Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a well sampling tape (otherwise known as “microwell tape” or simply “tape”), a dispenser for dispensing small volumes of liquid into the wells formed in the tape and a detector for high-throughput sample reading of the liquid dispensed in the individual wells. The present invention is more specifically directed to a bioassay system incorporating the materials listed above.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Apparatus and Method for Testing and Continuously Reading Low-volume Samples,” serial No. 60/366,885 filed Mar. 22, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0002] This invention was made, in part, with United States government support awarded by National Institutes of Health Grant Nos. N01-HV48141 and R01HL62681-01. The United States may have certain rights in the invention. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The present invention is directed to a well sampling tape (otherwise known as “microwell tape” or simply “tape”), a dispenser for dispensing small volumes of liquid into the wells formed in the tape, a sealer for sealing the contents of the wells in the tape, a water bath thermocycler for inducing the reactions and a detector for high-throughput sample reading of the reaction products contained in the individual wells. The present invention is more specifically directed to a bioassay system incorporating the materials listed above.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In the biotechnology industry, there is an ongoing need to develop faster and more economical bioassay systems to test and screen compounds. The current standard format is a microwell or microtiter plate having a dimension approximately 3×5 inches and including 96 wells. Higher density systems using 384-wells are now being incorporated into the research industry. However while the plates comprise more wells, they still have the drawbacks associated with individual plates: the need for storing plates, labeling them and analyzing each plate individually. Often, the tasks associated with such plates are accomplished by hand, including pipetting and syringe dispensing. While this work is tedious and time consuming, when magnified by 384 for each well of the plate, it is even more so. In addition, hand pipetting and syringe dispensing are generally only accurate to 1 microliter (ul) and above.  
           [0005]    One problem encountered with sample handling of the prior art is demonstrated by small-volume polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most abundant type of sequence variation in the human genome and can and should be useful tools for many diverse applications, including delineating the genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases, pharmacogenetics, forensics and evolutionary studies.  
           [0006]    Historically, genetic studies have been predicated on identifying and employing genetic variation to address problems of biological significance. An impressive SNP resource already exists as several hundreds of thousands have been deposited into publicly accessible databases, such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information&#39;s dbSNP and others. However, without parallel progress in SNP genotyping technology, the use of any database is seriously circumscribed. In addition to SNPs, other allelic variations provide abundant information on genetic variation, population dynamics, genetic mutations and disease diagnostics. Insertion/Deletion (indel) Polymorphisms are a class of polymorphisms based on length differences among nucleotide alleles. The best current estimate is that 20% of all human polymorphisms are of the insertion/deletion (indel) type. Indels can be broken down into a roughly 50:50 mix of multiallelic and diallelic polymorphisms. Multiallelic indels include the minisatellites (also called VNTRs) and the short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) (also called microsatellites or simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs)). Minisatellites are relatively rare and typically have repeat lengths of a few tens of nucleotides with tandem repeat copy numbers in the hundreds to thousands. STRPs are abundant and have repeat lengths of 1-6 nucleotides with tandem repeat copy numbers, mostly &lt;30. Diallelic indels are also common, but are only just now beginning to be studied in detail (see below). All of the diallelic indels and most of the STRPs have the desirable feature of being able to be analyzed simply by PCR followed by gel electrophoresis. Indels are believed to be an attractive alternative to SNPs.  
           [0007]    Novel genotyping methods amenable to high-throughput analysis should ideally be gel-free, robust, inexpensive and simple to perform. To this end, these requirements have inspired the development of a variety of genotyping assays, including the oligonucleotide ligation assay “OLA” (Landegren, U., et al. (1988)  Science  241: 1077-80); genetic bit analysis “GBA” (Nikiforov T. T., et al. (1994)  Nucleic Acids Res.  11:4167-75); mass spectroscopy (Griffin, T. J., et al. (1999)  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.  25: 6301-6306), “chip” technology (Wang., et al, supra), TaqMan (Livak, K. J., et al. (1995)  PCR Methods Appl.  4:357-62) and dynamic allele specific hybridization “DASH” (Howell, W. M., et al. (1999)  Nat. Biotechnology  17:87-88). Although many SNP genotyping methods have been developed, no single technology has emerged as being clearly superior due to limitations such as cost, complexity and accuracy.  
           [0008]    Recently, new methods for SNP genotyping, in which the primers are labeled with a fluorophor, have been reported (Myakishev, M. et al. (2001)  Genome Res.  11:163-169). This method relies on PCR amplification of genomic DNA with two tailed allele-specific primers that introduce priming sites for universal primers having the fluorescent tag. The fluorophors are selected to emit at different wavelengths and are thus seen as different colors, in this case red and green. The reactions are carried out in a microtiter plate, and following the reaction the plate is read by a fluorescence plate reader. Identification of the emitted color identifies which specific primer annealed to the genomic DNA, and determination of which primer was used indicates which allele is present in the genomic copy. Of note, the authors found that 40 ng of DNA per 20 ul reaction in a  96  well plate was optimal.  
           [0009]    Other systems are described in the following patents, published patent applications and references (“references”). While the references attempt to automate or increase the sensitivity of the disclosed inventions, they are limited to specific applications or are limited by large volumes of samples and reactants.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. Re 28,339 to Maxon describes an analysis system for the multiple analysis of a single sample. This system comprises a transfer strip made from an elongated tape having a plurality of liquid samples adsorbed thereto. The tape is used in conjunction with an analyzing apparatus such that each adsorbed aliquot of the sample may be analyzed by a separate system. The disclosure is limited to sample adsorption as a means of retaining the sample on the tape. In addition, since the retention method is adsorption, the detection method is limited to the sample that is adsorbed thereto, not the product of a reaction that occurs within the tape.  
           [0011]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2002/0,001,546 to Hunter et al. describes methods for screening substances in a microwell array. The method requires loading an array of capillary tubes having dispensing ends, disposing each dispensing end in proximity to a distinct through-hole and transferring the liquids through the through-holes of the platen through the capillary tubes. The method is directed toward a means of filling the wells rather than providing a substitute to the microtiter plates already present in the prior art. In addition, the method described by Hunter et al. is disadvantaged by using relatively large volumes of about 1 ul.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,264 to Buerger describes a band for carrying out microbiological examinations. The band resembles a tape or strip having depressions which hold nutrient media or agar. Bacteria are spotted on the media. The tape can be rolled or folded for incubation or storage. The disclosure does not contemplate a means of analysis but, rather, is limited to a means of maintaining organisms in a nutrient media.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,678 to Guigan describes a system for multiple automatic analysis. The system includes a tape resembling a roll of film having holes along its side such that the film can be automatically driven by means of a pin or sprocket. The tape is formed from two layers such that there are cells composed within the tape. One facet of the invention includes the automatic filling of the cells with samples to be analyzed. Means of analysis is contemplated to be spectrophotometric, and the detector system is envisioned to be capable of automatically driving the film through the detector for its analysis. However, the samples are only present in a single suspension, not components of a reaction, and the volumes are quite large, about one cubic centimeter.  
           [0014]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,355,487 and 6,254,297 and U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0,041,829 to Kowallis describe a method and apparatus for transferring small volumes of substances. The apparatus comprises a conveyor belt having a plurality of substrates, the substrates being adapted to hold microtubes such that the tubes can be inserted into the substrate and reagents added to the tubes as the conveyor belt moves along. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt itself may be adapted to comprise substrates such that microtubes can be inserted directly into the wells of the conveyor belt. The apparatus does not include a method for analysis, but is envisioned to provide a method for the production of microarrays allowing for the analysis of samples.  
           [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,546 to Bryning et al. discloses a method and device for photodetection. The device comprises a means of placing a drop of a sample and reagent liquids on a planar support such that the droplets are allowed to mix. The planar support is movable such that the support can be moved through a detector and the emitted light quantified.  
           [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,986 to Kadota et al. discloses an apparatus for the automatic analysis of biological samples comprising a conveyor belt system for conveying a sample rack, a rack storage unit, an analysis unit and an identification unit such that the analysis unit identifies the samples in the rack.  
           [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,466 to Anderson describes an apparatus and method for storing samples of protein gene products, cells or DNA. The samples are sealed in packets which are then attached to film. The film can be labeled such that the packets are accurately identified. The invention is to be utilized in the storage and inventory of biological samples, but is not used or contemplated for use as a reservoir for containing a reaction.  
           [0018]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2002/0,055,179 to Busey et al. describes an apparatus and method for ultra-high-throughput fluorescent screening of samples. The samples are held in a microtiter plate having V-shaped wells. The apparatus comprises at least two light guides such that a light source adjacent to the plate can illuminate an individual well and the emitted light can be guided to an adjacent detector.  
           [0019]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,923,463 and Re 30,627 to Bagshawe et al. describe an apparatus for performing chemical and biological analysis. The invention describes a method for the handling of large numbers of samples where sample tubes are loaded into racks, the racks loaded into cassettes and the cassettes transferred from station to station for appropriate dilution, reagent addition and analysis.  
           [0020]    While these references attempt to provide means to more easily store and analyze samples, they suffer from certain inadequacies: they use relatively large sample volumes; and they represent isolated steps in reacting samples, adding reaction mixtures, analyzing the reaction products and storing those products for further analysis.  
           [0021]    There is a need to develop automation on a much smaller scale. As described in R&amp;D Magazine (January 2002, pp A3-A5), companies are now moving to “nanotechnology,” i.e., working in the nanoscale range. There is a definite trend for an assay system that is precise, accurate, efficient, small and economical, yet has a high-throughput.  
           [0022]    Companies, such as TOMTEC (Hamden, Conn.), Cartesian Technologies (Irvine, Calif.), Gilson, Inc. (Middleton, Wis.), Molecular Devices Corporation (Sunnyvale, Calif.) and Zymark Corp. (Hopkinson, Mass.), have all moved toward developing smaller, faster systems.  
           [0023]    Current technology uses “microwell” or “microtiter” plates having volumes ranging from 1 to 1000 μl to prepare samples and contain reactions. Plates of this nature are injection molded, and the larger well volumes are not suitable for very small volumes in the nanoliter (nl) range. In addition, nanoliter wells may require a special shape in order to position the contents optimally for mixing in the well. Therefore, a more optimally designed well is needed to position and contain the sample.  
           [0024]    For high-throughput screening, a continuous process is needed for optimum performance and reduced cost. As may be appreciated, an ability to run large quantities of reactions in very small volumes is limited by at least four factors. First, very low-volume reactions are much more susceptible to operator error in pipetting and transferring of samples and reagents. Second, if an appropriate detector is not available to analyze the reaction products efficiently within their margin of error, small-volume reactions are not worthwhile. Third, if manual manipulations are required, the time needed to process the sample is not affected regardless of the reaction volume. Fourth, a combination of the first three deficiencies limits the overall reproducibility of the analysis. Some laboratories have started to use rail systems to form an assembly line type operation for sample handling with microtiter plates and to minimize manual handling. However, these systems are limited by the constraints of the microtiter plate itself.  
           [0025]    TOMTEC is currently developing a MICROTAPE system, which is an endless track of microwells formed on a plastic tape for conducting assays. However, each well is circular in format and requires a relatively large volume (&gt;1 microliter) of reagent to obtain reproducible results. In addition, TOMTEC has a method for sealing the microwell tape comprising heat sealing with a covering tape. One problem with this method is that it requires perforations in the sealing tape to release trapped air, as well as a vacuum device to assure flat juxtaposition of the sealing tape to the microwell tape. Further, use of a microwell tape device for sample screening is hindered by the lack of a detector capable of analyzing the contents of the wells.  
           [0026]    Currently, there is no method or device suitable for the continuous, small-volume, high-throughput analysis of tagged biological samples. Commercial units require manual manipulation and volumes in the microliter range. Therefore, there is a need for a continuous feed-through unit to perform sample analysis of a large number of very low-volume reactions without extra handling of the reaction mixtures.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0027]    The present invention is directed to a well sampling tape having a continuous length and containing a plurality of wells. The tape has at least one edge defined by a continuous row of indexing perforations.  
           [0028]    The present invention is also directed to a sample characterization system utilizing a microwell tape for analysis of samples. The microwell tape has a continuous length and contains a plurality of wells. The tape has at least one lateral edge defined by a continuous row of indexing perforations. The system comprises a drive mechanism adapted to automatically advance the microwell tape; at least one dispenser for dispensing reagents into the wells of the microwell tape; and sealing means for sealing the wells of the microwell tape The present invention is further directed to a system for automatically analyzing a large number of small-volume samples. The system includes the following elements:  
           [0029]    a. a microwell tape having a continuous length and containing a plurality of wells, the tape having first and second lateral edges defined by a continuous row of indexing perforations;  
           [0030]    b. a drive mechanism adapted to move the microwell tape through the system;  
           [0031]    c. a pipetter for transferring samples to the wells of the microwell tape.  
           [0032]    d. a dispenser for transferring a reagent to the well of the microwell tape;  
           [0033]    e. sealing means for sealing the wells of the microwell tape;  
           [0034]    f. a thermocycler; and  
           [0035]    g. a detector for analyzing the contents of wells of the microwell tape.  
           [0036]    Further, the present invention is directed to a drive mechanism for moving a continuous tape having indexing perforations. The drive mechanism comprises a motor, a forward and rear belt drum, wherein one of the drums is engaged to the motor; and at least one belt movably affixed to the forward and rear belt drum, the belt including a series of pins adapted to engage indexing perforations of the tape.  
           [0037]    The present invention is also directed to a system for automatically analyzing a large number of small-volume samples. The system comprises a microwell tape having a continuous length along the Y-axis and containing a plurality of wells. The wells are optimized to hold submicroliter or nano-volumes of samples for analysis, wherein the microwell tape has indexing perforations regularly spaced along the lateral margins of the tape. The system also includes a drive mechanism, comprising a pinned drive belt (similar to a sprocket), the pinned drive belt being driven by a motor such that the belt can be driven in a forward and backward direction, wherein the pinned drive belt has pins regularly spaced along its length and wherein the pins are dimensioned and configured to matingly engage the indexing perforations of the microwell tape, whereby the microwell tape can be advanced or reversed through an instrument. Further, the system includes a pipetter having a pin array comprising a plurality of pins, wherein the pipetter is affixed to a transom such that the pipetter can move in the X and Z axes and wherein the pipetter is indexed to a sample container and the microwell tape such that the pipetter can transfer samples from the sample container to the microwell tape and wherein the drive mechanism advances the tape along the Y-axis after the sample has been transferred to the microwell tape.  
           [0038]    The system also includes a dispenser having a solenoid valve adapted to dispense submicroliter volumes of reagents, wherein the dispenser is affixed to a transom such that the dispenser can move in the X and Z axes and wherein the dispenser is indexed to a sample container and the microwell tape such that the dispenser can transfer samples from the sample container to the microwell tape and wherein the drive mechanism advances the tape along the Y-axis after the reagent has been transferred to the microwell tape. The system further includes a sealer comprising an indexing drum, a heat drum and sealer tape, wherein the heat drum is under tension and juxtaposed to the indexing drum and wherein the indexing drum has a plurality of cavities in register and dimensioned and configured to reflect the bottom profiles of the wells of the microwell tape and wherein the microwell tape matingly engages with the cavities in the indexing drum, wherein the sealer tape is juxtaposed to the upper surface of the microwell tape and wherein advancing the indexing drum forces the microwell tape and the sealer tape under the heat drum whereby the sealer tape is sealed to the microwell tape thereby sealing the wells of the microwell tape. The system also includes a thermocycler adapted to receive the microwell tape in a containment receptacle, the containment receptacle adapted to advance the microwell tape through a temperature program in the thermocycler. Finally, the system includes a detector adapted to analyze the contents of wells of the microwell tape, wherein the detector head is affixed to a transom such that the detector head can move in the X and Z axes and wherein the detector head is indexed to the microwell tape such that the detector head passes across the microwell tape in the X-axis and wherein the drive mechanism advances the tape along the Y-axis such that the detector head has access to the wells of the microwell tape.  
           [0039]    The invention disclosed herein addresses the problems associated with the high-throughput screening of small-volume samples. By utilizing a submicroliter volume microwell tape, large numbers of small-volume samples can be prepared, reacted, analyzed and stored. By automating the process from the introduction of unique samples and addition of small volumes of reagents until final analysis, error inherent in human handling is avoided, resulting in rapid, consistent and repeatable analysis of small-volume samples in a high-throughput analysis.  
           [0040]    The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0041]    [0041]FIG. 1 is a schematic overhead diagram of the floor plan of the microwell assay system.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the microwell tape disclosed herein.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 a  is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along lines  2   a - 2   a  of FIG. 2.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 2 b  is a cross-sectional view of one well of FIG. 2.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the microwell tape wound around a storage reel prior to entering the drive mechanism of the system of present invention.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the microwell tape engaged with the drive mechanism.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the microwell tape entering the pipetter station of the system of the present invention.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the 384 pin array pipetter of FIG. 5.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser station of the system of the present invention  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sealer station of the system of the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the waterbath thermocycler illustrating individual thermal units.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the detector station of the system of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0053]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a system  1  for the automatic processing of a large number of small-volume samples. The system is particularly adapted for use in detecting short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs), SNPs and diallelic short insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 1 illustrates a floor plan of system  1 . System  1  is specifically designed for use with a microwell tape  10  having a continuous length along a Y-axis and containing a plurality of wells  12 , illustrated in FIG. 2. The wells  12  are optimized to hold submicroliter volumes of samples for analysis.  
         [0055]    System  1  includes a variety of components, including the following:  
         [0056]    A. a drive mechanism  30  for advancing the tape  10  through the system  1 ;  
         [0057]    B. a pipetter station  40  for transferring samples from the sample container to the tape  10 ;  
         [0058]    C. a dispenser station  50  for transferring reagents to the microwell tape; and  
         [0059]    D. a sealer station  60  for sealing a sealer tape to the microwell tape  10 .  
         [0060]    As will be seen later in the disclosure, the system may also include a thermocycler for receiving the microwell tape in a containment receptacle, and a detector for analyzing the contents of wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 .  
         [0061]    Microwell Tape  
         [0062]    The system  1  is designed to be used with a microwell tape  10  which allows for continuous analysis of samples. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2 a  and  3 , the tape  10  is continuous and flexible. The tape  10  is designed to have indexing perforations  18  along the lateral margins  19  such that the tape  10  is driven through the analysis system at an optimum speed and does not require operator handling. The indexing perforations  18  are adapted to engage the pins  39   a  of a drive mechanism  30 , as illustrated in FIG. 4, thus moving the tape  10  through the assay system  1 . The tape  10  is made from a plastic polymer and may be embossed or heat molded from a plastic or a plastic polymer. In some embodiments, the tape  10  may be made from polycarbonate, polypropylene, silicone, polyethylene, polyurethane or the like. Preferably, the tape  10  is clear for reagent viewing or detecting.  
         [0063]    The tape  10  is designed to include a plurality of conical flat bottom or “V” shaped wells  12  therein. This shape allows for the analysis of small reaction volumes ranging in size from greater than 1000 nl to less than 1 nl. In an exemplary version, the reaction volume in the well  12  is about 800 nl. In a more preferred embodiment, the well  12  is designed to hold a sample that has a volume of 200 nl. In a still more preferred embodiment, the reaction volume is about 25 nl.  
         [0064]    In order to allow the repeatable measurement of very small volumes, the wells  12  of the tape  10  are highly tapered “V”- or conical-shaped having a flattened base  13 , an exposed opposite end  14  and a conical wall  15  defined by the diameter of the base  13  and end  14 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 b . The shape is defined by the height H, the diameter D1 of the base  13 , and the diameter D2 of the top  14 . This shape facilitates the collection and mixing of the well contents in the deepest and most narrow portion of the well  12 , enhancing the repeatability of small-volume measurement. Further, the shape allows the introduction of the pin array tip  44  into the deepest portion of the well  12 .  
         [0065]    In addition, use of the microwell tape  10  facilitates the high-throughput screening of large numbers of samples due to its ease of handling, lack of need for stacking large numbers of microtiter plates and ease of storing. Further, a single roll of microwell tape  10  can substitute for over 500 384-well microtiter plates and over 2000 96-well plates. Thus, the sheer amount of space and money saved in utilizing the microwell tape is enormous.  
         [0066]    Drive Mechanism  30   
         [0067]    Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape  10  may be stored on a storage reel  20 . In use, the tape is fed into a pinned belt drive mechanism  30  by spring-loaded guide clips  32 . The drive mechanism  30  also includes a solenoid valve  34 , which has the function of dispensing small volumes by using pressure pulses as the valve is opened. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape  10  with its small-volume microwells  12  and lateral indexing perforations  18  are clearly visible being fed into the guide clips  32  of the drive mechanism  30 . While the drive mechanism  30  can be any such mechanism capable of moving the microwell tape  10  through the assay system, such as a sprocket wheel, in a favored embodiment, it is a belt pin drive as illustrated in FIG. 4.  
         [0068]    As further illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drive mechanism  30  includes a motor  35 , having a drive cog  36  which engages a drum cog  37  which in turn drives a forward belt drum  38   a . The forward belt drum  38   a  turns, moving two endless pin belts  39 , one on each side of the belt drum  38 . The pin belts  39  further include spaced indexing pins or nibs  39   a  to engage the tape indexing perforations  18  and, in turn, advance the tape  10  through the drive mechanism  30 . Guide rails  33  position the tape  10  along the track. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the forward belt drum  38   a  engages the pin belts  39  which show the pins  39   a  protruding to engage the indexing perforations  18  of the microwell tape  10 .  
         [0069]    In operation, the pins  39   a  extend the length of the tape path marked by the guide rails  33 . The drive mechanism  30  is situated near the end  11  of the tape  10  path. The forward belt drum  38   a  is positioned at one end of the tape path. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the rear belt drum  38   b  is positioned at the other end. Together, the belt drums  38   a ,  38   b  stretch the pin belts  39  giving them integrity to advance the tape  10 . The pins  39   a  are affixed around the belt drum  38  such that the tape  10  is engaged to the pins  39   a  when the tape  10  enters the spring clips  32  and is held in an engaged position by the guide rails  33  throughout the tape path. In an exemplary version, only the rear belt drum  38   b  is driven by the motor  35  such that fine control of the motor  35  allows discrete movement of the microwell tape  10  through the tape path.  
         [0070]    As disclosed, the mechanism for moving the tape  10  of the present invention has many advantages over other types of automated systems. As may be apparent to those of skill in the art, because the microwell tape  10  is driven by pins  39   a  of the pin belts  39  engaging with the indexing perforations  18  of the tape  10 , the tape  10  is propelled entirely by its engagements with the drive belt  39 . Therefore, the tape  10  can be moved in both a forward and a reverse direction as desired. Further, the belt drive mechanism  30  is designed and configured such that it can be advanced one row at a time, reversed one row at a time or moved in any multiple in either direction desired. Thus, while in one embodiment of the invention, it is conceived that the fewest units of use would be based on the method of introducing the largest plurality of unique samples, such as the 384 pin device described below, any smaller or larger unit of sampling device is amenable for use by the system disclosed herein.  
         [0071]    Pipetter Station  40   
         [0072]    As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pipetter station  40  comprises a pipetter pin array  42  for dispensing submicroliter volumes of sample into the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . In one preferred embodiment, the sample pipetter pin array  42  is not a positive displacement pipetter but rather a “pin” system, illustrated in FIG. 6 comprising a multitude of pins  44  whereby samples are transferred from a microtiter plate  48 , illustrated in FIG. 5 on a stand  48   a , to the wells  12  of the tape  10  by surface tension to the pins  44 . It is a further aspect of the invention that the pins  44  are in the form of a 384-pin array as illustrated by pipetter pin array  42  in FIG. 6. This arrangement facilitates the transfer of samples from a 384-well microtiter plate  48  directly into the wells  12  of the tape  10 . However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that if microtiter plates with fewer or more wells are used, a complementary pin array could be used. For example, if a 96-well plate is used, then a 96-pin array would be used, or if a 1536 well plate is used, then a 1536 pin array would be used. Also, non-standard spacing could be used.  
         [0073]    In one exemplary version of the invention, the pipetter pin array  42  may comprise a positive displacement pipetter. Positive displacement pipetters are commercially available and known to the art. For instance, TOMTEC, Hamden, Conn., produces the 384 tip array Quadra 3 positive displacement pipetter. As produced, the pin array  42  is typically designed to sample microtiter plates wherein the tip array remains stationary and the microtiter plate is mechanically brought to the tip array. The inventors have found that the pipetter pin array  42  can be adapted for use on the microwell tape  10  as the tape  10  engages the drive mechanism  30  such that automation of the analysis system is not interrupted.  
         [0074]    In yet another exemplary version, the pipetter pin array  42  is a passive displacement pipetter comprising passive transfer pins  44  which transfer the sample by passive means. In this embodiment the pins  44 , transfer a nucleic acid solution based on surface tension of the solution adhering to the pins  44 . The passive transfer pin head was adapted from the  384  pin transfer device commercially available from V&amp;P Scientific, San Diego, Calif. While the use of passive transfer pin arrays is known in related art for use in culturing bacterial colonies, for example (See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 20020013958 to Lalgudi et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as it relates to the pin array), the pins are routinely used to transfer submicroliters to glass slides for microarraying.  
         [0075]    When the embodiment of the invention comprises the passive transfer pin array, moving parts are greatly reduced and error becomes a function of the adhesion of the sample. As may be appreciated, the passive transfer pin array reduces error inherent in moving parts by using surface tension to adhere the sample to the pin  44  and transfer the sample to the wells  12  of the tape  10 . By using surface tension to transfer the unique sample, submicroliter volumes of about as low as 1 nl of sample can be repeatably transferred.  
         [0076]    In operation, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the pipetter pin array  42  is suspended from a transom  46 . Defining the Y-axis as the axis of the length of the continuous microwell tape  10 , the pipetter pin array  42  translates on the transom in the X-axis and the Z-axis.  
         [0077]    Illustrated in FIG. 5, microtiter plates  48  are arranged at the side of the microwell tape  10  such that the plates  48  are stationed directly in the axis of movement as the pipetter pin array  42  translates along the X-axis of the microwell tape  10 . Adjacent to the microtiter plates  48 , on the side opposite from the microwell tape  10 , is situated a flow bath  49 . Flow baths such as that disclosed are commercially available from, for instance, TOMTEC. The flow bath  49  comprises a reservoir dimensioned and configured to accept the pipetter pin array  42 . The flow bath  49  has a constant flow of clean deionized water which can also be subjected to an ultrasonic action. Thus, after transferring the sample to the microwell tape  10 , the pipetter pin array  42  is lifted, translocated over the flow bath  49  and lowered into the bath  49  for a sufficient time or number of cycles to remove the previous sample. Situating the microtiter plate  48  and the flow bath  49  on the X-axis of the microwell tape  10  allows the pipetter pin array  42  to access these three components by translation across the transom  46  in the horizontal direction and translation along the Z-axis. It will be appreciated that, while in a preferred embodiment the microtiter plates  48  are positioned between the flow bath  49  and the microwell tape  10 , the positions are relative and may be reversed in other embodiments.  
         [0078]    In an exemplary version of the present invention, the pipetter pin array  42  translates across the X-axis of the tape  10  and the pipetter pin array  42  and descends into the wells of a 384-well microtiter plate  48 . The wells of the microtiter plates  48  contain the unique sample. When the sample being assayed is a nucleic acid sample, the nucleic acid may be dried in the well  12  of microwell tape  10  and then resuspended in a mix comprising assay reagents. The pipetter pin array  42  takes an appropriate aliquot of the samples in the wells of the microtiter plate  48 . The pipetter pin array  42  is then raised on the transom  46  and translocated across the X-axis, such that it is directly over the microwell tape  10 . The pipetter pin array  42  is then lowered until it accesses the microwells  12  of the tape  10  and aliquots of the sample are delivered to the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . Upon contact with the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 , surface tension adheres the sample to the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 , and the pipetter pin array  42  is raised from the surface of the microwell tape  10 . The flow bath  49  is positioned outside of the microtiter plates  48  on the X-axis of the microwell tape  10 , and the pipetter pin array  42  translates until it is suspended over the flow bath  49  whereupon the pipetter pin array  42  is lowered until the pin tips  44  are suspended in the flow bath  49  and the pins  44  are cleaned by the flow of water coupled with ultrasonic action. Upon cleaning of the pins  44  of the pipetter pin array  42 , the pipetter pin array  42  is ready to sample the next plate.  
         [0079]    Because of the fine control by which the microwell tape  10  is moved along its Y-axis by the pinned drive belt  39 , the pipetter pin array  42  has only to move in two axes, X and Z. For movement of the pipetter pin array  42  in the X-axis, the pipetter pin array  42  is connected to the transom  46  which is suspended above the microwell tape  10 . The transom  46  is designed and configured such that a belt and drive mechanism translates the pipetter pin array  42  along the X-axis to a site directly over the tape  10  and to a site directly over the sample plates  48  being assayed.  
         [0080]    Dispenser Station  50   
         [0081]    The system  1  also comprises a dispenser station  50  suitable for dispensing submicroliter volumes of common reagents into the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . The dispenser station  50  includes a dispenser  52 , which resembles an ink jet dispenser, optimized to inject appropriate volumes of common reagents into the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10  where the total reaction volume may range between 1 nl and 1000 nl.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 7 illustrates the reagent dispenser  52  comprising a dispenser head  54  having a solenoid valve  56  similar to an inkjet printer and being fixed to a dispenser transom  58  similar to the pipetter pin array  42 . The dispenser head  54  has an injection needle  59 . By being connected to a common reservoir  57  of reagents or master mix, a single solenoid valve  56  can rapidly and accurately translate across the microwell tape  10  in the X-axis, accurately dispensing volumes as low as about 20 nl in each well  12  of the tape  10 . Similar submicroliter volume dispensers are commercially available. For instance, Innovadyne (Santa Rosa Calif.) produces a NANOFILL 8 unit having a dispensing volume of as low as 100 nl, while Cartesian Technologies (Irvine, Calif.) produces the SYNQUAD system dispensing a reproducible volume of 50 nl.  
         [0083]    As described for the pipetter pin array  42 , the dispenser head  54  is moved across the tape  10  by the use of a transom  58  and a motor driven belt  55 . While in one embodiment the dispenser  52  comprises a reservoir  57 , in an alternative preferred embodiment, the reservoir  57 , containing the reagents or master mix, is not located on the dispenser transom  58  but is extraneous and is situated to the side of the dispenser  52 . The dispenser head  54  then translates to the extraneous reservoir or microtiter plate (not shown) and the injection needle  59  aspirates the reagent. The dispenser head  54 , then returns to the tape  10  and dispenses reagent to the wells  12  accordingly. Upon depletion of the reagent, the dispenser head  54  moves to a wash station. The dispenser head then returns to the extraneous reservoir (not shown) and aspirates a further quantity of reagent.  
         [0084]    Sealer Station  60   
         [0085]    Referring now to FIG. 8, the system  1  comprises a method of sealing the microwell tape  10  such that the contents inside are not contaminated. In a preferred embodiment, the microwell tape  10  proceeds from the dispenser station  50  to the sealing station  60  unit where sealing tape  62  is overlain the microwell tape  10  and seals the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the sealing tape  62  is sealed using a heat and/or pressure sealing system. However, other methods of sealing the microwells of the microwell tape, for instance adhesives, may be used, the only caveat being that contamination of the contents of the microwells must be avoided and the contents left undisturbed.  
         [0086]    After the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10  have been filled with the unique sample by the pipetter pin array  42  and the reagent mix by the reagent dispenser  52 , the microwell tape  10  is then sealed with a sealer tape  62 . The sealer tape  62  eliminates risk of contamination and also allows the reactions in the wells to be stored for long periods or submerged in water. The sealer tape  62  comprises a planar tape made from a similar material as the microwell tape  10  and is stored on a storage reel  63  as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the sealer tape  62  is clear for reagent viewing or detecting. The sealer station  60  is uniquely designed to provide a method for tape uptake and simultaneous sealing. Upon introduction of the reaction components to the wells  12 , the open side of the microwell tape  10  is juxtaposed to the sealer tape  62 . The juxtaposed tapes  10 ,  62  are then introduced into the sealer station  60 . As illustrated, the sealer station  60  works similarly to a wringer of an old fashioned washing machine. A large bottom indexing drum  64  has cavities  66  dimensioned and configured to be in register with the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . The sealer station  60  is further comprised of a wrap bar  68  and a heat drum  70  heated by a heating element  72 . The microwell tape  10  and the sealing tape  62  enter the sealing device  60  under a wrap bar  68 . While the pin belt  39  could drive the microwell tape through the sealer station  60 , in a particularly favored embodiment the tape  10  is driven through the sealing mechanism by the indexing drum  64  itself, which is rotated on its axis  74  by a motor. In this embodiment, the bottom profiles of the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10  are taken up by the cavities  66  of the indexing drum  64 . The heat drum  70  is situated directly on top of the indexing drum  64  and is under tension by means of springs  75 . As the sealing tape  62  and the microwell tape  10  move past the heat drum  70 , the sealing tape  62  is “ironed” or pressed onto the microwell tape  10 . Once the microwell tape  10  is sealed, the microwell tape  10  can be wound around a storage reel  20  as illustrated in FIG. 3 and stored, or the tape can be directed to further manipulations.  
         [0087]    This unique design of the sealer station  60  provides several benefits. First, the contents of the wells  12  are protected from mechanical stress and also heat stress. Second, the progress of the microwell tape  10  through the sealer station  60  is driven directly by the microwells  12  passing through the device. Thus, there are no intervening mechanisms which would allow the tape  10  or the indexing drum  64  to get out of register. Further, the disclosed arrangement allows tension to be placed on the sealing tape  62  and microwell tape  10  that is held by the wrap bar  68 , thereby eliminating air bubbles and insuring a comprehensive seal.  
         [0088]    Thermocycler Station  80   
         [0089]    The system can also comprise a thermocycler station  80  adapted to contain the microwell tape  10  and designed such that the cycling times required for carrying out a PCR reaction are minimized. In a preferred embodiment, the thermocycler station  80  is a waterbath thermocycler having three separate reservoirs  82 ,  84 ,  86 . The reservoirs  82 ,  84 ,  86  are adapted to provide optimum temperatures for annealing primers to sample nucleic acid, elongation of the primers and melting of the complementary strands so the cycle may be repeated.  
         [0090]    Depending on the sample type and the incubation required of the microwell contents, the microwell tape  10  can be cared for as needed. When the contents comprise a PCR reaction or other biological reaction requiring temperature dependent incubation, the microwell tape  10  can be cared for appropriately. If the contents are to be stored, the tape  10  can be wound on the storage reel  20  and conveniently stored in a low temperature environment.  
         [0091]    When the contents of the microwell tape  10  comprise a PCR reaction, the tape  10  is directed to the thermocycler station  80 . While in one embodiment, the tape  10  may be taken up from the sealing device  60  and wound around a storage reel, in other embodiments the tape  10  is immediately subjected to a reaction protocol. For PCR reactions, the microwell tape  10  is directed to the thermocycler station  80 . While in some embodiments, the thermocycler may be a dry thermocycler, in a preferred embodiment, the thermocycler is a waterbath thermocycler  80  as shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the thermocycler station  80  is optimized to eliminate ramping time between temperatures by comprising three separate water reservoirs  82 ,  84 ,  86 , each having the appropriate temperature for the annealing, elongation and separating steps of the PCR reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoirs  82 ,  84 ,  86  each have a two panel cover (not shown) similar to swinging doors, fixed over the reservoir opening by springs (not shown) such that the temperature of each reservoir is maintained. In operation, a containment receptacle  88 , containing the microwell tape  10  is lowered and submerged in the reservoir. Upon removal, the receptacle  88  is lifted up and the receptacle is translocated to the next reservoir. The tape  10  is placed in the containment receptacle  88  which is automated such that after the microwell tape  10  has been incubated for the appropriate period of time in each of the required temperature environments, the containment receptacle  88  is raised by means of an automated rack and pinion (not shown) and translocated to the appropriate bath where the receptacle  88  is lowered, allowing the reactions to incubate for the appropriate period. After incubation, the receptacle  88  is raised and translated to the next reservoir. This process can continue until the appropriate number of cycles has been completed for proper amplification of the PCR product.  
         [0092]    In another embodiment, the thermocycler will be a dry thermocycler designed to have a rotary axis similar to an oven rotisserie unit such that, as the thermocycler progresses through its program, the tape is slowly rotated such that centrifugal forces keep the reaction mixed and the contents directed toward the bottom of the well. In addition, such a design allows for minimal ramping time during thermal cycles, facilitating the elongation and amplification of the PCR reaction. Dry thermocyclers are well known to the art. A representative example of a dry thermocycler is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,756 to Atwood et al., which is incorporated herein by reference for a description of the dry thermocycler.  
         [0093]    Detector Station  90   
         [0094]    Illustrated in FIG. 10, the system  1  can also include a detector station  90 . Detector systems are well known to the art. A representative system is described here. The detector station  90  includes a detector  92  optimized to read the contents of microwell tape  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the detector  92  is a fluorescence detector. However, the detector  92  may be any detector capable of quantifying the analytic substrate contents of the microwell tape. Such detectors may comprise detectors, photomultiplier tube detectors and spectrophotometric detectors.  
         [0095]    For analysis of the samples, the now-sealed microwell tape  10  can either be fed into the detector  92  following completion of sample thermocycle reactions or directed there immediately from the sealing station  60 . While the detector  92  can be any type of detector known to the art for achieving the desired purpose, including a UV detector, a fluorescence detector, an IR detector, a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector or a spectrophotometer, all well-known to the art in a favored embodiment, the preferred detector is a fluorescence detector. When the detector is a fluorescence detector, it is a scanning fluorescence detector developed by Marshfield Clinic for genotyping work.  
         [0096]    Referring now to FIG. 10, the detector head  94  is suspended on a transom  96  similar to the pipetter pin array  42  and dispenser  52  such that the detector head  94  can move across the tape  10  along its X-axis. In a particularly favored embodiment, the detector comprises a laser which is located in the detector body (not shown). The light comprising the activation energy travels via an optical fiber  98  to the detector head  94 . A dichroic mirror (not shown) within the detector head  94  reflects the excitation energy into the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10  through an objective lens (not shown). The emitted energy is returned to the detector head  94  through the objective lens (not shown) and travels to the body of the detector  92  through a separate optical fiber (not shown). The quantification of the fluorescence energy is then made via computer programs which determine the intensity of the emitted energy. When the fluorophors emit different wavelengths or fluoresce at different colors, the computer program integrates the different emitted energies, computing a ratio and thus determining the presence of homozygous or heterozygous alleles of substitution or indel polymorphism.  
         [0097]    The information derived from the detector is fed into a computer interface whereby the output of the detector is compiled and integrated to determine the concentration of substrate in the wells of the microwell tape.  
         [0098]    The operation of the system  1  will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the floor plan of the system  1  of instant invention can be seen. The unused tape  10  is stored on storage reel  20 . Upon activating the drive mechanism  30 , the tape  10  is passed to the pipetter station  40  which includes the pipetter pin array  42 , microtiter plate  48 , and flow bath  49 . It is also within the scope of the present invention to include an identification system, such as a bar code identifier, at this position. Once the sample is applied to each well  12  of the tape  10 , as described above, the tape  10  then passes through the sealing device  60 , sealing the tape  10  before the tape  10  is wound and taken onto the storage reel  63 . In the embodiment described thus, the tape  10  can then be stored or immediately advanced to the detector station  90 , described above. In addition, while the step of placing the reagents in the wells  12  before the DNA is recited, those of skill in the art will understand that the step of adding the DNA may be performed prior to or after that of adding the reagents.  
         [0099]    Control of the system is effected by software. The software is designed such that the movement of the pipetter pin array  42 , dispenser  52  and detector  92  are indexed and in register with the wells  12  of the microwell tape  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the software also is capable of tracking the contents of the microwells and correlating the contents with the results of the fluorescence analysis. In addition, there is a software interface code for PC user intervention should additions or adjustments to the system be necessary.  
         [0100]    In a further embodiment, bar codes are added to the microwell tape, denoting the contents of the wells such that the microwell tape or an individual well can be scanned to determine the results of the analysis.  
         [0101]    Using the system described, rapid analysis of a large number of small-volume samples may be effected. In an exemplary version of the invention, the samples will comprise a PCR reaction in which specific primers for genomic polymorphisms are used. In a particularly favored embodiment, there are three primers. One primer is 5′ to the polymorphic region and is not labeled. The other two primers are 3′ and within the polymorphic region and are specific for one of two variant alleles. Each of the specific primers is labeled with a different fluorophor such that visualization of the particular fluorophor incorporated into the PCR product is easily made. In an exemplary version, the fluorophors are fluorescein, which emits a green fluorescence, and “Joe” which emits in a green/yellow fluorescence. Further, the primers are constructed such that in their native form, they form a hairpin loop, bringing a quenching molecule within vicinity of the fluorophor. Thus, if a homologous sequence of the polymorphic region is present, the primer will anneal and the hairpin will be broken, taking the quencher away from the fluorophor and allowing fluorescence at the emitted wavelength. Absence of a homologous sequence for binding will not result in annealing of the primer and will not result in fluorescence. Thus, genomic polymorphisms that are homozygous for one or other alleles will fluoresce at either green/yellow or green wavelengths. If the DNA is heterozygous for the polymorphism, there will be a fluorescence of both green/yellow and green wavelengths but at an intensity less than the homozygous fluorescence.  
         [0102]    While it is conceived that the disclosed devices and system are appropriate for use with any detector system which requires high-throughput screening and including detection methods requiring detection of UV energy, infrared energy, spectral analysis or other detection methods, it is a favored embodiment that the system and devices described herein can be used for fluorescence analysis of insertion/deletion or single nucleotide polymorphism in genetic analysis.  
         [0103]    The invention will now be illustrated by the following example, which is exemplary in nature and not intended to be restrictive.  
       EXAMPLE  
     Example 1  
     Detection of Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism or Substitution using PCR  
       [0104]    1. DNA is prepared to a concentration of 6.25ng/uL and is placed in a 384-microtiter plate.  
         [0105]    2. A master mix is prepared comprising: PCR buffer, MgCl2, dNTPs, allele specific primer, common primer, AMPLIFLUOR UNIPRIMER FAM and AMPLIFLUOR UNIPRIMER JOE (Seroligicals Corporation, 5655 Spalding Drive, Norcross, Ga. 30092), Taq (preferred PLATINUM TAQ, Invitrogen Life Technologies, 1600 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008), and filtered sterilized water. The master mix is placed in a 96 deep well microtiter plate.  
         [0106]    3. The plate containing the DNA is placed in the “pin array” access area.  
         [0107]    4. The microwell tape is fed into the uptake guide.  
         [0108]    5. The 384 array pipetter accesses the microtiter plate and takes a 800 nl sample of each well of the microtiter plate with a leading air gap.  
         [0109]    6. The pin array is translated by means of the transom to the microwell tape. The pin array descends and the array ejects 800 nl of DNA sample and air gap, depositing the DNA. The DNA is then dried to the bottom of the well.  
         [0110]    7. The tape progresses to the dispenser area for the addition of common reagents (master mix) where the DNA is resuspended, bringing the total volume of the reaction to 800 nl.  
         [0111]    8. The tape is introduced into the sealing unit where the sealing tape is applied.  
         [0112]    9. The tape is then deposited in the waterbath thermocycler.  
         [0113]    The protocol for the thermocycler is:  
         [0114]    First step:  
         [0115]    95° C. for 60 seconds  
         [0116]    Followed by cycling:  
         [0117]    95° C. for 20 seconds;  
         [0118]    55° C. for 40 seconds;  
         [0119]    72° C. for 20 seconds;  
         [0120]    The cycle is repeated 33 times, for a total of 75 minutes  
         [0121]    Followed by a final extension:  
         [0122]    72° C. for 6 minutes  
         [0123]    The cycle is repeated 33 times, for a total of 75 minutes followed by a final extension.  
         [0124]    10. The contents of the tape are allowed to come to temperature, and moisture collected on the walls of the wells is allowed to condense and spun to the bottom of the well by rotation of the tape as previously described.  
         [0125]    11. The microwell tape is then fed into the detector and taken up by the pin belt drive mechanism  30  where the tape passes under the detector head. Results of the positive controls show: homozygous long, homozygous short, heterozygous, and negative control samples.  
         [0126]    As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, in a preferred embodiment, the disclosed invention is directed to the high-number, low-volume, diallelic insertion/deletion (indel) or substitution polymorphism genotyping. However, the devices used and sequences taught can be utilized for many other assay systems requiring high-throughput analysis. In addition, while in one exemplary version of the invention, the DNA is placed in the microwells before the master mix, it is understood that in another version of the invention, the master mix may be placed in the well followed by the DNA sample.  
         [0127]    It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.