Modular flow cytometry systems and methods of processing samples
Inventors
Klas, Gary • McAda, Daniel • Xia, Zheng • Ebersole, Matthew • Lena, Brian • Appleyard, David • Lu, Richard • Buckley, Scott • Abermoske, Mark
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12135270-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Modular flow cytometry systems and methods for processing samples are described herein. The systems include automated or semi-automated modules that are replaceable and removable. A sample pathway module may be removed and placed in a microfluidic device cleaning module for cleaning, and then reinstalled or stored for later use. The systems further include optical modules, electronics modules, and mixing and collection modules. The optical module includes a photo-damaging assembly and detection laser assembly that may be on the same side relative to a plane or surface of a flow cytometry device and opposite of a detection assembly. The laser beam may have a beam waist that is wider in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction than in the flow direction. The mixing and collection module can automatically mix a sample being collected in a sample tube and switch to another sample tube when the other tube is full.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a modular flow cytometry system for processing a sample using a microfluidic chip. The system is arranged in a tiered chassis with an electronics module at a lowest level, a sample pathway module and a fluidics module at a second level, and an interrogation module at a third level.
The interrogation module includes a detection laser coupled to a detection assembly and a kill laser coupled to the detection assembly for processing a sample flowing through the microfluidic chip. The kill laser and the detection laser are disposed on a common side of the interrogation module with respect to each other.
The system further includes a sample mixing and collection module disposed below the microfluidic module in the same second level of the chassis. The sample mixing and collection module collects and automatically mixes the processed sample exiting the microfluidic chip while rotating about a pivot to move in an arcuate path for uniform and controlled mixing.
The modular system is configured so that each module can be separately removed and re-installed or replaced with another of the same module for near-continuous operation.
Claims Coverage
The claims cover four inventive features: a tiered modular chassis with separately removable modules, coordinated electronics and fluidics with a microfluidic sample pathway, an interrogation module with detection and kill lasers on a common side, and an arcuate pivot mixing and collection module.
Tiered modular chassis with separately removable modules
A modular flow cytometry system has a chassis sectioned into a plurality of levels, with each module configured to be separately removed and re-installed or replaced with another of the same module for near-continuous operation.
Electronics and microfluidic sample pathway with fluidics coupling
An electronics module is disposed in a first, lowest chassis level and includes one or more computer processors and electronic ports; a sample pathway module and a fluidics module are disposed in a second chassis level, where the fluidics module is fluidically coupled to the sample pathway module for circulating one or more fluids through the sample pathway module.
Interrogation module with detection and kill lasers on a common side
An interrogation module is disposed in a third chassis level and operatively coupled to the electronics module, including a detection laser operatively coupled to a detection assembly and a kill laser operatively coupled to the detection assembly for processing a sample flowing through the microfluidic chip, wherein the kill laser and the detection laser are disposed on a common side of the interrogation module with respect to each other.
Arcuate pivot rotation mixing and automatic sample collection
A sample mixing and collection module is disposed below the microfluidic module in the same second chassis level and configured to collect and automatically mix the processed sample exiting the microfluidic chip, where the sample mixing and collection module rotates about a pivot to move in an arcuate path for uniform and controlled motion.
The claims center on a modular, tiered flow cytometry system with separately swappable modules, a microfluidic sample pathway fluidically coupled to circulating fluids, an interrogation module using a detection laser and a kill laser placed on a common side, and a rotating arcuate-path mixing and collection module.
Stated Advantages
Near-continuous operation enabled by separately removable and re-installable or replaceable modules.
Mixing of the sample in a uniform and controlled motion.
Improved sample purity/consistency.
Reduced downtime.
Faster alignment/setup.
Reduced operator calibration.
Improved kill efficacy consistency.
Documented Applications
Processing semen using fluorescence classification and selective laser damage for semen sexing.
Processing sperm cells for fluorescence-based classification and selective damage/kill events.
Processing a sample using modular flow cytometry with microfluidic chip-based detection and kill laser processing of a sample flowing through the microfluidic chip.
Processing particles or components in a sample using at least one characteristic and automatically mixing the processed sample using a set of defined parameters before collection.
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