Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in
solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The data storage units are non-volatile
antifuse memories or volatile memories, such as EEPROMS, DRAMS or
flash memory. By virtue of this combination, molecules and
biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by
programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and
biological materials are also provided. The combinations have a multiplicity of applications, including
combinatorial chemistry, isolation and purification of target macromolecules, capture and detection of macromolecules for analytical purposes, selective removal of contaminants, enzymatic
catalysis,
cell sorting,
drug delivery,
chemical modification and other uses. Methods for electronically tagging molecules,
biological particles and matrix
support materials, immunoassays,
receptor binding assays,
scintillation proximity assays, non-radioactive proximity assays, and other methods are also provided.