Cartridge for digital real-time PCR
Inventors
Oleksandrov, Sergiy • Lee, Do Young • SONG, Min Sik • CHOI, Kyung Hak
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11426731-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cartridge for digital real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) includes a microfluidic chamber, a well array, a CMOS photo sensor array and a PCB. The microfluidic chamber includes an inlet formed for injection of a liquid sample, the microfluidic chamber being capable of injection molding. The well array includes a plurality of microwells through which upper and lower portions are perforated and being attached to a lower surface of the microfluidic chamber. The CMOS photo sensor array is disposed below the well array to capture a response image of a sample filled in microwells of the well array. The PCB has a vent formed for vacuum processing of micro flow path formed in the microfluidic chamber, a space formed between the well array and the microfluidic chamber, and a microwell formed in the well array as the liquid sample is injected through the inlet.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a digital real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cartridge that integrates a microfluidic chamber, a well array with perforated microwells, and a CMOS photo sensor array for fluorescence detection. The microfluidic chamber includes an inlet for injection of a liquid sample, and the cartridge is capable of being produced using injection molding as a fabrication technique.
A compressible space is provided between the well array and the CMOS photo sensor array in an uncompressed first state. During filling, a printed circuit board (PCB) vent is in fluid communication with the compressible space, the microwells, the microfluidic chamber, and the inlet so that the liquid sample is received by vacuum force applied to the vent.
In a second state, the well array including the liquid sample filled in the microwells is pressed against the CMOS photo sensor array, thereby compressing the compressible space. This compression configuration is used in combination with vacuum filling to prevent air pocket formation at corner/edge regions of the microwell reaction space, and real-time fluorescence imaging is enabled.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a digital real-time PCR cartridge with vacuum-force liquid filling into a perforated microwell well array and a second-state compression that presses the well array against a CMOS photo sensor array, with a vent in fluid communication during the first state. It includes six inventive features.
Injection-moldable microfluidic chamber with inlet
A microfluidic chamber including an inlet formed for injection of a liquid sample, the microfluidic chamber capable of being produced using injection molding as a fabrication technique.
Perforated microwell well array attached to microfluidic chamber
A well array including microwells through which upper and lower portions are perforated, the well array being attached to a lower surface of the microfluidic chamber.
CMOS photo sensor array under well array
A CMOS photo sensor array disposed below the well array.
Compressible space between well array and CMOS photo sensor array
A compressible space between the well array and the CMOS photo sensor array, the compressible space being uncompressed in a first state.
PCB vent for vacuum-force filling into compressible space and microwells in first state
A printed circuit board (PCB) having a vent that is, during the first state, in fluid communication with the compressible space, the microwells of the well array, the microfluidic chamber, and the inlet, such that the liquid sample is received through the inlet, the microfluidic chamber, into the microwells of the well array, the compressible space and the vent by vacuum force applied to the vent.
Two-state compression pressing well array against CMOS photo sensor array
Wherein the well array including the liquid sample filled in the microwells is pressed against the CMOS photo sensor array during a second state thereby compressing the compressible space.
Across the independent claim, the central inventive concept is the combination of vacuum-force filling in a first state via a PCB vent into a compressible space and perforated microwells, and a second-state pressing/compression that brings the filled well array into contact with the CMOS photo sensor array for digital real-time PCR.
Stated Advantages
Enables real-time fluorescence imaging.
Prevents air pocket formation at corner/edge regions of the microwell reaction space.
More reliable PCR results.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?