Method and apparatus for performing microassays
US6387331B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for analyzing a plurality of liquid samples. The system has a platen having two substantially parallel planar surfaces and a plurality of through-holes dimensioned so as to maintain a liquid sample in each through-hole by means of surface tension. A source of optical radiation illuminates the through-holes, and an optical arrangement analyzes the light emanating from the through-holes. The through-holes may be individually addressable, and may have volumes less than 100 nanoliters. Samples may be drawn from a planar surface by capillary action and may be accurately dispensed, diluted and mixed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.