Apparatuses for contactless loading and imaging of microfluidic chips and related methods
Inventors
Johnson, Ross • Isom, Jonathan • Bussian, David • Arab, Nicolas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12128415-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus for loading and imaging a microfluidic chip can comprise a housing having walls that define a vacuum chamber and a first receptacle disposed within the vacuum chamber, the first receptacle defining a space for receiving one or more microfluidic chips. The apparatus can also include a negative pressure source, a light source, and an optical sensor coupled to the housing. The negative pressure source can be configured to reduce pressure within the vacuum chamber, the light source can be positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s), and the optical sensor can be positioned to capture an image of at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s).
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention is an apparatus for loading and imaging at least one microfluidic chip using a housing that defines a vacuum chamber. At least one wall includes a transparent portion, and a first receptacle is disposed within the vacuum chamber to receive one or more microfluidic chips. A negative pressure source coupled to the housing reduces pressure within the vacuum chamber to evacuate gas from one or more chip test volumes.
The apparatus loads liquid into the chip test volume(s) while the chip remains in the vacuum chamber, including venting back to ambient pressure to load the liquid and form droplets. Imaging is performed while the chip remains in the vacuum chamber, with a light source coupled to the housing to illuminate at least a portion of the space for receiving the microfluidic chip(s). An optical sensor is disposed outside the vacuum chamber and captures an image through the transparent portion of the housing wall.
The optical sensor moves relative to the housing outside of the vacuum chamber in at least two orthogonal directions and is positionable to capture images of at least a portion of the space for receiving the one or more microfluidic chips. The disclosure further supports imaging of multiple test volumes by using relative motion and includes optical train elements to manage exposure to the optical sensor. The system can include optional barcode scanning and optional heating within the vacuum chamber for microorganism culturing, and it can support a fluorescence-based viability indicator using selected light and filters.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an apparatus that performs loading and imaging of microfluidic chips using a vacuum chamber with a transparent wall portion and an optical sensor that captures images from outside the vacuum chamber while moving in at least two orthogonal directions. The claim set includes five main inventive features.
Vacuum chamber housing with transparent portion
A housing having walls that define a vacuum chamber, wherein at least one of the walls includes a transparent portion.
Chip receptacle disposed within vacuum chamber
A first receptacle disposed within the vacuum chamber, the first receptacle defining a space for receiving one or more microfluidic chips.
Negative pressure source coupled to housing
A negative pressure source coupled to the housing and configured to reduce pressure within the vacuum chamber.
Illuminating light source coupled to housing
A light source coupled to the housing and positionable to illuminate at least a portion of the space for receiving the microfluidic chip(s).
Outside vacuum optical sensor with orthogonal movement
An optical sensor coupled to the housing and disposed outside of the vacuum chamber, configured to move relative to the housing outside of the vacuum chamber in at least two orthogonal directions and positionable to capture an image through the transparent portion of at least one of the walls.
Overall, the claim set is directed to loading and imaging microfluidic chips using a vacuum-chamber housing with a transparent wall portion, a receptacle within the vacuum chamber, a negative pressure source, a light source, and an optical sensor outside the vacuum chamber that captures images through the transparent portion while moving in orthogonal directions.
Stated Advantages
Provides fast loading via reducing pressure in the vacuum chamber and venting back to ambient pressure without manual chip transfer.
Enables imaging while the chips remain in the vacuum chamber by capturing images through the transparent portion from an optical sensor outside the vacuum chamber.
Supports imaging of multiple test volumes by positioning the optical sensor to move in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the housing.
Improves throughput and timing by enabling imaging within minutes due to rapid pressure equalization.
Allows compact imaging geometry using an optical train to reduce sensor exposure.
Enables fluorescence-based imaging using selected light and optical filtering.
Documented Applications
Loading and imaging microfluidic chips, including imaging of chip test volumes containing droplets.
Fluorescence-based imaging associated with a viability indicator using a fluorescent compound.
Optional barcode scanning during chip handling within the described system.
Optional microorganism culturing supported by heating within the vacuum chamber.
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