude of specific marking: [187-15] / [300-15])

• μS-FVmut: 33 a.u. (ie ~ 2/3 of the maximum amplitude of specific marking: [33-17] / [43-17])

The table below summarizes the results on the duplex FCM analysis of the Leiden mutation Factor V and shows that the FV genotype definition is simple and achievable on a single tube.

5. Extensions

The preceding examples, in particular Nos. 1, 2 and 5, have already illustrated, in the context of immunological detections, the possibility of using a greater number of families of beads easily differentiable by their sizes and or a variable level d a second fluorescence different from that used in the measurement. It emerges from the implementation Matching all these examples that Multiplex analysis of the 2 alleles of FV and FII genes in a single tube would be very easy, using, for example:

• the same carboxylated beads as illustrated in example 12 (FV mut diameter 9.6 μm and FVwt diameter 6.7 μm) as well as the carboxylated beads of 4.4 μm and carrying 2 different levels of red fluorescence such as illustrated in Examples 4 and 5, to carry the two probes specific for the wild and mutant alleles of the FIL

• Two different fluorescences for the measurement according to the principle of Fig. 20, which requires only one type of ball per mutation. We can generalize these 2 approaches by considering that:

The first, using only fluorescence for the measurement, makes it possible to detect as many different alleles as can be differentiated from families of beads simultaneously,

• the second, using 2 different fluorescences for the measurement, makes it possible to genotype as many genes as we can differentiate from families of beads simultaneously.

In all cases, the major advantage provided by the invention is that the choice of beads for multiplex analysis places no limiting condition on their intrinsic magnetic properties.

Example 13: Differential detection of an SNP mutation 1. Principle of Figure 37: In Fig. 37, as in FIG. 21, the critical base (specificity of SNP) is carried by each of the capture probes, specific for alleles, and each coupled to a different type of bead (differentiated by size). This system requires, for the analysis of the signal in CMF, only an analysis by counting the balls on the basis of the parameters of size and structure, allowing either to use an apparatus devoid of a fluorescence detector and therefore less expensive, or to take advantage of other sizes to differentiate the families of logs between them. 2. Material:

Detection of point mutations (SNPs), the principle of which is illustrated in FIG. 37, requires the use of two types of μS for differential detection. The μS used here are loaded with the ad hoc capture probes as illustrated in paragraph A and are such that:

• the 6.7 μm diameter beads carry a wild Factor V capture probe (μS-

FVwt) constructed according to the structure below, indicated from the 5 'to 3' end: μS-FVwt: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT ggA cAA AAT Ace TgT ATT ccT c (SEQ ID No.1)

• the 9.6 μm diameter beads carry a mutant Factor V capture probe (μS FVmut) constructed according to the structure below, indicated from the 5 ′ to 3 ′ end: μS-FVmut: NH ₂ (C ₆ ) TTT TTT TTT TTT AAT ggA cAA Ace TGT ATT CCT T (SEQ ID NO: 6)

The probe adjacent to the capture probe for the revelation of the ligation carries a phosphate group at the 5 'biotin moiety and a 3'; it has been specially synthesized by Proligo (Paris, F) and has the following sequence: PO ^2_ -gec TgT ccA ggg ATc TgcTcc TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT-Biotin (SEQ ID N ° 8)

The biotin group on the capture probe, necessary for the system of the invention in the examples which follow allows the specific binding of ferrofluide-streptavidin (Captivate ™, Molecular Probes, Eugène, OR, USA).

The amplicons allowing the formation of the ternary complex result from the PCR amplification of a fragment of the wild Factor V gene and / or mutant from genomic DNA or specific plasmids, PCR carried out in the presence of a mixture for PCR , “Ampli-Mix” reagent available in the GENECOLOR ™ FV Leiden kit, (BioCytex, Marseille, F).

The ligase solution allowing the formation of a covalent bond between the capture probe and the signal probe is the reagent called "Ligation solution" / Ligation solution ie a T4 Ligase in its special buffer, called "Ligation buffer", such as 'used in GENECOLOR ™ FV Leiden kits (BioCytex, Marseille, F). The buffers used below are of optimal pH, astringent or not, and respectively allow i) the dehybridization of the paired amplicons and their partial rehybridization (§) (see below) on the immobilized capture probes, ii) the action of the ligase and finally iii) the dehybridization of the unlicensed amplicons and probes after ligation.

They are also all from the kit GENECOLOR ™ FVLeiden, under the respective names of "Hybridization buffer" / hybridization buffer "Ligation buffer" / ligation buffer (Buffer neufralisation also noted in Example A, and "Washing solution ”/ Washing solution.

The dilution buffer for flow cytometry analysis is PBS-Tween 20 ^® 0.1%

(§) The stoichiometry conditions are previously optimized (excess amplicons, excess signal probe) to obtain rehybridization of a significant fraction of one of the 2 strands of DNA on the immobilized capture probes rather than on its complementary strand.

3. Protocol: The beads of the 2 types (μS-FVwt and μS-FVmut) are mixed in equivalent quantities and diluted in hybridization buffer at a rate of 40,000 μS / μl in total. In a special PCR micro-tube (PCR T 320-IN, Simport, Quebec, C), 5 μl of bead suspension (i.e. 100,000 μS / test for each type) are distributed, the amplicons (3.75 μl / test ) and the FV revelation probe (1 pmole under 1.25 μl of hybridization buffer). The reaction medium is homogenized (vortex) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature (RT).

The ligation step is then carried out by incubation for one hour after addition of 100 .mu.l of ligation solution.

After ligation, the excess amplicons and signal probe not involved in the ternary complex is removed by magnetic separation. For this, the reaction mixture (Vt = HOμl) receives 10 μl of ferrofluid suspension (SA-FF). After shaking (vortex) and incubation for 10 min, the mixture is transferred into a 1 ml tube (Ringer tubes) and magnetization is carried out for 5 min with a strong magnet (MPC-S, Dynal, Compiègne, F). The beads, glued against the wall of the tube, are dried by aspiration of the liquid and resuspended with 100 μl of washing solution. The washing solution, with appropriate characteristics, allows the selective release of the products associated with the beads only by non-covalent interaction (hybridization without ligation) but not that of the covalently linked probes or that of the SA-FF. This washing is repeated a second time.

The beads are finally diluted in 1 ml of dilution buffer (PBS-Tween 20 ^® ), transferred to a tube for cytometry (4 ml) and analyzed in CMF.

4. Results: a) In the presence of PCR products not recognizable by the system (by products of amplification of the P2Y12 gene, wild-type allele, generated with the kit reagents GENECOLOR ™ P2Y12 G52T, BioCytex, Marseille, F) , each of the 2 balls gives a marking close to its intrinsic background noise (BF), in practice (Fig. 40): • Number of μS-FVwt: 125

• Number of μS-FVmut: 15 b) In the presence of PCR products corresponding to the wild-type allele of the Factor gene

V (FVwt, PCR generated with the reagents of the jitters GENECOLOR ™ Factor V Leiden, BioCytex, Marseille, F), the ĩS-FVwt beads show a clearly positive staining while ĩS-FVmut beads give a close marking of the noise intrinsic background, in practice (Fig. 41 and 42):

• Number of μS-FVwt: 2222

• Number of μS-FVmut: 294 c) In the presence of PCR products corresponding to the mutated pallet of the Factor V gene

(FVmut, PCR generated with kit reagents GENECOLOR ™ FV Leiden, BioCytex, Marseille, F), the ĩS-FVmut beads show a marking clearly different from BF corresponding to the positive level of the maximum possible signal with the positive material available then that the μS-FVwt beads give a marking close to their intrinsic background noise. In practice (Fig. 43 and 44):

• Number of μS-FVwt: 32

• Number of μS-FVmut: 600 The table below summarizes the results of the duplex CMF analysis of the Leiden Factor V mutation and shows that the definition of the FV genotype is simple and achievable on a single tube.

Claims

claims

1. Method for multiplex detection and / or quantification of analytes likely to be contained in a sample using functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said analytes possibly being previously marked with a marker, said method being characterized by what it comprises the following stages: a) bringing said sample into contact with a suspension of populations of functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said microspheres carrying on their surface: for all populations of microspheres, a compound A forming a first member d 'a binding pair, said compound A also being characterized in that it cannot bind with said analytes, and for each of the populations of microspheres, a compound B, different for each population, capable of forming a binding pair specific with one of the said analytes in the sample, b) addition to the reaction medium obtained in the et ape a) of a ferrofluid, which ferrofluid contains magnetic particles which carry on their surface a second binding member capable of forming a specific binding pair with the compound A, c) at least one washing step by magnetic separation of the microspheres magnetized in step b), d) where appropriate when said analytes are not previously labeled, bringing the suspension of the magnetized microspheres obtained in step c) into contact with a solution of at least one conjugate, said conjugate comprising a compound C capable of recognizing and specifically binding with one of said analytes and a label, this step d) preferably being followed by at least one step of washing the microspheres by magnetic separation, and, e) the detection and / or quantification of said marker on the surface of the microspheres.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two of said populations of microspheres also have at least one intrinsic physical characteristic making it possible to differentiate them from each other.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said bond pair formed between compound A and the second member fixed to the surface of the ferrofluids, is preferably chosen from the group consisting of specific bond pairs of biotin / avidin or biotin / streptavidin type, enzyme / cofactor, lectin / carbohydrate and anticoφs / hapten.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the microspheres are in a material chosen from the group consisting of latex, a polymer, a copolymer, glass or silica.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the marker or markers used are fluorescent.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the detection and / or quantification of said marker in step e) of the method is carried out by flow cytometry.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that said intrinsic physical characteristic making it possible to differentiate the at least 2 populations of microspheres is the size and / or an optical property of said microspheres.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the microspheres have a size between 0.3 and 100 microns in diameter.

9. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the optical property is the emission wavelength and / or the intensity of the fluorescence of said microspheres.

10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said analytes are of protein type and derivatives, or are nucleic acids.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said analytes are compounds which may be present either in solution in a liquid, or present on the surface of a cell or of a particle in suspension in the sample.

12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said compounds are protein toxins, or in that said cell or particle is a microorganism, such as a bacterium or a virus.

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said compound B is chosen from the group consisting of proteins and nucleic acids.

14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said compound C of said conjugate used in step d) is chosen from the group consisting of proteins and nucleic acids.

15. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said analytes are nucleic acids and in that in step a), compound B is a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing specifically with one of said analytes.

16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that said analytes are PCR products.

17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that said PCR products are obtained labeled.

18. The method of claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said compound C of said conjugate is a nucleic acid capable of specifically hybridizing with one of said analytes.

19. Use of the method according to claim 18 for the detection and / or multiplex quantification of SNPs.

20. Use of the method according to claim 19, characterized in that the detection and / or the multiplex quantification of SNPs is carried out by the OLA method.

21. Kit for the detection and / or multiplex quantification of analytes likely to be contained in a sample, characterized in that it comprises: a) a reagent 1 comprising a suspension of populations of functionalized non-magnetic microspheres, said microspheres bearing on their surface:

- a compound A forming a first member of a binding pair;

a compound B capable of forming a specific bond with one of the said analytes in the sample, and b) a reagent 2 comprising a ferrofluid which contains magnetic particles carrying on their surface a second binding member capable of forming a pair of specific binding with said compound A; and c) a reagent 3 comprising a solution of at least one conjugate, said conjugate comprising a compound C capable of reacting specifically with said analytes and a marker capable of being detected.

22. Kit according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises: - a reagent 4 comprising said analytes which may be contained in a sample.

23. Kit according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that it further comprises:

- a reagent. 5 composed of a dilution buffer; and

- a reagent 6 composed of a wash buffer.

24. Kit according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that it further comprises:

- a reagent 7 comprising a buffer for neutralizing the aggregation of the different microspheres.