Patent ID: 6277588
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A method for identification and isolation of a mutagenized cell or a clonal population of cells having an assayable activity comprising the steps of:(a) non-selectively adsorbing substantially an entire mixed cell population onto the surface of derivatized cross-linked polymeric beads under conditions where each bead has either a single immobilized cell adhering to the bead surface, or has no cell adhering thereto;(b) adsorbing and immobilizing the beads on a supporting surface;(c) removing excess growth medium from the beads;(d) equilibrating the beads with a substrate solution wherein said substrate solution produces a signal when acted on by said assayable activity thereby providing evidence of said assayable activity;(e) removing excess substrate solution and incubating the beads carrying the cells on the surface of said beads under conditions that will allow the remaining substrate to be acted upon by the assayable activity to directly or indirectly produce evidence of the assayable activity;(f) localizing the beads producing evidence of the assayable activity, thereby identifying the cells expressing the assayable activity; and(g) isolating the cells producing evidence of the assayable activity by micro-manipulation, thereby forming a clonal population of cells on each bead.