Abstract:
A device for separating an analyte from a fluid sample comprises a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. A microfluidic chip is positioned in the first flow path. The microfluidic chip includes an extraction chamber having an array of microstructures for capturing the analyte from the sample as the sample flows through the extraction chamber and for subsequently releasing the captured analyte into an elution fluid as the elution fluid flows through the extraction chamber. Each of the microstructures has an aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The cartridge also includes a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the microfluidic chip, the second flow path diverging from the first flow path after passing through the chip. At least one flow controller directs the sample into the first flow path and the eluted analyte into the second flow path.
Abstract:
A device for lysing components (e.g., cells, spores, or microorganisms) of a fluid sample comprises a cartridge having a lysing chamber for receiving the sample and having at least one solid phase in the lysing chamber for capturing the sample components to be lysed. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to a wall of the lysing chamber to transfer ultrasonic energy to the captured sample components.
Abstract:
An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.
Abstract:
An apparatus for thermally controlling and optically interrogating a reaction mixture includes a vessel null2null having a chamber null10null for holding the mixture. The apparatus also includes a heat-exchanging module null37null having a pair of opposing thermal plates null34A, 34Bnull for receiving the vessel null2null between them and for heating/and or cooling the mixture contained in the vessel. The module null37null also includes optical excitation and detection assemblies null46,48null positioned to optically interrogate the mixture. The excitation assembly null46null includes multiple light sources null100null and a set of filters for sequentially illuminating labeled analytes in the mixture with excitation beams in multiple excitation wavelength ranges. The detection assembly null48null includes multiple detectors null102null and a second set of filters for detecting light emitted from the chamber null10null in multiple emission wavelength ranges. The optics assemblies null46,48null thus provide a multi-channel system for detecting a plurality of different target analytes in the mixture.
Abstract:
A method for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample comprises the steps of introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for separating cells or viruses from the sample. The sample is forced to flow through the sample flow path, thereby capturing the cells or viruses with the filter as the sample flows through the chamber. The ratio of the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber to the volume capacity of the chamber is preferably at least 2:1, and the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber is preferably at least 100 microliters. The captured cells or viruses are disrupted to release the analyte therefrom, and the analyte is eluted from the chamber.
Abstract:
A computer program product for determining a threshold value (e.g., a threshold cycle number or time value) in a nucleic acid amplification reaction tangibly embodies instructions readable by a machine to perform the steps of deriving a growth curve from measurements of a signal whose intensity is related to a quantity of nucleic acid sequence being amplified in the reaction, calculating a derivative of the growth curve, identifying a characteristic of the derivative, and determining a threshold value associated with the characteristic of the derivative. The method provides for highly reproducible threshold values that are independent of noise or background signal in the amplification reaction. Embodiments of a computer program product for determining a starting quantity of a nucleic acid sequence in a test sample are also provided.
Abstract:
This invention provides an apparatus for rapidly heating and/or cooling a sample in a reaction vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes optics for the efficient detection of a reaction product in the vessel. The invention also provides a reaction vessel having a reaction chamber designed for optimal thermal conductance and for efficient optical viewing of reaction products in the chamber.
Abstract:
A container for holding cells or viruses for disruption comprises a chamber defined by two spaced apart, opposing major walls and side walls connecting the major walls to each other. At least one of the major walls has an external surface to which the transducer may be coupled and is sufficiently flexible to flex in response to vibratory motion of the transducer. The container also has at least one port for introducing the cells or viruses into the chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber contains beads for aiding the disruption of the cells or viruses.
Abstract:
An apparatus for determining a threshold value (e.g., a threshold cycle number or a time value) in a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a detection mechanism for measuring, at a plurality of different times during the amplification reaction, at least one signal whose intensity is related to the quantity of a nucleic acid sequence being amplified in the reaction. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the detection mechanism. The controller is programmed to perform the steps of deriving a growth curve from the measurements of the signal; calculating a derivative of the growth curve; identifying a characteristic of the derivative; and determining a threshold value associated with the characteristic of the derivative. Embodiments of an apparatus for determining a starting quantity of a nucleic acid sequence in a test sample are also provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus for determining a threshold value (e.g., a threshold cycle number or a time value) in a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a detection mechanism for measuring, at a plurality of different times during the amplification reaction, at least one signal whose intensity is related to the quantity of a nucleic acid sequence being amplified in the reaction. A controller in communication with the detection mechanism is programmed to store signal values defining a growth curve for the nucleic acid sequence, determine a derivative of the growth curve, and calculate a cycle number or time value associated with a characteristic of the derivative.