Scanning parameterization for biopolymeric array scanner

Abstract

Methods for programming an array scanner to scan a plurality of biopolymer arrays are provided. In the subject methods, individual scanning parameters for at least two different arrays of the plurality of arrays to be scanned are selected and input into the array scanner prior to scanning the plurality arrays. The programmed scanner then scans the plurality of arrays according to the pre-selected scanning parameters Also provided are scanners programmed according to the subject methods, as well as computer programming that provides for programming of scanners according to the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including both genomics and proteomics applications.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to copending application Ser. No. 10 / 301,471, filed Nov. 20, 2002, under 35 U.S.C. 120, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates biopolymer array scanners. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Array assays between surface bound binding agents or probes and target molecules in solution are used to detect the presence of particular biopolymers. The surface-bound probes may be oligonucleotides, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, antibodies or other molecules capable of binding with target molecules in solution. Such binding interactions are the basis for many of the methods and devices used in a variety of different fields, e.g., genomics (in sequencing by hybridization, SNP detection, differential gene expression analysis, identification of novel genes, gene mapping, finger printing, etc.) and proteomics. [0004] One typical array assay method involves biopolymeric probes immobili...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient high-throughput scanning of multiple biopolymer arrays with unique parameters, reducing manual intervention and increasing scanning speed, while maintaining data accuracy comparable to individual scanning processes.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, the scanning of arrays is usually done in series and, as such, a user scanning several arrays of diverse format will typically spend a considerable amount of time removing a scanned slide from a scanner at the end of a scan, loading a new slide into the scanner, adjusting the scan parameters for the new slide, and initiating a new scan for each slide.

The time taken to scan several arrays can become very significant when large numbers of diverse arrays must be scanned on a single machine.

While such devices allow one to scan a plurality of slides without having to individually load and unload each slide between scans, the utility of such devices is somewhat limited, in that each slide in the plurality is scanned according to the same scanning parameters.

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