| 摘要 |
An assay as well as tools and apparatus therefore are disclosed for determining interaction between microbiological entities such as bioactive molecules using at least a first particle or microcarrier e.g. a bead, and a second particle which may also be a microcarrier, e.g. a second bead. At least the first microcarrier is magnetic. When two beads are used and both beads are magnetic, the beads preferably differ in the size of their magnetic moment. A means is provided for placing a binding between bioactive molecules under a mechanical stress to thereby distinguish between bindings of different strengths. In one aspect, the second bead, (with a larger magnetic moment) is used to magnetically remove target molecules linked to beads with smaller magnetic moment which are weakly bound to a capture molecule (itself generally coupled to a mobile or immobile surface). Alternatively, fluid frictional forces can be applied to one of the particles to disrupt weak bindings. Depending upon the embodiment, the first bead and/or second particle can be used for detection purposes. |
