Single bead and hard tag decoding using accurate isotopic difference target analysis-encoded combinatorial libraries

A single fully automated generic microbore liquid chromatography electrospr ay time-of-flight protocol has been developed for the analysis of single be ads, single beads with analytical constructs, and isotopically labelled dia lkylamine hard tags. The protocol relies upon the incorporation of an isoto pic signature Into the linker and/or derivatising molecule to give a specif ic isotopic ratio together with an accurate isotopic difference. These prop erties facilitate highly specific and sensitive analysis of beads and hard tags using accurate isotopic difference analysis (AIDA) without prior knowl edge of the molecular weight, Three open access methods with automated proc essing have been developed around a core generic approach. Copyright (C) 20 00 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.