Reagent carriers for fluidic systems
Inventors
Singer, Alon • Prakash, Ranjit • Steinmiller, David
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11590507-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
Fluidic systems and reagent carriers suitable for storing reagents in a desirable manner are generally provided. In some embodiments, a reagent carrier stores a liquid film comprising a solid reagent and/or stores different reagents in different locations. In some embodiments, a fluidic system comprises a reagent carrier constrained such that it comprises an elongated axis positioned within 30° of a vertical axis of the fluidic reservoir.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a fluidic system that stores reagents using a reagent carrier and a fluidic reservoir with a vertical axis. Reagents are provided as primarily water-substantially-free liquid films that include solid reagents or as pellets in wells, with different reagents topologically separated using multiple wells.
The reagent carrier includes a carrier body with an elongated portion extending along an elongated axis and one or more protrusions extending from the elongated portion. The fluidic reservoir constrains the reagent carrier such that the elongated axis forms an angle of 30° or less with the vertical axis, and carrier geometry features including protrusions are used to enable controlled orientation with minimal occlusion.
The system further includes fluidic channel and valve concepts, including pouch/valve-based fluidic operation, and embodiments where films are disposed in wells.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim 1 defines the core fluidic system geometry and positioning: a reagent carrier with an elongated portion and protrusions constrained in a vertical fluidic reservoir so the elongated axis forms an angle of 30° or less with the reservoir’s vertical axis. Dependent claims further specify geometric constraints, non-occluding placement, reagent format options, and internal carrier features such as wells and film-based solid reagent delivery.
Vertical-axis fluidic reservoir with angled elongated-axis reagent carrier
A fluidic reservoir comprising a vertical axis, and a reagent carrier positioned in the fluidic reservoir, where the reagent carrier comprises a carrier body comprising an elongated portion extending along an elongated axis and one or more protrusions extending from the elongated portion, and the fluidic reservoir constrains the reagent carrier such that the elongated axis forms an angle of 30° or less with the vertical axis of the fluidic reservoir.
Elongated portion length bounded by reservoir height
The fluidic system defines that a length of the elongated portion is between 50% and 100% of a height of the fluidic reservoir.
Reservoir tapered lower portion with diameter constraints
The fluidic reservoir has a tapered lower portion, and a cross-sectional diameter of the elongated portion is greater than the lower minimum value.
Non-occluding placement of the carrier
The fluidic system specifies that the reagent carrier is positioned so flow of liquid into and/or out of the fluidic reservoir is not occluded.
Two wells along the elongated section at different locations
The carrier body comprises two wells positioned at different locations along the elongated section of the reagent carrier.
Water-soluble liquid film containing solid reagent
A fluidic system includes a liquid film disposed on at least a portion of the carrier body, where the liquid film comprises a solid reagent and at least a portion of the film is soluble in water.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on constraining an elongated-axis reagent carrier with protrusions inside a vertical-axis fluidic reservoir at an angle of 30° or less, with dependent refinements covering specific length/diameter/taper relationships, ensuring non-occluded liquid flow, providing internal well structures, and delivering solid reagents via a water-soluble liquid film.
Stated Advantages
Enables controlled orientation of the reagent carrier with minimal occlusion.
Large reductions in human DNA (e.g., ~99.9% human DNA reduction, with <0.02% remaining after additional reservoirs in the illustrative Example).
Documented Applications
Removing eukaryotic DNA from human blood using a multireservoir fluidic system with magnetic beads/anion exchange chemistry and selective lysis to reduce interfering human DNA.
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