EP2446967A1 - System zur Verarbeitung und/oder Analyse flüssiger Proben, Versiegelungsanordnung und Verfahren zum Heißsiegeln einer Mikroplatte - Google Patents

System zur Verarbeitung und/oder Analyse flüssiger Proben, Versiegelungsanordnung und Verfahren zum Heißsiegeln einer Mikroplatte Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2446967A1
EP2446967A1 EP10189647A EP10189647A EP2446967A1 EP 2446967 A1 EP2446967 A1 EP 2446967A1 EP 10189647 A EP10189647 A EP 10189647A EP 10189647 A EP10189647 A EP 10189647A EP 2446967 A1 EP2446967 A1 EP 2446967A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat
microplate
sealing cover
sealing
wells
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10189647A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Schlaubitz
Pius Studer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Roche Diagnostics GmbH
Original Assignee
F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Roche Diagnostics GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by F Hoffmann La Roche AG, Roche Diagnostics GmbH filed Critical F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Priority to EP10189647A priority Critical patent/EP2446967A1/de
Publication of EP2446967A1 publication Critical patent/EP2446967A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
    • B01L3/50853—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates with covers or lids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
    • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/12—Specific details about manufacturing devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
    • B01L2200/141—Preventing contamination, tampering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0829—Multi-well plates; Microtitration plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/16—Surface properties and coatings
    • B01L2300/168—Specific optical properties, e.g. reflective coatings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
    • B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
    • B01L2300/1811—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using electromagnetic induction heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
    • B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
    • B01L2300/1827—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using resistive heater
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
    • B01L2300/1861—Means for temperature control using radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
    • B01L2300/1861—Means for temperature control using radiation
    • B01L2300/1872—Infrared light

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of clinical analysis and medical diagnostics and more particularly relates to a system for processing and/or analyzing liquid samples comprising a sealing arrangement for heat-sealing a microplate. It further relates to a sealing arrangement and a method for heat-sealing a microplate.
  • transparent plastic foils which allow for an optical detection of reaction products even during progress of the reactions.
  • a transparent foil provided with an adhesive backing is positioned over the microplate and pressed on the upper face, e.g., by means of a pressure roll rolling back and forth to obtain uniform adhesion to the microplate.
  • adhesive foils often cause problems as to an air-tight sealing of the wells. Otherwise, the adhesive material can eventually influence the outcome of the sample analysis.
  • the foil is pressed on the upper face of the microplate and heated, e.g., by means of a heated stamp to ensure a close adhesive fit with full contact to the microplate.
  • heat releasing sections relates to individual elements for releasing heat which can be actively or passively heated and, e.g., can be configured as separate components or, in the more strict sense of the term, as portions or parts of one structural entity.
  • a new system for processing liquid samples involving pipetting of said samples and/or for analyzing liquid samples comprises a sealing arrangement for the automated heat-sealing of a microplate involving the use of a thermally fixable sealing cover for sealing the wells.
  • the sealing arrangement can be manually operated for heat-sealing the microplate.
  • the sealing arrangement is automatically operated for heat-sealing the microplate.
  • the microplate has an upper face forming a plurality of open-top retention regions or wells sized to receive liquid samples such as reaction mixtures.
  • the term "sealing cover” generally refers to laminar objects which can be used for air-tightly heat-sealing the wells.
  • the sealing cover is a thermally fusible sealing cover which can be fused to adhere to the microplate during solidification such as a sealing foil.
  • the sealing cover is provided with an adhesive material which can be thermally activated. Such adhesive materials are well-known to those of skill in the art and, e.g., are described in US-patent No. 7037580 .
  • the sealing cover is configured as transparent sealing cover enabling optical detection of substances contained in the wells.
  • the sealing cover can be planar or non-planar, flat or non-flat and, especially, can be structured in various ways, e.g., to comprise functional components such as optical lenses.
  • materials which can be used for sealing covers are plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) and laminates, e.g., made of aluminium (Al) and polypropylene (PP).
  • the system of the invention can be used for processing liquid samples wherein processing of the liquid samples involves pipetting of the samples by means of one or more pipettors.
  • the samples are subject to pipetting operations prior to heat-sealing the wells of the microplate, e.g., to pipette the samples into the wells and/or to add fluids and/or remove to aliquots of the samples contained in the wells.
  • the samples contained in the wells are subject to pipetting operations after heat-sealing wells, e.g., to add fluids to the samples contained in the wells and/or to remove aliquots therefrom.
  • the system of the invention can be used for analyzing liquid samples contained in the heat-sealed wells by means of one or more analytical compartments for performing tests and assays related to various immunochemical and/or clinical-chemical analysis items.
  • the system is adapted to thermally treat reaction mixtures contained in the heat-sealed wells to be put through a series of temperature excursions, e.g., for performing the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or any other reaction of the nucleic acid amplification type.
  • transparent sealing covers enable quantitative real-time PCR by optically detecting the reaction products obtained during progress of the reactions.
  • the sealing arrangement of the system for processing and/or analyzing liquid samples comprises a pressing element provided with a pressing face for pressing the thermally fixable sealing cover on the upper face of the microplate.
  • the pressing element can be moved to be brought in and out of direct (physical) contact with the sealing cover for pressing the sealing cover on the microplate.
  • the sealing arrangement further comprises a plurality of heat releasing sections arranged in a manner to release heat to the microplate-pressed sealing cover except for sealing cover regions covering openings of the wells.
  • the pressing element is provided with the heat releasing sections so that heat can be released to the sealing cover when operating the pressing element for pressing the sealing cover on the microplate.
  • the sealing arrangement is adapted to position the pressing element with respect to the microplate in a manner to enable the heat releasing sections to release heat to the sealing cover except for regions covering openings of the wells.
  • the sealing cover is provided with the heat releasing sections so that heat can be released to the sealing cover when operating the pressing element for pressing the sealing cover on the microplate.
  • the sealing arrangement is adapted to position the sealing cover with respect to the microplate in a manner to enable the heat releasing sections to release heat to the sealing cover except for regions covering openings of the wells.
  • the microplate is provided with the heat releasing sections so that heat can be released to the sealing cover except for regions covering the openings of the wells when operating the pressing element for pressing the sealing cover on the microplate.
  • the sealing arrangement of the invention advantageously enables the sealing cover to be locally heated to thereby induce adherence to the microplate wherein the liquid samples contained in the wells are subject to a reduced heat input.
  • an inadvertent start of the amplification reaction caused by heat-sealing the microplate can advantageously be avoided.
  • unspecific nucleic acid amplification prior to thermally cycling the liquid samples can be prevented so as to improve the reliability and reproducibility of the test results.
  • the system of the invention includes a source for generating electromagnetic radiation wherein the heat releasing sections are being adapted for absorbing the electromagnetic radiation to be passively heated for releasing heat to the sealing cover.
  • the heat releasing sections are made of carbon black which, e.g., can be applied to the pressing element or sealing cover or microplate by using conventional printing technology such as screen printing or laser printing.
  • the source is adapted to generate infrared radiation. Accordingly, the heat releasing sections can be readily heated by illuminating with the electromagnetic radiation.
  • the sealing arrangement includes a source for generating electromagnetic radiation
  • the sealing arrangement is provided with a plurality of reflective sections for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the reflective sections are located in a manner to shield the openings of the wells from the electromagnetic radiation. Accordingly, heat input to the samples contained in the wells can advantageously be further reduced.
  • the heat releasing sections are thermally isolated in a manner to reduce heat transfer to the ambient other than the sealing cover. Accordingly, heat input to the arrangement for heat-sealing the sealing cover can advantageously be reduced for improving the efficiency in heat-sealing the microplate.
  • the heat releasing sections are electrically conductive structures adapted for generating Ohmic heat for releasing heat to the sealing cover. Accordingly, the heat releasing sections can be actively heated by supplying electric current.
  • the heating sections are formed by a meshed structure interconnecting the heating sections.
  • the pressing face of the pressing element has first and second zones, wherein the first zones are located in a manner to be brought in opposite relationship to first regions of the sealing cover covering the openings of the wells and the second zones are located in a manner to be brought in opposite relationship to second regions of the sealing cover covering microplate portions other than the openings of the wells.
  • the first and second zones have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • the invention relates to a sealing arrangement for the automated heat-sealing of a microplate involving the use of a thermally fixable sealing cover for sealing the wells.
  • the sealing arrangement comprises a pressing element provided with a pressing face for pressing a thermally fixable sealing cover on the microplate for sealing the wells and a plurality of heat releasing sections located in a manner to release heat to the microplate-pressed sealing cover except for sealing cover regions covering openings of the wells.
  • the sealing arrangement can be configured according to the various embodiments as above-detailed in connection with the system of the invention.
  • a new method for automatically heat-sealing a microplate provided with a plurality of open-top wells for receiving liquid samples comprises a step of disposing a thermally fixable sealing cover over the wells, a step of pressing the sealing cover on the microplate by means of a pressing element and a step of releasing heat to the sealing cover except for regions covering the wells so as to thermally fix the sealing cover to the microplate.
  • heat releasing sections of the pressing element are actively or passively heated for releasing heat to the sealing cover for thermally fixing the sealing cover to the microplate.
  • such embodiments comprise a step of positioning the pressing element with respect to the microplate in a manner to enable the heat releasing sections to release heat to the sealing cover except for regions covering the wells of the microplate.
  • heat releasing sections of the sealing cover are actively or passively heated for releasing heat to the sealing cover for thermally fixing the sealing cover to the microplate.
  • such embodiments comprise a step of positioning the sealing cover with respect to the microplate in a manner to enable the heat releasing sections to release heat to the sealing cover except for regions covering the wells of the microplate.
  • heat releasing sections of the microplate are actively or passively heated for releasing heat to the sealing cover for thermally fixing the sealing cover to the microplate.
  • the heat releasing sections are illuminated by electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the heat releasing sections to be passively heated for releasing heat to the sealing cover for thermally fixing the sealing cover to the microplate.
  • the openings of the wells are shielded from the electromagnetic radiation.
  • the heat releasing sections are actively heated by supplying electric current passing through the heat releasing sections for generating Ohmic heat.
  • FIG. 1 illustrating a first exemplary system for processing and/or analyzing liquid samples generally referred to at reference numeral 1.
  • the system 1 comprises a sealing arrangement generally referred to at reference numeral 2 for heat-sealing a microplate 28.
  • the system 1 comprises one or more analytical compartments 29 which can be related to various immunochemical and/or clinical analysis items for analyzing liquid samples contained in wells 5 of the microplate 28.
  • the system 1, e.g., can be adapted for performing the PCR, in particular real-time PCR, or any reaction of the nucleic acid amplification type and optically detecting the reaction products obtained.
  • the system 1 further comprises one or more pipettors 30 for pipetting liquid samples and/or other fluids prior to and/or after heat-sealing the wells 5 of the microplate 28.
  • the sealing arrangement 2 includes a support 3 for supporting the microplate 28 in horizontal position.
  • the support 3 is slidably mounted to a base (not illustrated) enabling a repetitive, bidirectional movement between an operative position for heat-sealing the microplate 2 and an inoperative position for loading/unloading the microplate 2 to/from the support 3 like a tray. Since such sliding mechanism is well-known to those of skill in the art, it need not be further elucidated herein.
  • An upper microplate face 4 forms a plurality of open-top wells 5 for receiving liquid samples.
  • the wells 5 can, e.g., be regularly arranged with respect to each other forming a two-dimensional array of columns and rows intersecting each other at right angles.
  • a plurality of circular rims 13, each of which surrounding an opening 14 of one well 5 projects from the microplate plate face 4.
  • the microplate 28 is an integrally molded plastic disposable intended for single use only.
  • the support 3 is provided with a plurality of helical compression springs 6 arranged in correspondence to the wells 5 for accommodating the wells 5.
  • the pressure springs 6 are in an upright position relative to an upper support face 7 so that the microplate 28 can be vertically moved against the elastic force of the compression springs 6. Otherwise, by inserting the wells 5 into the compression springs 6, the microplate 28 is horizontally secured.
  • the support 3 is equipped with one or more resilient means other than compression springs 6 such as an elastic gum or rubber for elastically supporting the microplate 28.
  • the sealing arrangement 1 comprises a pressing element 8 provided with a rigid pressing plate 26 and having a lower pressing face 19 for pressing a sealing foil 9 on the upper microplate face 4.
  • the pressing plate 26 can be made of aluminium and have a thickness of about 10 mm. It is to be appreciated that other rigid materials and/or thicknesses can be envisaged according to the specific demands of the user.
  • the pressing element 8 is provided with a supporting layer 10 fixed to a lower plate face 11 of the pressing plate 26 for supporting a plurality of electrically conductive heat releasing sections 12.
  • the supporting layer 10 can, e.g., be made of an electrically isolating material having a low thermal capacity such as ceramics or plastics.
  • the supporting layer 10 is made of polyimide having a layer thickness of about 0.5 mm. It, however, is to be appreciated that other materials and/or layer thicknesses can be envisaged according to the specific demands of the user.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are electrically conductive structures configured to generate Ohmic heat. Specifically, in some embodiments, the heat releasing sections 12 are connected to connecting line 27 for supplying electric current.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 can, e.g. be embedded in a carrier layer (not illustrated) made of isolating material such as plastics enabling the heat releasing sections 12 to be readily fixed to the supporting layer 10.
  • an isolating layer (not illustrated) made of thermally isolating material is sandwiched in-between the pressing plate 26 and the supporting layer 10 so as to inhibit heat transfer from the heat releasing sections 12 to the pressing plate 26.
  • the isolating layer can, e.g., be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) commonly known as Teflon and, e.g., have a layer thickness in the range of from 3 to 5 mm.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the pressing element 8 can be vertically moved so as to press the thermally fixable sealing foil 9 on the upper microplate face 4 and to bring the heat releasing sections 12 in and out of (direct) physical contact with the sealing foil 9. Since such moving mechanism is well-known to those of skill in the art, it need not be further elucidated herein. Accordingly, the sealing foil 9 can be pressed on the microplate 2 while heated by the heat releasing sections 12, the pressing element 8 thereby acting against the elastic forces of the helical compression springs 6.
  • microplate 2 Due to the resilient forces of the helical compression springs 6, a homogeneous pressure force can be exerted on the microplate 2, e.g., for levelling at a pre-defined height. Otherwise, in case of a slightly non-even microplate 2, the microplate 2 can be planarized so that a close fit of the sealing foil 9 can be ensured.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are located in such a manner that heat can exclusively be released to second foil regions 16 where the microplate-pressed sealing foil 9 is in contact with the circular rims 13 projecting from the upper microplate face 4. Otherwise, heat cannot be released to first foil regions 15 covering the openings 14 of the wells 5.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are configured as conductive rings, e.g., formed by a mesh-like structure to exclusively contact the second foil regions 16 of the sealing foil 9.
  • the sealing arrangement 1 is adapted to bring the pressing element 8 in a position with respect to the microplate 28 so that the heat releasing sections 12 are in opposite relationship with respect to the circular rims 13. This can, e.g.
  • the heating sections 12 protrude from the lower plate face 11.
  • the heating sections 12 are integrated in the pressing plate 26, e.g., located adjacent the lower plate face 11, resulting in a planar pressing face 19.
  • the pressing face 19 of the pressing element 8 has first and second zones 23, 24, the first zones 23 being located in a manner to be brought in opposite relationship to the first foil regions 15 covering the openings 14 of the wells 5, the second zones 24 being located in a manner to be brought in opposite relationship to the second foil regions 16 covering microplate portions other than the openings 14 of the wells 5.
  • the second zones 24 relate to the heat releasing sections 12.
  • the first zones 23 have a lower thermal conductivity than the second zones 25 so that heat transfer to the samples contained in the wells 5 can be further reduced.
  • the first zones 23 are not in contact with the microplate-pressed sealing cover 9, while the second zones 24 are in contact with the microplate-pressed sealing cover so that heat transfer to the samples contained in the wells 5 can be further reduced.
  • the second zones 24 have a darker colour than the first zones 23 so that heat transfer to the samples contained in the wells 5 by means of radiation can be reduced.
  • the microplate 28 containing liquid samples such as reaction mixtures is put on the support 3.
  • the pipettor 30 can be used to transfer liquid samples to the wells 5 of the microplate 28 prior to putting the microplate 28 on the support 3.
  • the support 3, together with the microplate 2 is horizontally moved into operative position where the microplate 2 is kept ready for heat-sealing.
  • the thermally fixable sealing foil 9 is placed over the microplate 2 in sealing position. In some other embodiments, the sealing foil 9 is placed over the microplate 2 prior to transporting the microplate 2 into sealing position.
  • the microplate 28 In operative position, in some embodiments, the microplate 28 is in a position that the heat releasing sections 12 can be brought in contact with the second foil regions 16 by vertically moving the pressing element 8. The pressing element 8 then is vertically moved towards the microplate 2 until the sealing foil 9 is pressed on the upper microplate face 4. In this situation, the heat releasing sections 12 are in thermal communication with the sealing foil 9.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 When applying electric current to the heat releasing sections 12, the heat releasing sections 12 generate Ohmic heat released to the second foil regions 16, e.g., for fusing the sealing foil 9, to cause adherence of the sealing foil 9 to the microplate 28 to air-tightly seal the wells 5.
  • the microplate 28 can be in a position that the heat releasing sections 12 can be brought in contact with the second foil regions 16 by moving the pressing element 8 in a manner to perform a combined vertical and horizontal movement.
  • the pressing element 8 is then moved upwards, followed by moving the support 3 into the inoperative position so that the heat-sealed microplate 2 can be removed from the support 3 for further processing, e.g. thermal cycling, of the reaction mixtures contained therein.
  • the microplate 28 can be brought in contact with the second foil regions 16 by moving the microplate 28 in a manner to perform a vertical movement or a combined vertical and horizontal movement, the pressing element 8 counteracting the movement of the microplate 28.
  • the sealing arrangement 2 of the system 1 is manually operated for sealing the microplate 28. In some embodiments, the sealing arrangement 2 is automatically operated under control of controller 31 for heat-sealing the microplate 28.
  • FIG. 2 illustrating a second exemplary sealing arrangement 2 of the system 1 according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrating a second exemplary sealing arrangement 2 of the system 1 according to the invention.
  • the sealing arrangement 2 includes a transparent pressing element 8, in particular a transparent pressing plate 26, at least transparent for electromagnetic radiation 17 generated by radiation source 18 and directed towards the pressing element 8.
  • the source 18 is configured to generate infrared light having a wavelength longer than that of visible light but shorter than that of microwaves. The wavelength of infrared light typically is in a range of from 700 nm to 1 mm.
  • the source 18 is located right above the pressing element 8.
  • the source 18 is operatively coupled to light-guiding elements such as prisms, mirrors and the like for directing the radiation 17 towards the pressing element 8.
  • the pressing plate 26 of the pressing element 8 is provided with a plurality of heat releasing sections 12 configured to absorb the electromagnetic radiation 17 generated by the source 18.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are made of material which can passively be heated by the electromagnetic radiation 17 so as to release heat to the sealing foil 9.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are made of carbon black.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 can, e.g., be applied to the lower plate face by using a conventional printing technology such as screen or laser printing. Accordingly, contrary to the heat releasing sections 12 of the first exemplary sealing arrangement 2 of FIG. 1 which can be actively heated by supplying electric current for generating Ohmic heat, the heat releasing sections 12 of the second exemplary arrangement 1 of FIG. 2 can be passively heated by illumination with electromagnetic radiation 17.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are located in a manner that heat can exclusively be released to the second foil regions 16. Otherwise, heat cannot be released to the first foil regions 16 covering the openings 14 of the wells 5, provided the pressing element 8 is appropriately positioned with respect to the circular rims 13 of the microplate 28.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 can, e.g., be configured as rings to exclusively contact the sealing foil 9 in the second foil regions 16 where the microplate-pressed sealing foil 9 is in contact with the circular rims 13 projecting from the upper microplate face 4.
  • the pressing plate 26 is provided with a plurality of reflective sections 20 arranged at an upper plate face 25 of the pressing plate 26.
  • the reflective sections 20 are configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation 17 generated by the source 18 and are located in a manner to shield the openings 14 of the wells 5 from the electromagnetic radiation 17. Accordingly, the radiation 17 can exclusively enter the pressing element 8 in regions in-between the reflective sections 20 to illuminate the heat releasing sections 12 arranged at the lower plate face 11.
  • liquid samples contained in the wells 5 are subject to a further reduced heat impact, and, on the other hand, heat input to the pressing plate 26 can be reduced.
  • FIG. 3 illustrating a third exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is a variant of the sealing arrangement 1 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrating a third exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is a variant of the sealing arrangement 1 of FIG. 2 .
  • the pressing plate 26 is made of material configured to absorb the electromagnetic radiation 17 generated by the source 18. Furthermore, on the upper plate face 25, the pressing plate 26 is provided with the reflective sections 20. Accordingly, combining the passively heated pressing plate 26 with the reflective sections 20 on the upper plate face 25 thereof, heat can exclusively enter the pressing element 8 in plate regions 21 in-between the reflective sections 20 to illuminate and thereby heat the pressing plate 26. Hence, heat can exclusively be released to the sealing foil 9 by the illuminated plate regions 21 or heat releasing sections 12 of the pressing plate 26 of the pressing plate 26, which are arranged in opposite relationship to the second foil portions 16.
  • FIG. 4 illustrating a fourth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is another variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrating a fourth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is another variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 2 .
  • the pressing plate 26 is provided with a plurality of recesses 22 located in-between the heat releasing sections 12.
  • each of the recesses 22 is arranged in opposite relationship to one first foil region 15 so that conductive heat transfer to the first foil regions 15 can advantageously be reduced.
  • the recesses 22 have a darker colour than the heat releasing sections 12 so that heat released by radiation to the openings 14 of the wells 5 can be reduced.
  • the recesses 22 have a lower thermal conductivity than the heat releasing sections 12 so that heat input to the samples contained in the wells 5 is further reduced.
  • FIG. 5 illustrating a fifth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is another variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrating a fifth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is another variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 2 .
  • the sealing foil 9 is provided with the heat releasing sections 12 which can be illuminated by the electromagnetic radiation 17 passing the transparent pressing element 8.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are arranged at an upper surface of the sealing foil 9 and can, e.g., be applied by a conventional printing technology such as screen or laser printing.
  • the heat releasing sections 12 are arranged in a manner to exclusively release heat to the second foil regions 16 of the sealing foil 9 for thermally fixing it to the microplate 28. Otherwise, heat is not released to the first foil regions 15 covering the openings 14 of the wells 5 provided that the sealing foil 9 is appropriately positioned with respect to the circular rims 13 of the microplate 28.
  • the pressing plate 26 is provided with reflective sections 20 arranged in a manner to reflect the radiation 17 in-between the heat releasing sections 12 of the sealing foil 9.
  • FIG. 6 illustrating a sixth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is a variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 illustrating a sixth exemplary sealing arrangement 2 according to the invention which is a variant of the sealing arrangement of FIG. 1 .
  • the sealing arrangement 2 comprises a rigid support 3 for supporting the microplate 28 provided with plural hollows 32 for accommodating the wells 5 of the microplate 28. Due to the rigid support 3 counteracting the pressing force of the pressing element 8, pressure force can readily be applied to the microplate 28, e.g., to planarized a non-planar microplate 28.
  • the heating sections 12 can quickly be heated and cooled to thereby reduce the time needed for heat-sealing the microplate 28.
  • pressing of the sealing foil 9 on the microplate 28 can be stopped after having the sealing foil 9 solidified thus enabling a simple and cost-effective structure of the sealing foil 9.
  • the sealing foil 9 not necessarily has to include a laminated structure consisting of several individual layers including a fusible layer, an adhesive layer and a separating layer so as to not cause a poorly adhering or even damaged sealing foil 9 when removing the heat releasing sections 12. Accordingly, the sealing foil 9 can be produced in a highly cost-effective manner. Otherwise, optical transparency of the sealing foil 9 can be improved.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
EP10189647A 2010-11-02 2010-11-02 System zur Verarbeitung und/oder Analyse flüssiger Proben, Versiegelungsanordnung und Verfahren zum Heißsiegeln einer Mikroplatte Withdrawn EP2446967A1 (de)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4444310A (en) * 1982-07-26 1984-04-24 Becton, Dickinson And Company Segmented multi-product package assembly
WO1995023026A1 (en) * 1994-02-23 1995-08-31 Idexx Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for quantification of biological material in a liquid sample
WO2001058591A2 (de) * 2000-02-08 2001-08-16 Cybio Instruments Gmbh Verschlossene multiwellanalysenplatte mit ringförmigen klebeflächen für optische messungen
US7037580B2 (en) 2001-09-25 2006-05-02 Ali Razavi Pattern adhesive sealing films and mats for multi-well plates
US20070125046A1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2007-06-07 Mts Medication Technologies, Inc. Automated Solid Pharmaceutical Product Packaging Machine
GB2461182A (en) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Kbiosciences Ltd Apparatus and Method of Sealing a Micro Plate

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4444310A (en) * 1982-07-26 1984-04-24 Becton, Dickinson And Company Segmented multi-product package assembly
WO1995023026A1 (en) * 1994-02-23 1995-08-31 Idexx Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for quantification of biological material in a liquid sample
US20070125046A1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2007-06-07 Mts Medication Technologies, Inc. Automated Solid Pharmaceutical Product Packaging Machine
WO2001058591A2 (de) * 2000-02-08 2001-08-16 Cybio Instruments Gmbh Verschlossene multiwellanalysenplatte mit ringförmigen klebeflächen für optische messungen
US7037580B2 (en) 2001-09-25 2006-05-02 Ali Razavi Pattern adhesive sealing films and mats for multi-well plates
GB2461182A (en) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Kbiosciences Ltd Apparatus and Method of Sealing a Micro Plate

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