Abstract:
A sample-processing device (150) comprises a unitary body (152), preferably a molded polymeric part, having formed therein a reaction chamber (154) for chemically reacting a sample, a separation region (158) for separating components of the sample, and a transition region (156) connecting the reaction chamber (154) to the separation region (158). The reaction chamber (154), transition region (156), and separation region (158) are formed in and enclosed by the unitary body (152). Additionally, the transition region (156) includes at least one flow restrictor (180) for controlling the flow of fluid between the reaction chamber (154) and the separation region (158). Further, the portion of the unitary body (152) defining the transition region (156) has lower thermal conduction than the portion of the body defining the reaction chamber (154) so that the transition region (156) thermally isolates the reaction chamber (154) from the separation region (156). In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber (154) is an amplification chamber for amplifying nucleic acid in the sample, and the separation region (158) comprises an electrophoresis column or capillary containing a suitable matrix material, such as electrophoresis gel or buffer, for separating nucleic acid fragments in the sample. Electrodes (167, 168, 169) are embedded in the body (152) for forcing the sample to flow from the reaction chamber (154) to the separation region (158). The unitary body (152) may also be surrounded by external, functional components such as an optical detector (186) for detecting separated components of the sample.
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:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for performing an amplification reaction of nucleic acids with internal controls that test the integrity of all aspects of the amplification reaction.
Abstract:
A cartridge for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample has a sample flow path and a lysing chamber (86) in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for capturing cells or viruses from the sample as the sample flows through the lysing chamber. Beads are also disposed in the lysing chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses to release the analyte therefrom. An analyte flow path extends from the lysing chamber and diverges from the sample flow path. The analyte flow path preferably leads to a reaction chamber for chemically reacting and optically detecting the analyte. The cartridge also includes at least one flow controller (e.g., valves) for directing the sample into the waste chamber after the sample flows through the lysing chamber and for directing the analyte separated from the sample into the analyte flow path.
Abstract:
A multi-site reactor system (60) provides dynamic, independent, computer-implemented control of each reaction site, permitting different thermal profiles to be performed on samples at different reaction sites simultaneously. The system includes reaction vessels (2) for holding reaction mixtures and heat-exchanging modules (37) for receiving the vessels. The system also includes a controller (64) for independently controlling each heat-exchanging module (37) to heat and/or cool the reaction mixture contained therein. The controller (64) includes an adaptive control program for dynamically adjusting the duration or intensity of power pulses provided to each heating element and for dynamically adjusting the duration of fan operation to attain target temperatures quickly and accurately without overshooting or undershooting the target.
Abstract:
The invention provides a multi-bead assay system for a protein based assay comprising at least two different beads. The first bead comprises protein and a protein stabilization matrix. The first bead forms a first solution when dissolved in liquid, and the first solution permts a first activity level for the assay. The second bead comprises a potentiation bead matrix that when dissolved in the first solution forms a second solution that potentiates the protein based assay to achieve a second actitivy level that is higher than the first activity level.
Abstract:
The invention presents a microfluidic device and method for separating a desired material, such as nucleic acid, from other materials in a fluid sample. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a microfabricated chip (20) having an inlet port (28), an outlet port (30), and an extraction chamber (26) in fluid communication with the ports. The chamber (26) has internal attachment surfaces for capturing the desired material from the fluid sample as the sample flows continuously through the chamber. The captured material may then be eluted by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the chamber (26), thus releasing the material from the internal surfaces into the elution fluid. The flow-through design of the device allows target material from a relatively large volume of fluid sample to be concentrated into a much smaller volume of elution fluid. The internal surfaces are preferably formed by an array of columns (32) integrally formed with a wall of the chamber (26) and extending into the chamber (26). The collumns (32) provide a large surface area for capturing the desired material. The device also preferably includes an integrated heater (34) for increasing elution efficiency.
Abstract:
An assembly for performing controlled heat exchanging reactions is provided. The assembly has a chemical reaction chamber adapted to receive a sample and allow the sample to chemically react; a thermal sleeve having heating elements for making efficient thermal contact with a reaction chamber; an instrument with a housing comprising an electrical connection, a cooling source, a processing area adapted to receive a thermal sleeve, and an optics assembly in optical communication with a chemical reaction chamber; and a circuit for monitoring and controlling the optics assembly and for collecting the output signal of the optics assembly. Preferably there are a plurality of housings and associated modules, each of which may be independently controlled for heat exchanging operations.
Abstract:
Described are methods, kits and systems for multiplexed detection of biological agents in a sample, e.g., multiplexed detection of e.g., bacteria, viruses, and biological toxins. The method utilizes two markers for each agent; the presence or absence in a sample of each ~f the two markers per agent is determined in separate reactions; however each reaction is used to detect a single marker for multiple agents. Also disclosed is the multiplexed detection method using real time PCR. The invention provides an efficient, cost-effective, and specific method for multiplexed detection of biological agents.
Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus, method, and computer program product for determining a threshold value (e.g., a cycle number or time value) in a nucleic acid amplification reaction. The apparatus is programmed to amplify a nucleic acid sequence and measure, at a plurality of different times during the amplification reaction, at least one signal whose intensity is related to the quantity or concentration of the nucleic acid sequence being amplified. The apparatus stores signal values defining a growth curve for the nucleic acid sequence, determines a first or second derivative of the growth curve, and calculates a threshold cycle number or time value associated with a characteristic of the derivative (e.g., a positive peak of the first derivative, a positive or negative peak of the second derivative, or a zero-crossing of the second derivative). The invention also provides apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for determining an unknown starting quantity or concentration of a nucleic acid sequence in a test sample using quantitative internal controls or using internal standards.