Methods and systems for automated sample processing
Inventors
DeJohn, Marc • Cox, Christopher
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12023666-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure provides devices, systems, methods and kits for processing a sample. In some cases, a sample is processed in preparation for an assay (e.g., polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence-based target detection) by an analytic device. In some cases, the processing is automated. In some cases, the processing is substantially automated. The systems provided herein can comprise a cartridge (e.g., one-time use) and a dock (e.g., re-useable) for receiving the cartridge. In some cases, the devices and systems provided herein are portable.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an automated sample processing system comprising a sample chamber with a filter configured to capture one or more nucleic acid molecules from a sample. A well contains a reagent and is fluidly coupled to the sample chamber by a first conduit, and a fluid flow unit in fluid communication with the first conduit directs reagent to flow from the well to the sample chamber to provide a solution comprising the reagent and the one or more nucleic acid molecules.
The system includes an assay tube and a cap removably coupled to the assay tube, where at least a portion of the cap extends into the assay tube to provide a maximum working volume. The assay tube is in fluid communication with the sample chamber via a second conduit extending through the cap, and the cap comprises a self-sealable filter positioned towards an end of an additional conduit extending through the cap to prevent a liquid from the assay tube from entering the second conduit and the additional conduit under application of a vacuum when the self-sealable filter comes in contact with the liquid.
A controller coupled to the fluid flow unit receives instructions from a mobile electronic device for processing of the sample. In accordance with the instructions, the controller directs the fluid flow unit to subject the solution to flow from the sample chamber along the second conduit to the assay tube so that the assay tube receives at least a portion of the solution.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims: an apparatus claim directed to a system for sample processing and a method claim directed to performing sample processing using that system. The independent claims share five inventive features centered on filter-based nucleic acid capture, reagent-to-sample flow through conduits, transfer to an assay tube, a capped conduit arrangement with a self-sealable filter, and controller control using mobile electronic device instructions.
Filter configured to capture nucleic acid molecules in a sample chamber
A sample chamber comprising a filter configured to capture one or more nucleic acid molecules from a sample in said sample chamber.
Reagent well coupled to sample chamber via first conduit with fluid flow unit
A well fluidly coupled to said sample chamber by a first conduit, said well configured to contain a reagent, and a fluid flow unit in fluid communication with said first conduit configured to subject said reagent to flow from said well to said sample chamber.
Assay tube in fluid communication via second conduit through a removable cap
An assay tube and a cap removably coupled to said assay tube, wherein at least a portion of said cap extends into said assay tube to provide a maximum working volume, wherein said assay tube is in fluid communication with said sample chamber via a second conduit extending through said cap.
Self-sealable filter in cap to prevent liquid entry under vacuum
Said cap comprises a self-sealable filter positioned towards an end of an additional conduit extending through said cap, wherein said self-sealable filter is configured to prevent a liquid from said assay tube from entering into said second conduit and said additional conduit under application of a vacuum to said additional conduit when said self-sealable filter comes in contact with said liquid in said assay tube.
Controller receiving mobile electronic device instructions to direct reagent and solution flow
A controller coupled to said fluid flow unit configured to receive instructions from a mobile electronic device for processing of said sample, wherein said instructions cause said controller to direct said fluid flow unit to subject said reagent to flow from said well along said first conduit to said sample chamber to provide a solution comprising said reagent and said one or more nucleic acid molecules, and to direct said fluid flow unit to subject said solution to flow from said sample chamber along said second conduit to said assay tube such that said assay tube receives at least a portion of said solution.
Across the independent claims, the central inventive coverage is the combination of a filter-containing sample chamber for nucleic acid capture, conduit-based reagent and solution movement to an assay tube, a removable capped assay arrangement that includes a self-sealable filter to prevent liquid entry into conduits under vacuum, and controller-directed flow based on mobile electronic device instructions.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?