Miniaturized DNA microarray for small-volume sample processing
Inventors
McFarland, Kirsty A. • Lissandrello, Charles A. • Magyar, Andrew P. • Rosenberger, Erin
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Assignees
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc
Member
DraperDraper is an independent nonprofit engineering innovation company with a legacy spanning over 90 years, dedicated to delivering transformative solutions for national security, prosperity, and global challenges. Renowned for its pioneering work in guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) systems, Draper partners with government, industry, and academia to engineer advanced technologies in space, defense, biotechnology, and electronic systems. The company leverages multidisciplinary expertise, digital engineering, and a collaborative approach to provide field-ready prototypes, mission-critical systems, and innovative research. Draper’s mission is to ensure the nation's security and prosperity by delivering sustainable, cutting-edge solutions that address the toughest problems of today and tomorrow, while fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Draper also invests in the next generation of innovators through robust educational programs, including internships, co-ops, and the Draper Scholars Program, integrating academic research with real-world problem-solving.
Draper is an independent nonprofit engineering innovation company with a legacy spanning over 90 years, dedicated to delivering transformative solutions for national security, prosperity, and global challenges. Renowned for its pioneering work in guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) systems, Draper partners with government, industry, and academia to engineer advanced technologies in space, defense, biotechnology, and electronic systems. The company leverages multidisciplinary expertise, digital engineering, and a collaborative approach to provide field-ready prototypes, mission-critical systems, and innovative research. Draper’s mission is to ensure the nation's security and prosperity by delivering sustainable, cutting-edge solutions that address the toughest problems of today and tomorrow, while fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Draper also invests in the next generation of innovators through robust educational programs, including internships, co-ops, and the Draper Scholars Program, integrating academic research with real-world problem-solving.
Publication Number
US-11890620-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
Miniaturized DNA microarrays are described to be used in conjunction with microfluidic channels or microcentrifuge tubes and microcentrifuge filters to reduce sample size, incubation time and to increase overall binding efficiency.
Core Innovation
The present invention encompasses assemblies/apparatuses comprising miniaturized DNA microarrays to allow for the processing and subsequent collection of very small sample volumes and to address some of the limitations of conventional DNA microarrays. Notable features include miniaturization of the supporting microfluidics, miniaturization of the array, and integration of the microfluidics array with the optical readout.
DNA microarrays as described in the background have limitations including that the geometry and probe layout of the array lead to lengthy incubation times; large target sample volumes are required; no effort is made to conserve or to recover the sample; and optical readout is a separate step which typically requires a specialized scanner.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim identified: 1. Three main inventive features are extracted from the independent claim.
Single high-density oligonucleotide array on small substrate
a single high-density array of oligonucleotide probes printed on a single solid substrate, wherein the dimensions of the solid substrate are about 14.0 mm by about 8 mm, or less
Inert enclosure with fluid inlet and outlet ports
an inert enclosure surrounding sides and bottom of the single solid substrate, wherein the enclosure has a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet/exit port which allows fluid to flow over and contact the oligonucleotide probes of the array
Optically transparent sealed top surface
an optically transparent top surface sealed to the enclosure
The independent claim recites a miniaturized DNA microarray assembly comprising a single high-density oligonucleotide array on a small solid substrate, an inert enclosure with fluid inlet and outlet ports to permit fluid flow over the probes, and an optically transparent top surface sealed to the enclosure.
Stated Advantages
Enable low-volume analysis and conservation of high value samples.
Reduce incubation time through increased interaction between sample oligonucleotides/DNA of interest and nucleic acid probes.
Increase overall binding efficiency.
Minimize sample loss through enclosure/encapsulation to prevent evaporation.
Allow recovery of unhybridized sample and high-stringency washes for downstream processing.
Enable dehybridization reactions in the chamber for further analysis after scanning.
Provide multiplexed optical readout with high sensitivity and specificity enabling interrogation of samples and permitting recovery of both hybridized and non-hybridized samples.
Documented Applications
Assaying a sample for one, or more, oligonucleotide sequences of interest (target DNA).
Processing and subsequent collection of very small sample volumes in conjunction with microfluidic channels or microcentrifuge tubes and microcentrifuge filters.
Insertion of the mini-microarray substrate into a standard microcentrifuge tube or microcentrifuge filter apparatus to allow incubation and recovery of unhybridized sample by centrifugation.
Use with microfluidic devices comprising serpentine or closed-loop channels that pass sample over the array to maximize interaction between sample oligonucleotides/DNA and probes.
Optical detection/readout of hybridization reactions (e.g., using fluorescent tags) with standard optical means such as a microscope, camera, and computer.
Application to bodily and biological fluids explicitly listed: whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, cerebral spinal fluid, wound exudates or tissue homogenate.
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