Digital Analysis of Molecular Analytes Using Single Molecule Detection

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for small molecule analyte detection using digital signals, key encryption, and communications protocols. The methods provide detection of a large numbers of proteins, peptides, RNA molecules, and DNA molecules in a single optical or electrical detection assay within a large dynamic range.

主权项

1. A method for detecting a plurality of analytes, comprising:
obtaining a plurality of ordered probe reagent sets, each of said ordered probe reagent sets comprising one or more probes directed to a defined subset of N distinct target analytes, wherein said N distinct target analytes are immobilized on spatially separate regions of a substrate, and each of said probes is detectably labeled; performing at least M cycles of probe binding and signal detection, each cycle comprising one or more passes, wherein a pass comprises use of at least one of said ordered probe reagent sets; detecting from said at least M cycles a presence or an absence of a plurality of signals from said spatially separate regions of said substrate; and determining from said plurality of signals at least K bits of information per cycle for one or more of said N distinct target analytes, wherein said at least K bits of information are used to determine L total bits of information, wherein K×M=L bits of information and L≧log2 (N), and wherein said L bits of information are used to determine a presence or an absence of one or more of said N distinct target analytes.