Apparatus and method for a lysis of a sample, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis of a sample
Inventors
Boos, Andreas • Lüdke, Gerd • Bacher, Johannes
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9963670-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a lysis procedure, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis procedure of a sample, in particular a biological sample. The apparatus comprises at least one rotation disc (31), at least one vial holder (90) which is configured to receive a vial (100), wherein the vial holder (90) is arranged on the disc (31), at least one driving device (20) which is configured to rotate the disc (31) and the vial holder (90), at least one heating device (60) which is configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature, and—at least one control device (70) which is configured to control the driving device (20) and/or the heating device (60) by means of a timing and/or step control, and/or—at least one transmitting device (80) for inductive coupling for energy and signal transmission, which is configured to transmit the energy for heating to the heating device (60), and/or—wherein the driving device (20) is configured to rotate the disc (31) in a first direction (A1) and/or with a first speed, and to rotate the vial holder (90) in a second direction (A3) and/or with a second speed. The apparatus and the method are adapted for an (automated) lysis procedure, wherein the lysis can be carried out in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus for a lysis of a sample using at least one rotation disc and at least one vial holder configured to receive a vial, wherein the vial holder is arranged on the disc. A driving device is configured to rotate the disc in a first direction and to rotate the vial holder in a second opposite direction, so the absolute orientation of the vial holder is substantially kept constant while rotating.
The apparatus further includes at least one heater configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature. A control device in communication with and configured to control the driving device, or the heater, or both, according to input data and a protocol to be carried out automatically according to at least one of time control, step control, or feedback control, with feedback based on a signal received from at least one of the driving device or the heater.
The description emphasizes coordinated heating and mechanical processing while the vial holder orientation is substantially kept constant, including an inductive transmitting device for transferring heating energy and sensor signals without interfering with rotation. The protocol is carried out automatically through phases including a rotating phase and a resting phase, and the apparatus includes temperature sensing, a housing and lid, sensors, motor and gear stages for the opposing-direction rotation, a deviation device to tilt vial holders, and position sensing for start and stop.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set centers on an apparatus that combines opposing-direction disc and vial-holder rotation with substantially constant absolute vial-holder orientation, coupled with heating to a determined incubation temperature and automatic protocol execution using time, step, and/or feedback control. The provided material identifies 9 inventive features across the independent and dependent claim set.
Opposing-direction rotation maintaining constant absolute vial-holder orientation
An apparatus in which the driving device rotates the disc in a first direction and rotates the vial holder in a second opposite direction, wherein the absolute orientation of the vial holder is substantially kept constant while rotating.
Automatic protocol with time, step, and feedback control
A control device configured to control the driving device, or the heater, or both according to input data and a protocol to be carried out automatically according to at least one of time control, step control, or feedback control, wherein feedback control is based on a signal received from at least one of the driving device or the heater.
Memory-stored protocol and input of input data
The control device comprises a memory device to store the input data and the protocol, and an input device in communication with the memory device to input the input data into the memory device.
Heater for determined incubation temperature
At least one heater configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature.
Inductive transmitting device for heating energy and sensor signals
An inductive transducer arranged for inductive coupling to transmit energy for heating and/or a temperature-sensor signal to a control device.
Opposing-direction mechanical gear stages
The driving device comprises a motor for rotating the disc in the first direction, at least a first stage gear rotated by the disc in the first direction, and at least a second stage gear rotated by the first stage gear in the second opposite direction such that the vial holder associated with the second stage gear rotates in the second opposite direction.
Position sensing for start and stop
At least one position sensor detects start position and/or stop position of the vial holder and/or the disc.
Protocol with rotating phase and resting phase
The protocol includes a rotating phase and a resting phase.
Incubation temperature range
An incubation step performed at an incubation temperature ranging from 50°C to 100°C.
The claim coverage describes an automated lysis apparatus that integrates opposing-direction rotation with substantially constant vial-holder orientation, heating to an incubation temperature, and automatic control by time, step, and/or feedback. The dependent features add inductive transmission, mechanical gear stages, position sensing, rotating and resting phases, and an incubation temperature range.
Stated Advantages
Smooth and balanced operation enabled by keeping the absolute orientation of the vial holder substantially constant while rotating.
Efficiency improvements from coordinated automated cycling through rotating and resting phases using inductive energy/signal transmission.
Documented Applications
Automated controlled lysis of a sample using coordinated mechanical cycling and heating to a determined incubation temperature under an automatic protocol.
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