Detection Device And Methods Of Use
An imaging system for exciting and measuring fluorescence on or in samples comprising fluorescent materials (e.g. fluorescent labels, dyes or pigments). In one embodiment, a device is used to detect fluorescent labels on nucleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the device is configured such that fluorescent labels in a plurality of different DNA templates are simultaneously detected.
1 . A method comprising:
a) providing an imaging system, said imaging system comprising
i) a non-lasing light source configured such that the emitted light from said source illuminates a portion of
ii) a flow cell comprising an array of biomolecules on a surface, wherein said emitted light illuminates said surface in the Z axis, wherein said array faces inwardly and away from said non-lasing light source so that reagents introduced in solution can contact said biomolecules,
iii) a lens positioned to collect at least a portion of a visible fluorescence; and
iv) a camera;
b) introducing a solution into said flow cell, said solution comprising one or more fluorescent compounds, under conditions such that at least a portion of said fluorescent compounds attaches to at least a portion of said array of biomolecules, so as to create treated biomolecules, and
c) imaging said treated biomolecules with said imaging system.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said flow cell is transparent.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said array of biomolecules comprises an array of nucleic acid.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said fluorescent compounds comprise labeled nucleotides.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein said solution of step b) further comprises polymerase.
6 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising recovering said labeled nucleotides and polymerase for re-use.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to step c) removing said solution from said flow cell.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said removing is achieved in part by gravity.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said flow cell is connected to a fluidics system.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein said fluidics system is pressurized.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said solution is introduced at step b) by controlled valving.
12 . A method comprising:
a) providing an imaging system, said imaging system comprising
i) a non-lasing light source configured such that the emitted light from said source illuminates a portion of
ii) a flow cell comprising an array of biomolecules on a surface, wherein said surface faces inwardly so that reagents introduced in solution into said fluid channel can contact said biomolecules,
iii) a lens positioned to collect at least a portion of a visible fluorescence; and
iv) a camera;
b) introducing a solution into said fluid channel of said flow cell, said solution comprising one or more fluorescent compounds, under conditions such that at least a portion of said fluorescent compounds attaches to at least a portion of said array of biomolecules, so as to create treated biomolecules,
c) recovering said solution for re-use;
d) imaging said treated biomolecules with said imaging system; and
e) re-using the solution of step c) in a subsequent cycle.