Systems and methods for sampling of amplification products
Inventors
Thorne, IV, Edward H. • Esterman, Abbie L.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10648023-B2
Publication Date
2020-05-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for processing samples. In a method, a reaction card is provided that has a channel network, a valve, and a micropump, all disposed within the card. The reaction card also has a collection well disposed on a surface of the card and a tubular member extending out from the card. A reaction vessel is provided and affixed to the reaction card such that the tubular member is inserted into the reaction vessel. Amplification reaction reagents and a sample are delivered into the reaction vessel, and an amplification reaction is initiated within the reaction vessel, resulting in an amplification product being disposed within the reaction vessel. The valve is opened to atmosphere, and the first micropump is activated to pump an aliquot of reaction product from the reaction vessel into the tubular member, through the channel network, and into the collection well.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to nucleic-acid amplification sampling systems that include an integrated reaction card. The reaction card includes an internal channel network together with a valve and one or more micropump(s). A collection well is disposed on a surface of the card, and a tubular member extends out from the card so that the collection well and the tubular member are in fluid communication with the channel network.
A reaction vessel is affixed to the reaction card by a mechanical locking mechanism. The mechanical locking mechanism enables the tubular member to be inserted into the reaction vessel. One or more amplification reaction reagents and a sample are received by the reaction vessel, and the amplification reagents and the sample are amplified within the reaction vessel to create a reaction product.
After amplification, the valve is opened to atmosphere and the micropump is activated to pump an aliquot of the reaction product from the reaction vessel into the tubular member, through the channel network, and into the collection well. The description further includes configurations that use multiple pumps/valves and optional handling such as waste handling and rinsing, with downstream analysis by aspirating one or more aliquots for analysis on an analysis device coupled to a detector and processor.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines an integrated reaction card architecture with five inventive features. Dependent claims refine the method by adding multi-aliquot collection and analysis, optional waste handling, electrophoretic separation, nucleic-acid quantitation, and timing of valve and micropump activation during a polymerase chain reaction annealing stage.
Integrated reaction card with channel network, valve, and micropump
Providing a reaction card comprising a channel network, a valve, and a first micro-pump disposed within the card, with the valve and the first micro-pump operably connected with the channel network.
Collection well and tubular member in fluid communication with the channel network
Providing a collection well disposed on a surface of the card, and providing a tubular member extending out from the card, wherein the collection well and the tubular member are in fluid communication with the channel network.
Mechanical locking affixation of reaction vessel to insert tubular member
Providing a reaction vessel and affixing the reaction vessel to the reaction card by a mechanical locking mechanism such that the tubular member is inserted into the reaction vessel.
Amplification to create reaction product in the reaction vessel
Receiving one or more amplification reaction reagents and a sample in the reaction vessel, and amplifying the amplification reagents and the sample within the reaction vessel to create a reaction product.
Valve venting to atmosphere and micropump pumping first aliquot to collection well
Opening the valve to atmosphere and activating the first micro-pump to pump a first aliquot of the reaction product from the reaction vessel into the tubular member, through the channel network, and into the collection well.
Across the independent and dependent claims, the inventive features center on an integrated reaction card that mechanically locks to a reaction vessel, vents via a valve to atmosphere, and uses a micropump and channel network with a tubular member to collect one or more aliquots of amplification reaction product for downstream analysis.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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