Rapid detection of analytes in liquid samples
Inventors
Azizoglu, Reha O. • Bresolin, Stefano • Calderwood, David A. • Cheek, Robert L. • Drach, Joy Parr • Groelke, John • Heineck, Tobias M. • Hockett, Mitchell • Newcomb, David • Olsen, Duane • Paul, Chris • Pollard, Jasper N. • Rodriguez, Rodolfo R. • Young, Demetris
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9797893-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for detecting at least one analyte in a liquid sample generally comprises (i) a support having a chamber for receiving a biological fluid (e.g., milk) therein, wherein said chamber is an elongate chamber having a length axis; (ii) a (stationary or movable) carrier (in some embodiments in the form of an end cap, or connected to an end cap; in other embodiments in the form of an agitator in said elongate chamber).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a rapid analyte/pathogen detection device and method for liquid biological samples that use an elongate chamber and an internal stationary or movable carrier to place anti-analyte antibodies in a controlled interaction zone. Anti-analyte antibodies are immobilized on the carrier and/or on surfaces of the elongate chamber, and analyte/pathogen binding is enhanced by bringing analytes into close proximity to the immobilized antibodies via carrier motion or agitation rather than relying solely on diffusion.
The approach supports multiplexing by using multiple antibody-discrete carrier segments, enabling different antibody regions to be presented within the detection device. Apparatus embodiments described include segmented or magnetic carriers and an optically transparent imaging window for microscope-based detection.
The system is described as integrating a sample cartridge with an automated microscope having X, Y, and Z planes of movement, including an XYZ stage and a removably locked cartridge mounting arrangement. The disclosed microscope integration includes cartridge securing features with a locking edge portion and guide members on an XYZ stage, where a locking member comprising a ball detent presses against the cartridge locking edge portion.
The document further describes autofocus enhancement using exogenous fluorescent targets positioned at known focal points, including a fluorescent-bead based focus score for automated fluorescent microscopy.
Claims Coverage
One independent claim is provided, and it covers one inventive feature.
Xyz stage assembly for removably locking a sample cartridge for automated microscope movement
An XYZ stage assembly for securing a sample cartridge in an automated microscope having X, Y, and Z planes of movement, including a sample cartridge with a locking edge portion and opposing side edge portions, and an XYZ stage with a base member and planar stage surface, slideably receiving the cartridge between parallel guide members and using a ball detent locking member to press against the cartridge locking edge portion so the cartridge is removably locked in place in the Z plane and secured in all three of the X, Y and Z planes.
The independent claim primarily covers an XYZ stage assembly that removably locks a sample cartridge on an automated microscope across X, Y, and Z movement using angled cartridge and stage features with a ball detent locking member.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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