United States Patent Application 20020191825
Kind Code A1
Parekh, Rajesh Bhikhu ; et al. December 19, 2002
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Computer-assisted methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of biomolecules in a biological sample
Abstract
The present invention provides computer-assisted methods and apparatus for identifying, selecting and characterizing biomolecules in a biological sample. A two-dimensional array is generated by separating biomolecules present in a complex mixture. A computer-readable profile is constructed representing the identity and relative abundance of a plurality of biomolecules detected by imaging the two dimensional array. Computer-mediated comparison of profiles from multiple samples permits automated identification of subsets of biomolecules that satisfy pre-ordained criteria. Identified biomolecules can be automatically isolated from the two dimensional array by a robotic device in accordance with computer-generated instructions. A supported gel suitable for electrophoresis is provided that is bonded to a solid support such that the gel has two-dimensional spatial stability and the solid support is substantially non-interfering with respect to detection of a label, such as a fluorescent label, associated with one or more biomolecules in the gel.
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Inventors: Parekh, Rajesh Bhikhu; (Near Wendlebury, GB) ; Amess, Robert; (Cumnor, GB) ; Bruce, James Alexander; (Long Hanborough, GB) ; Prime, Sally Barbara; (Oxford, GB) ; Platt, Albert Edward; (Abingdon, GB) ; Stoney, Richard Michael; (Abingdon, GB)
Correspondence Name and Address: PENNIE AND EDMONDS
1155 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100362711
Serial No.: 226951
Series Code: 10
Filed: August 22, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 382/128
U.S. Class at Publication: 382/128
Intern'l Class: G06K 009/00
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Foreign Application Data
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Date Code Application Number
Nov 29, 1996 GB 9624927.1
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Claims
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We claim:
1. A computer-assisted method for selecting and directing the isolation of one or more biomolecules present in a two-dimensional array, comprising: imaging said two-dimensional array or a replica thereof to generate a computer-readable output comprising, for each of a plurality of biomolecules detected in said two-dimensional array, a pair of x,y coordinates and a signal value; processing said output in at least one computer to select one or more of said detected biomolecules in accordance with previously ordained or operator-specified criteria; and generating machine-readable instructions that direct a robotic device to isolate at least one of said selected biomolecules from said two-dimensional array.
2. A supported polyacrylamide gel, wherein the gel is suitable for SDS-PAGE and is bonded to a rigid, generally planar solid support.
(snip, 21 claims total) |
