RU2813058C1 - Pump manifold systems and related components - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: manifolds; pumps.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to manifolds and pumps for sequencing platforms and/or arrays. A device for controlling pumps and valves for sequencing platforms, comprising: a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels; a pump manifold assembly housing a plurality of pump valves and a plurality of pumps and comprising a plurality of fluid lines for the pump channels, a plurality of pump fluid lines and a common fluid line, where the pump valves and pumps are configured to control each fluid flow through each channel of a plurality of flow cell channels separately via respective pump channel fluid lines, wherein each pump valve is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line, a corresponding pump channel fluid line and a common fluid line. The device is movable between the first position for fluid connection of a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels, a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels and a corresponding pump fluid line, and the second position for fluid connection of a corresponding pump fluid line, a common fluid line and a waste fluid reservoir. Each pump is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line.

EFFECT: reduction in the amount of reagent used during operations, a reduction in the cycle time of operations, and a decrease in the likelihood of contamination of analytes and/or contamination between reagents.

21 cl, 21 dwg

Description

Related application

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/902,372, filed September 18, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Prerequisites for creating the invention

[0002] Sequencing platforms may include valves and pumps. Valves and pumps can be used to perform a variety of fluid operations.

Summary of the invention

[0003] In accordance with a first embodiment, the method provides or includes connecting a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels to a flow cell interface. The flow cell interface is fluidly coupled to the pump manifold assembly. The method provides or includes controlling one or more of a plurality of pump valves and one or more of a plurality of pumps of a pump manifold assembly to control each fluid flow individually through each channel of the plurality of channels via respective fluid lines for the pump channels. The pump manifold assembly contains or includes a plurality of pump channel fluid lines, a plurality of pump fluid lines, and a common fluid line. Each pump valve is connected to a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, a corresponding fluid line for the pumps, and a common fluid line. Each pump is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line.

[0004] In accordance with a second embodiment, the device comprises or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels. The apparatus comprises or includes a pump manifold assembly housing a plurality of pump valves and a plurality of pumps, and contains or includes a plurality of pump channel fluid lines, a plurality of pump fluid lines, and a common fluid line. The pump valves and pumps are configured to control each fluid flow individually through each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels through corresponding fluid lines to the pump channels. Each pump valve is connected to a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, a corresponding fluid line for the pumps, and a common fluid line. Each pump is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line.

[0005] In accordance with a third embodiment, the device contains or includes one or more valves configured to connect to corresponding reagent reservoirs. The device contains or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels. The apparatus contains or includes a pump manifold assembly containing or having a plurality of pumps, a plurality of pump valves, and a buffer tank. Each pump is configured to control each fluid flow individually for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels. The apparatus contains or includes a fluid bypass line operatively coupled to one or more valves and a buffer tank.

[0006] In accordance with a fourth embodiment, the method provides or includes connecting a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels to a flow cell interface. The method provides or includes connecting a sample cartridge to a sample cartridge interface located downstream of the flow cell interface. The sample cartridge contains the sample to be tested. The method provides or includes using one or more valves for a sample loading manifold to load each test sample individually into each channel of a plurality of flow cell channels through a corresponding flow cell outlet and in a first direction. The method provides or includes flowing a reagent through a plurality of channels, through a respective inlet of the flow cell, and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0007] In accordance with a fifth embodiment, the device comprises or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels. The device contains or includes a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface. The apparatus comprises or includes a sample loading manifold assembly located between a flow cell interface and a sample cartridge interface, and comprises or includes a housing housing a plurality of sample valves and defining boundaries of a plurality of sample ports and a plurality of flow cell ports. Each sample port is connected to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of the channels of the plurality of flow cell channels along a flow cell fluid line.

[0008] According to a sixth embodiment, the apparatus comprises or includes one or more valves configured to be connected to associated reagent reservoirs. The system contains or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels. The device comprises or includes a sample cartridge interface containing or having a plurality of ports and configured to connect to a sample cartridge containing a test sample. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface. The apparatus comprises or includes a pump manifold assembly containing or having a plurality of pumps and a plurality of pump valves. Each pump and corresponding pump valve are configured to control each sample flow individually between each port of the plurality of sample cartridge interface ports and a corresponding channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0009] In accordance with a seventh embodiment, the method provides or includes connecting a flow cell comprising or having a plurality of channels to a flow cell interface. The flow cell interface is fluidly coupled to the pump manifold assembly. The method provides or includes moving a first pump valve of a plurality of pump valves of a pump manifold assembly to a first position for fluid connection of a first channel of the plurality of channels with a first pump of the plurality of pumps. The first pump is fluidly coupled to the first channel through a first pump channel fluid line. The method involves or includes pumping a first volume of a first reactant through a first channel using a first pump along a first fluid line for the pump channels and moving a first pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position for fluid connection between the pump and the first fluid line for pump channels with a common fluid line in fluid communication with a reservoir for waste fluid. The method involves or includes pumping a first volume of a first reactant into a waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line and moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a first position for fluid connection of a second channel of the plurality of channels with a second pump of the plurality of pumps . The second pump is fluidly coupled to the second channel via a second pump channel fluid line. The method involves or includes pumping a second volume of a first reactant into a second channel using a second pump through a second fluid line for the pump channels and moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position for fluid communication between the second pump and the second fluid line. for pump channels with a common fluid line in fluid communication with a waste fluid reservoir. The method involves or involves pumping a second volume of the first reactant into a waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line.

[0010] In accordance with an eighth embodiment, the apparatus comprises or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels, and a pump manifold assembly housing a plurality of pump valves and a plurality of pumps, and comprising or including a plurality of pump channel fluid lines, a plurality of pump fluid lines, and a common fluid line. The pump valves and pumps are configured to control each fluid flow individually through each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels through corresponding fluid lines to the pump channels. Each pump valve is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line, a corresponding pump channel fluid line and a common fluid line and is movable between a first position for fluid connection of a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels, a corresponding pump channel fluid line and the corresponding fluid line of the pumps, and a second position for fluid connection of the corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, the common fluid line and the waste fluid reservoir. Each pump is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line.

[0011] According to an eighth embodiment, the apparatus comprises or includes one or more valves configured to connect to respective reagent reservoirs, a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels, and an assembly a pump manifold containing or having a plurality of pumps, a plurality of pump valves, and a buffer tank. Each pump is configured to control each fluid flow individually for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels. The apparatus contains or includes a fluid bypass line operatively coupled to one or more valves and a buffer tank.

[0012] In accordance with a ninth embodiment, a method comprises or includes connecting a flow cell comprising or having a first channel and a second channel to a flow cell interface and moving a first sample valve from one or more sample valves of a sample loading manifold assembly to a first position for fluid connection of the first sample reservoir of the sample cartridge to the outlet of the first channel of the flow cell. The method involves or includes pumping a first test sample from a first sample reservoir into a first channel of a flow cell through an outlet of the first channel. The inlet of the first channel is in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir via a central valve when the central valve is in the first position. The method includes or includes moving a first sample valve from one or more sample valves of a sample loading manifold assembly to a second position to fluidly disconnect the first sample reservoir of the sample cartridge and fluidly couple the outlet of the first channel to the waste reservoir. fluid, and moving the central valve to a second position for fluid connection of the reagent reservoir with the first channel and the second channel of the flow cell. The method involves or includes pumping a first volume of reactant through a first channel into a waste fluid reservoir.

[0013] In accordance with a tenth embodiment, the device comprises or includes a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels, as well as a central valve and an auxiliary waste fluid line connected to the central valve and configured to connect to a reservoir for waste fluid. The central valve is coupled to the flow cell interface and is movable between a first position for fluid connection of the inlet of the plurality of channels to the auxiliary waste fluid line, and a second position for fluid connection of the reagent reservoir and the plurality of channels. The device contains or includes a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface and a sample loading manifold assembly located between the flow cell interface and the sample cartridge interface, and contains or includes a housing housing a plurality of sample valves and defining boundaries of a plurality of sample ports and multiple flow cell ports. Each sample port is connected to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of a plurality of flow cell channels along a flow cell fluid line. Each of the sample valves is movable between a first position for fluid connection of a corresponding sample port and a corresponding outlet of the plurality of channels, and a second position for fluid connection of a corresponding outlet of the plurality of channels and a waste fluid reservoir.

[0014] In accordance with an eleventh embodiment, the apparatus comprises or includes one or more valves configured to connect to respective reagent reservoirs, and a flow cell interface configured to connect to the flow cell. The device comprises or includes a sample cartridge interface containing or having one or more ports and configured to connect to a sample cartridge containing a test sample. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface. The apparatus comprises or includes a pump configured to load a test sample into a flow cell channel through a flow cell interface coupled to an outlet of the flow cell and a corresponding sample cartridge interface port.

[0015] Additionally in accordance with the above-mentioned first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh embodiments, the apparatus and/or method may further comprise, provide or include any one or more of next.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment, it is further provided or included to move the bypass valve to a first position for fluid connection of the fluid bypass line and the buffer tank of the pump manifold assembly and pump a third volume of the first reactant or other reactant through the fluid bypass line to buffer capacity.

[0017] According to another embodiment, further provided or included is actuating one or more of a plurality of pump valves, one or more of a plurality of pumps, or a buffer tank valve for the pump manifold assembly and pumping a reactant between at least one of the common fluid line medium and a main waste fluid line in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir, or a bypass fluid line and a main waste fluid line.

[0018] According to another embodiment, control of one or more of the plurality of pump valves and one or more of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly is further provided or enabled to load the test sample into one or more of the plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[0019] In another embodiment, controlling one or more pumps for loading a test sample into one or more channels of the plurality of channels of a flow cell comprises or includes causing the test sample to flow in a first direction and further includes or includes controlling one or more of a plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly for controlling the flow of reagent through the flow cell channels in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0020] According to another embodiment, control of one or more of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly is further provided or enabled to cause the test sample to flow from the one or more channels of the flow cell into the auxiliary waste fluid line. An auxiliary line for waste fluid is located upstream of the flow cell interface.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the pump manifold assembly further comprises or includes a buffer tank and further comprises or includes a bypass valve and a fluid bypass line connecting the bypass valve and the buffer tank.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the pump manifold assembly further comprises or includes a buffer tank valve and a buffer tank fluid line. The buffer tank valve is connected to the buffer tank fluid line and the common fluid line.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the pump manifold assembly further comprises or includes a waste fluid main line connected to a waste fluid reservoir. The buffer tank valve is connected to the main waste fluid line.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the pump manifold assembly further comprises or includes a plurality of sensors configured to determine one or more of a pressure value or a flow rate value for one or more of at least one of the fluid lines for the channels pumps or common fluid line.

[0025] According to another embodiment, a pair of pump drive assemblies configured to drive a plurality of pumps are further provided or included.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge is further provided or included. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface.

[0027] According to another embodiment, a sample loading manifold assembly is further provided or included located between the flow cell interface and the sample cartridge interface and comprising or including a housing housing a plurality of sample valves and defining the boundaries of a plurality of sample ports, a plurality of flow cell ports and multiple pump ports. Each sample port is connected to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of the channels of the plurality of flow cell channels along a flow cell fluid line. Each pump port is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line from a plurality of pump channel fluid lines.

[0028] In another embodiment, the sample valves of the sample loading manifold assembly and the pumps of the pump manifold assembly are configured to load each test sample individually into each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0029] According to another embodiment, each sample valve is configured to provide fluid communication to a port of the sample cartridge and a corresponding pump of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly, as well as fluid communication of a pump of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly and the corresponding channel from a plurality of flow cell channels.

[0030] According to another embodiment, a central valve and an auxiliary waste fluid line coupled to the central valve and configured to connect to the waste fluid reservoir are further provided or included. An auxiliary line for waste fluid is located upstream of the flow cell interface.

[0031] According to another embodiment, a common line valve, a bypass valve, a plurality of dedicated reactant fluid lines, and a common reactant fluid line are further provided or included. A common reagent fluid line connects the common line valve and the central valve and is configured to flow one or more reagents into the flow cell through the central valve. Each dedicated reagent fluid line connects the bypass valve and the central valve and is configured to allow reagent to flow into the flow cell through the central valve.

[0032] According to another embodiment, a sample loading manifold assembly comprising or having a plurality of sample valves is further provided or included. Each sample valve and corresponding pump of the pump manifold assembly is configured to load each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately. The sample loading manifold is located downstream of the flow cell.

[0033] According to another embodiment, a flow cell assembly comprising or having a plurality of channels and a flow cell manifold is further provided or included. The flow cell manifold contains or includes an inlet, a plurality of fluid lines, and a plurality of outlets. Each flow cell manifold outlet is connected to a corresponding flow cell channel.

[0034] In another embodiment, pumping the first test sample from the first sample reservoir into the first channel of the flow cell comprises or involves moving the first test sample from the sample cartridge to a corresponding sample port of the sample loading manifold assembly beyond the corresponding pump port. sample loading manifold assembly and into the pump channel fluid line for the pump manifold assembly, and moving the first test sample from the pump channel fluid line through a corresponding pump port and through a corresponding flow cell port of the sample loading manifold assembly. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of the channels of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0035] According to another embodiment, moving a first sample valve from one or more sample valves to a first position comprises or includes fluid coupling between an interface port of a sample cartridge and a corresponding pump, and moving the first sample valve from one or more sample valves in a second position provide or include fluid connection of a corresponding pump and a first channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0036] According to another embodiment, control of one or more of the plurality of pumps is further provided or enabled to control each fluid stream individually for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the first test sample is further provided or included to be pumped from the first channel of the flow cell into the auxiliary waste fluid line. An auxiliary waste fluid line is located upstream of the flow cell and is in fluid communication with the central valve and the waste fluid reservoir.

[0038] According to another embodiment, it is further provided or included to cause a reagent to flow through a common reagent fluid line to the plurality of flow cell channels and then to flow another reagent along a dedicated reagent fluid line to the plurality of flow cell channels.

[0039] In another embodiment, the sample valves are configured to load each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately.

[0040] According to another embodiment, a plurality of pumps are further provided or included. The sample loading manifold housing further defines the boundaries of a plurality of pump ports. Each pump port is connected to one of the plurality of pumps via a fluid line to the pump channels.

[0041] According to another embodiment, each sample valve is configured to provide fluid communication to a port of the sample cartridge and a corresponding pump of the plurality of pumps, and fluid communication to a pump of the plurality of pumps and a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the pumps are configured to control fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately.

[0043] According to another embodiment, a pump manifold assembly comprising pumps and a buffer tank is further provided or included. Additionally provided or included is a bypass valve and a fluid bypass line connecting the bypass valve and the buffer tank.

[0044] According to another embodiment, a common line valve, a plurality of dedicated reactant fluid lines, and a common reactant fluid line are further provided or included. A common reagent fluid line connects the common line valve and the central valve and is configured to flow one or more reagents to the flow cell. Each dedicated reagent fluid line connects the fluid bypass line and the central valve and is configured to flow to the flow cell.

[0045] According to another embodiment, a pump manifold assembly has a plurality of pump valves and a buffer tank valve, and contains or includes a plurality of pump channel fluid lines, a plurality of pump fluid lines, a common fluid line, a buffer tank fluid line and a main line for waste fluid. The buffer tank fluid line is connected to and extends between the buffer tank and the buffer tank valve. Each pump valve is connected to a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, a corresponding fluid line for the pumps, and a common fluid line. The buffer tank valve is connected to the buffer tank fluid line, the main waste fluid line and the common fluid line.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the pump valves and the pumps are configured to control each fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately, and the pump valves, the buffer tank valve, and the pumps are configured to control the fluid flow between the bypass cell. a fluid line and a common fluid line.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the pump valves, the buffer tank valve, and the pumps are configured to control the flow of fluid between the common fluid line and the main waste fluid line.

[0048] According to another embodiment, a pump manifold assembly is further provided or included, comprising or having a plurality of pumps, comprising or including a pump and a plurality of pump valves. Each pump and associated pump valve are configured to control each test sample flow individually between each port of the one or more sample cartridge interface ports and a corresponding channel of the flow cell.

[0049] According to another embodiment, a sample loading manifold assembly comprising or having a plurality of sample valves is further provided or included. Each sample valve is configured to load the test sample separately into each channel of the plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[0050] In another embodiment, a flow cell assembly is further provided or included, comprising or having a plurality of channels and a flow cell manifold. The flow cell manifold contains or includes an inlet, a plurality of fluid lines, and a plurality of outlets. Each flow cell manifold outlet is connected to a corresponding flow cell channel.

[0051] It should be understood that all combinations of the above concepts and additional concepts described in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually contradictory) are considered part of the subject matter of the invention described herein and/or can be combined to achieving specific benefits of a particular aspect. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this specification are considered to be part of the subject matter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0052] In FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the teachings of this specification.

[0053] In FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sipper assembly containing sippers and a sample cartridge along with sample wells that can be used with the system depicted in FIG. 1.

[0054] In FIG. 1C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the sipper assembly and sample wells of the sample cartridge shown in FIG. 1B.

[0055] In FIG. 2 is an isometric, enlarged view of an embodiment of a flow cell cartridge assembly configured to be installed in the flow cell receiving compartment of the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0056] In FIG. 3 is a top view of the flow cell and flow cell manifold for the flow cell assembly shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] In FIG. 4 is a top view of another flow cell embodiment and another flow cell manifold embodiment for a flow cell assembly that can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0058] In FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of a flow cell and another embodiment of a flow cell manifold assembly that can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0059] In FIG. 6A is a top view of another flow cell embodiment and another flow cell manifold embodiment for a flow cell assembly that can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0060] In FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the flow cell and flow cell manifold shown in FIG. 6A, as well as fluid lines that can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0061] In FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sample loading manifold assembly coupled to an embodiment of a flow cell assembly that can be used with the system of FIG. 1A.

[0062] In FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a portion of a pump manifold assembly that can be used with the system of FIG. 1A.

[0063] In FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the teachings herein, including a flow cell interface and a pump manifold assembly.

[0064] In FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system in accordance with teachings herein, including one or more valves, a flow cell interface, and a pump manifold assembly.

[0065] In FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system in accordance with teachings herein, including a flow cell interface, a sample loading manifold, and a sample cartridge interface.

[0066] In FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system in accordance with teachings herein, including one or more valves, a flow cell interface, a sample cartridge interface, and a pump manifold assembly.

[0067] In FIG. 13A is a top view of another flow cell embodiment and another flow cell manifold embodiment for a flow cell cartridge assembly that can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0068] In FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the flow cell cartridge assembly depicted in FIG. 13A.

[0069] In FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method for performing a pumping operation using the system shown in FIG. 1A, or any of the other systems described herein.

[0070] In FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of another method of performing a pumping operation using the system shown in FIG. 1A, or any of the other systems described herein.

[0071] In FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method for performing a test sample loading operation using the system shown in FIG. 1A, or any of the other systems described herein.

[0072] In FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of another method of performing the test sample loading operation using the system shown in FIG. 1A, or any of the other systems described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Although the text below provides a detailed description of embodiments of methods, devices and/or products of manufacture, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property right is determined by the words of the claims set out at the end of this patent. Accordingly, the following detailed description is to be construed as examples only and does not describe every possible implementation since it would be impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible implementation. Many alternative embodiments may be possible using modern technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is intended that such alternative implementations will continue to be within the scope of the claims.

[0074] The embodiments described herein relate to pump manifold assemblies and sample loading manifold assemblies when used with sequencing and/or array platforms or other systems. Use of the described embodiments may reduce the amount of reagent used in at least some operations, may reduce the cycle time of at least some operations, and may reduce the likelihood of analyte contamination and/or contamination (eg, cross-contamination) between reagents.

[0075] The pump manifold assemblies may include a plurality of pumps, a plurality of pump valves, fluid lines, and a buffer tank. When a pump manifold assembly is coupled to a flow cell containing or having a plurality of channels, pumps and pump valves can be used to control each fluid flow through each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels individually. The flow cell may include one upstream opening in communication with each of the channels, and may include a plurality of downstream openings communicating with each of the channels. The pump manifold assembly may be configured to allow fluid to flow from an upstream flow cell opening to a downstream flow cell opening. The pump manifold assembly may also be configured to allow fluid to flow from the downstream flow cell openings to the upstream flow cell opening. Thus, the pump manifold assembly can allow fluid to flow through the flow cell in any direction.

[0076] The sample loading manifold assemblies may include a plurality of sample valves and a plurality of ports. The sample valves of the sample loading manifold assembly may be configured to control the flow of fluid through the ports and between the sample cartridge containing the test sample and the flow cell channels. In some embodiments, some of the sample ports in the sample loading manifold assembly are connected to corresponding interface ports of the sample cartridge, some of the sample ports of the sample loading manifold assembly are connected to corresponding interface ports of the flow cell, and some of the sample ports of the sample loading manifold assembly are connected to corresponding ports of the sample loading manifold interface. connected to the pumps of the pump manifold assembly. The sample cartridge may be coupled to the sample cartridge interface, and the flow cell may be coupled to the flow cell interface.

[0077] The sample valves of the sample loading manifold assembly and the pumps of the pump manifold assembly may be configured to load the test sample individually into each channel of the flow cell. The sample loading assembly may be located downstream of the flow cell. Thus, samples of interest can be loaded into the flow cell channels from the back side of the flow cell.

[0078] In FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 100 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The system 100 can be used to perform analysis of one or more test samples. The sample may include one or more DNA clusters linearized to form single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In the embodiment shown, system 100 is configured to receive a flow cell cartridge assembly 102 and a sample cartridge 104 and partially includes a sipper manifold assembly 106, a sample loading manifold assembly 108, and a pump manifold assembly 110. System 100 also includes a drive assembly 112, a controller 114, an imaging system 116, and a waste fluid reservoir 117. The controller 114 is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the drive assembly 112 and the imaging system 116 and is configured to influence the drive assembly 112 and/or the imaging system 116 to perform various functions described herein.

[0079] The sample cartridge 104 contains one or more test samples (eg, an analyte) in sample wells 260 and may be configured to be installed in a sample cartridge receiving compartment 118. The sample cartridge 104 may be configured to connect to a sample cartridge interface 119, including a sipper assembly 262 used to collect samples from the sample wells 260. The sample wells 260 may be referred to as sample reservoirs. The sample cartridge 104 also includes prime wells 264 and one or more wash wells 266, which may contain a wash buffer and/or a cleaning solution such as bleach.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample loading manifold assembly 108 includes one or more sample valves 120, and the pump manifold assembly 110 includes one or more pumps 121, one or more pump valves 122, and a buffer tank 123. One or more More valves 120, 122 can be implemented using a rotary valve, a push valve, a flat valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a piezo valve, and/or a three-way valve. Other types of fluid flow controllers may be suitable. One or more pumps 121 may be implemented using a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, and/or a diaphragm pump. Other types of fluid transfer devices may be suitable. The buffer vessel 123 may be a coil-shaped buffer vessel and may be configured to receive a volume of about 4 milliliters (ml). Such buffer tank 123 may be configured to temporarily store one or more reaction components during, for example, bypass operation of system 100 of FIG. 1A. Although the buffer tank 123 is shown included in the pump manifold assembly 110, in another embodiment, the buffer tank 123 may be located at a different location. For example, buffer tank 123 may be included in sipper manifold assembly 106 or another manifold downstream of fluid bypass line 145.

[0081] In operation, sipper assembly 162 withdraws one or more samples from sample wells 260 and sample loading manifold assembly 108, and pump manifold assembly 110 pumps one or more test samples from sample cartridge 104 through fluid line 124 to cartridge assembly 102 flow cell. The flow cell cartridge assembly 102 may include a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126 (an embodiment of the flow cell 125 and channels 126 is more clearly shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment, the sample loading manifold assembly 108 may be configured to load/direct the test sample individually into each channel 126 of the flow cell 125. The loading process into the test sample channels 126 may occur automatically using the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample cartridge 104 and sample loading manifold assembly 108 are located downstream of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. Thus, the sample loading manifold assembly 108 may load the test sample into the flow cell 125 from the back of the flow cell 125. Loading the test sample from the back of the flow cell 125 may be referred to as “back loading.” Backloading the test sample into the flow cell 125 can reduce contamination. In the illustrated embodiment, a sample loading manifold assembly 108 is coupled between the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 and the pump manifold assembly 110.

[0083] To prime system 100, for example, with hybridization buffer and/or to remove air from system 100, pumps 121 pump hybridization buffer through flow cell 125, and sipper assembly 262 distributes hybridization buffer to prime wells 264 after system 100 is primed. The test sample is then pumped from the sample cartridge 104 using the sippers 268 of the sipper assembly 162 and the sample pump valves 120, pump valves 122, and/or pumps 121 are selectively actuated to force the test sample to the pump manifold assembly 110. The sample cartridge 104 may include sample wells 260 that are selectively fluid accessible through respective sippers 268. Thus, each sample can be selectively isolated from other samples using the respective sippers 268 and the respective sample valves 120.

[0084] To withdraw a test sample from one of the sample wells 260, a sample valve 120 for the corresponding test sample may be opened or released for fluid connection of the sample well 260 to the fluid measurement system. An associated pump 121 may be actuated to withdraw a test sample from the sample well 260 into a fluid line, such as a pump manifold assembly 110 fluid line and/or another fluid line. In some embodiments, the corresponding pump valve 122 may be opened, closed, and/or moved from a first position to a second position for fluid connection of the corresponding pump 121 to a corresponding fluid line for the corresponding sample well 260. Thus, pump valve 122 can be selectively isolated from other pumps 121 and/or pump valves 122 using a corresponding pump valve 122. In some embodiments, the test sample may be temporarily stored in a line volume between pump valve 122 and/or sample valve 120 and the corresponding pump 121.

[0085] To independently flow the test sample toward the corresponding channel 126 or channels 126 of the flow cell 125 and from the pump manifold assembly 110, sample valves 120, pump valves 122, and/or pumps 121 can be selectively actuated to force pumping of the test sample towards the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 and into the corresponding channels 126 of the flow cell 125. For example, after a test sample has been drawn into the line volume, the sample valve 120 may be closed and thereby disconnected from the sample well 260 fluid line volume. In some cases, the sample valve 120 may be moved from a first position to a second position for fluid connection of a corresponding pump 121 to a corresponding passage 126 or passages 126 via a sample loading manifold 108 . The pump 121 may then push the test sample into the corresponding channel 126 or channels 126. In some embodiments, the corresponding pump valve 122 may be opened, closed, and/or moved from a second position to a first position to fluidly couple the corresponding pump 121 to the corresponding channel 126 or channels 126. In some embodiments, each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 receives a sample of interest. In other embodiments, one or more channels 126 may selectively receive the test sample, and other channels 126 may not receive the test sample. Channels 126 of flow cell 125, which may not accept a test sample, may, for example, accept wash buffer instead.

[0086] The drive assembly 112 interacts with the sipper manifold assembly 106 and the pump manifold assembly 110 to pass one or more reagents that interact with the sample in the flow cell 125 through the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. In an embodiment, a reversible terminator with an identifiable tag is attached to the detection nucleotide to allow one nucleotide to be inserted into the ssDNA per cycle. In some such embodiments, one or more nucleotides have a unique fluorescent label that emits a color when excited. Color (or lack thereof) is used to detect the corresponding nucleotide. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging system 116 is configured to excite one or more identifiable tags (eg, a fluorescent tag) and then obtain image data for the identifiable tags. The marks may be excited by incident light and/or laser, and the image data may include one or more colors emitted by the respective marks in response to excitation. Image data (eg, detection data) may be analyzed by the system 100. The imaging system 116 may be a fluorescence spectrophotometer including a lens and/or a solid-state imaging device. The solid state imaging device may include a charge coupled device (CCD) and/or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0087] After image data is acquired, the drive assembly 112 interacts with the sipper manifold assembly 106 and the pump manifold assembly 110 to pass another reaction component (e.g., a reagent) through the flow cell 125, which then enters the waste fluid reservoir 117 via the main line. 127 for the spent fluid and/or is otherwise pumped out by the system 100. Some reaction components perform a wash operation that chemically removes the fluorescent tag and the reversible terminator from the ssDNA. Then the ssDNA is ready for the next cycle. In some embodiments, between cycles of system 100, sippers 268 are cleaned by dipping sippers 268 into wash wells 266 containing a cleaning solution, such as bleach or wash buffer. The cleansing solution can be removed by dipping sippers 268 into prime wells 264 containing hybridization buffer. However, other approaches to cleaning sippers 268 are also acceptable.

[0088] The main waste fluid line 127 is configured to connect between the pump manifold assembly 110 and the waste fluid reservoir 117 . In some embodiments, pumps 121 and/or pump valves 122 for pump manifold assembly 110 are configured to selectively flow reaction components from flow cell cartridge assembly 102 through fluid line 124 and sample load manifold assembly 108 to main waste fluid line 127 .

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 is configured to be installed in the flow cell receiving compartment 128 and is configured to connect to the flow cell interface 129. In another embodiment, the flow cell receiving compartment 128 may be eliminated and the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 may be directly coupled to the flow cell interface 129.

[0090] The flow cell cartridge assembly 102 is connected to the central valve 130 via a flow cell interface 129. An auxiliary waste fluid line 132 is connected to the central valve 130 and a waste fluid reservoir 117. In some embodiments, the auxiliary waste fluid line 132 is configured to receive any excess test sample fluid from the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 through the central valve 130 and allow the excess test sample fluid to flow into the waste fluid reservoir 117 when reversed. loading the test sample into flow cell 125 as described herein. That is, the test sample can be loaded into the back of the flow cell 125, and any excess fluid can exit the front of the flow cell 125. As will be described later herein, when back loading the test samples into the flow cell 125, different samples can be independently loaded into the flow cell 125. corresponding channels 126 and one manifold (see, for example, flow cell manifold 173 in FIG. 2) may connect the front side of the flow cell 125 to a central valve 130 for directing excess fluid of each test sample to an auxiliary waste fluid line 132 to reduce the likelihood of one sample for the first channel 126 being contaminated by the second channel 126. Once the loading of test samples into the flow cell 125 is complete, one manifold can then be used to supply common reagents from the front side of the flow cell 125 (e.g., upstream) into each channel 126, and the samples may exit flow cell 125 from the reverse side of flow cell 125 (eg, downstream). In other words, the test sample and reagents may flow in opposite directions through the channels 126 of the flow cell 125.

[0091] With respect to the sipper manifold assembly 106, in the illustrated implementation, the sipper manifold assembly 106 includes a common line valve 134 and a bypass valve 136. The common line valve 134 may be referred to as a reactant selector valve. Central valve 130 and valves 134, 136 of sipper manifold assembly 106 may be selectively actuated to control fluid flow through fluid lines 138, 140, 142. The one or more valves 130, 134, 136 may be implemented by a rotary valve, a push valve, a flat valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a piezo valve, etc. Other fluid flow controllers may be suitable.

[0092] The sipper manifold assembly 106 may be connected to a corresponding number of reagent reservoirs 144 via reagent sippers 146. Reagent reservoirs 144 may contain a fluid (eg, a reagent and/or other reaction component). In some embodiments, the sipper manifold assembly 106 includes a plurality of ports. Each port of the sipper manifold assembly 106 can receive one of the reagent sippers 146. The reactant sippers 146 may be referred to as fluid lines.

[0093] The common line valve 134 for the sipper manifold assembly 106 is connected to the central valve 130 via a common reagent fluid line 138 . Different reactants may flow through the common reactant fluid line 138 at different times. In an embodiment, when performing a wash operation before changing from one reagent to another, the pump manifold assembly 110 may draw a wash buffer through a common reagent fluid line 138, a central valve 130, and a flow cell cartridge assembly 102. Thus, a common reagent fluid line 138 may be involved in the flushing operation. Although one common reactant fluid line 138 is shown, any number of common fluid lines may be included in the system 100.

[0094] The bypass valve 136 of the sipper manifold assembly 106 is connected to the central valve 130 via dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142. The central valve 130 may have one or more dedicated ports that correspond to dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142. Each of the dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142 may be associated with a single reagent. Fluids that may flow through dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142 may be used during sequencing operations and may include a digestion reagent, an incorporating reagent, a scanning reagent, a digestion wash, and/or a wash buffer. Thus, when performing a wash operation before changing from one reagent to another, in conjunction with the bypass valve 136, the sipper manifold assembly 106 can draw wash buffer through the central valve 130 and/or the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. However, since only one reagent can flow through each of the dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142, the dedicated reagent fluid lines 140, 142 themselves may not be flushed. The approach of including dedicated reagent lines 140, 142 within the system 100 may be advantageous when it uses reagents that may react undesirably with other reagents. Moreover, reducing the number of fluid lines or the length of fluid lines flushed when changing between different reagents reduces reagent consumption and flush volume and can reduce the cycle time of the system 100. Although two dedicated fluid lines 140, 142 are shown for the reagents in the system 100 any number of dedicated fluid lines may be included.

[0095] Bypass valve 136 is also connected to buffer tank 123 of pump manifold assembly 110 via fluid bypass line 145. One or more of the reagent filling operations, hydration operations, mixing operations, and/or transfer operations may be performed using the fluid bypass line 145. Filling operations, hydration operations, mixing operations, and/or transfer operations can be performed independently of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. Thus, operations using the fluid bypass line 145 may occur, for example, during the incubation of one or more test samples in the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. Thus, common line valve 134 can be used independently of bypass valve 136 such that bypass valve 136 can use fluid bypass line 145 and/or buffer tank 123 to perform one or more operations while common line valve 134 and/or the central valve 130 simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or offset synchronously perform other operations. Thus, simultaneous execution of multiple operations using the system 100 can reduce operating time. Moreover, the bypass valve 136 and fluid bypass line 145 can be used to direct the flow of hybridization buffer through the pump manifold assembly 110 to the sample manifold assembly 108 to ensure that the hybridization buffer follows the test sample through the flow cell 128. Thus, The order of fluid flow through the flow cell 125 may be: 1) hybridization buffer after the filling operation; 2) a sample withdrawn from sample wells 260 through sippers 268; and 3) a hybridization buffer accessible through bypass valve 136 and fluid bypass valve 145.

[0096] Now with respect to the drive assembly 112 in the illustrated implementation, the drive assembly 112 includes a pump drive assembly 147 and a valve drive assembly 148. The pump drive assembly 147 may be configured to interact with one or more pumps 121 to pump fluid through the flow cell 125 and/or load one or more test samples into the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. The valve actuator assembly 147 may be configured to interact with one or more valves 120, 122, 130, 134, 136 to control the position of the respective valves 120, 122, 130, 134, 136. In an embodiment, the common line and/or bypass valve 134 valve 136 are implemented as rotary valves having a first position that blocks flow into the flow cell 125 and a second position that allows flow from the reagent reservoir 144 into the flow cell 125. However, any of the valves 134, 136 may be located at any a number of positions for flowing one or more of a first reagent, a buffer reagent, a second reagent, and the like into the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. For example, bypass valve 136 may be rotated between a first position in which fluid may flow from one or more reactant reservoirs 144 through bypass valve 136 to central valve 130, and a second position in which fluid may flow from one or more reservoirs. 144 for reagent through bypass valve 136 into bypass line 145 for fluid. Other designs may be acceptable. For example, the bypass valve 136 may be configured to be positioned to allow fluid from the fluid bypass line 145 to flow through the bypass valve 136 and into the mixing tank from the reactant tanks 144.

[0097] With respect to the controller 114, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 114 includes a user interface 150, a communication interface 152, one or more processors 154, and a memory 156 storing instructions executed by the one or more processors 154 to perform various functions. including the described embodiments. The user interface 150, communication interface 133, and storage device 156 are electrically and/or communicatively coupled to one or more processors 154.

[0098] In an embodiment, the user interface 150 is configured to receive input from a user and provide the user with information related to the operation of the system 100 and/or the analysis being performed. The user interface 150 may include a touch screen, display, keyboard, speaker(s), mouse, trackball, and/or voice recognition system. The touch screen and/or display may display a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0099] In an embodiment, the communication interface 152 is configured to allow communication between the system 100 and remote system(s) (eg, computers) via a network(s). The network(s) may include the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a coaxial cable network, a wireless network, a wired network, a satellite network, and a digital subscriber network (DSL). ), cellular network, Bluetooth connection, Near Field Communication (NFC) connection, etc. Some of the messages sent to the remote system may be related to analysis results, visualization data, etc. that are generated or otherwise manner received by the system 100. Some of the messages transmitted to the system 100 may be associated with a fluid analysis operation, a patient record, and/or protocol(s) to be performed. system 100.

[00100] One or more processors 154 and/or system 100 may include one or more processor-based systems or microprocessor-based systems. In some embodiments, one or more processors 154 and/or system 100 include one or more programmable processors, a programmable controller, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computer ( RISC), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), field programmable logic device (FPLD), logic circuit, and/or other logic device that performs various functions, including the functions described herein.

[00101] Storage device 156 may include one or more of a semiconductor memory, magnetic readable memory, optical memory, hard disk drive (HDD), optical storage, solid state storage, solid state drive (SSD), flash -memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (NVRAM), compact disc (CD), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), Rapid Buffer Memory, and/or any other storage device or disk on which information is stored for any period of time (eg, permanently, temporarily, over an extended period of time, for buffering, caching).

[00102] In FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sipper assembly 262 including sippers 268 and a sample cartridge 104 along with sample wells 260 that can be used with the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the sipper assembly 262 is an automated pipette including a base 270 having a cavity 272, a sipper array 274 including sippers 268 and at least partially located within the cavity 272, and a spring assembly 276 that advances the sippers 268 in the direction substantially indicated by arrow 278 into sample wells 260. By having the spring assembly 276 push the sippers 268 into the sample wells 260, the sippers 268 can be positioned adjacent the bottom surface 280 of the sample wells 260 and thereby reduce the dead volume in the sample well 260 and allow fewer samples to be supplied during an assay operation. fluid medium.

[00103] With respect to the sippers 268, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the sippers 268 has a proximal portion 282 located within the cavity 272, a distal portion 284 located within the sample wells 260, and a fluid path 286 extending between the portions 282, 284. The spring assembly 276 includes springs 288 surrounding corresponding sippers 268 on the proximal portion 282 and positioned in a corresponding spring seat 290 of the sipper assembly 262.

[00104] In FIG. 1C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the distal portion 284 of the sipper assembly 262 and sample wells 260 of the sample cartridge 104 shown in FIG. 1B. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sippers 268 has an opening 292 at a distal portion 284 and a tip 293. The tip 293 is formed by a first surface 294 located at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis 295 of the sipper 268 and a second surface 296 located at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis 295 As shown, the first angle is about 30° and the second angle is about 50°. However, the surfaces 294, 296 may be at different angles, including the same angle.

[00105] The misalignment between the first and second angles causes the end end 297 of the tip 293 to be offset relative to the longitudinal axis 295 and positions the hole 292 at some distance from the end end 297. Because the end end 297 extends beyond the hole 292 and comes into contact with the bottom surface 280, opening 292 is less likely to come into contact with the bottom surface 298 of sample well 260 and become blocked and/or obstructed. To further reduce the dead volume present in the sample wells 260, the bottom surface 280 of the sample wells 260 is tapered.

[00106] In FIG. 2 shows an isometric, enlarged view of an embodiment of a flow cell cartridge assembly 102 that is configured to be installed in the receiving compartment 128 of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 includes a body 158, a flow cell assembly 160, a flow cell connector 162, an inlet gasket assembly 164, and an outlet gasket assembly 166. The flow cell connector 162 may be referred to as a bracket. The inlet gasket assembly 164 and/or the outlet gasket assembly 166 may interact or otherwise be in fluid communication with the flow cell interface 129 of the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A. The inlet gasket assembly 164 may be directly connected to the central valve 130 or may be connected to the central valve 130 via one or more fluid lines (see, for example, FIG. 6B).

[00107] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 may also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 167 . The RFID tag 167 can be used for tracking and/or identification. Other methods of tracking and/or identifying flow cell cartridge assembly 102 may be suitable.

[00108] The body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 has perimeter walls 168 and a top surface 170. The perimeter walls 168 and top surface 170 define a cavity 172. The cavity 172 includes a top opening 174 and a bottom opening 176. The top opening 174 is defined by a top surface 170 Through the upper opening 174, image data of the flow cell 125 can be obtained using the imaging system 116. The lower opening 176 is limited by the lower edge 178 of the perimeter walls 168. The lower opening 176 allows the sample of interest to be loaded into the channels 126 of the flow cell 125 through the outlet gasket assembly 166 and/or to load one or more reagents to flow into the channels 126 of the flow cell 125 through the inlet gasket assembly 164 .

[00109] Flow cell assembly 160 includes a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126 and a flow cell manifold 173. Each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 has both a corresponding channel inlet 180 and a corresponding channel outlet 182. The channel inlet 180 may be referred to as the inlet of the flow cell 125. The channel outlet 182 may be referred to as the outlet of the flow cell 125. However, depending on the direction of fluid flow, the channel inlets 180 may act as the outlets of the flow cell 125 and the outlets 182 the channels may act as inlets of the flow cell 125. For example, when a test sample is loaded into the channels 126 on the back side of the flow cell 125, the channel outlets 182 serve as the inlets of the flow cell 125.

[00110] The flow cell manifold 173 is configured to connect to the flow cell 125 and may be formed from a layered material. The flow cell manifold 173 may provide a mechanical flexible connection to the flow cell 125. The flow cell manifold 173 may be connected to the flow cell 125 using an adhesive. Other methods of connecting flow cell 125 and flow cell manifold 173 may be suitable.

[00111] In the illustrated embodiment, flow cell manifold 173 includes a single inlet 184, a plurality of fluid lines 186 (fluid lines 186 are more clearly shown in FIG. 3), and a plurality of outlets 188. The inlet 184 may be referred to as an inlet. flow cell manifold. The inlet 184 of the flow cell manifold 173 is connected to each of the outlets 188 by fluid lines 186. By using fluid lines 186, flow cell assembly 160 can avoid the need for an additional valve device to control fluid flow.

[00112] Fluid lines 186 may be configured to separate flow and may be referred to as flow dividers. In an embodiment, fluid flowing through inlet 184 may be substantially evenly divided among the channels 126 of flow cell 125. In some embodiments, flow cell manifold 173 and/or fluid lines 186 may be configured to reduce flow resistance and/or or operating pressure of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The height of the fluid lines 186 may be approximately 300 micrometers (μm). Other heights of fluid lines 186 may be suitable. In another embodiment, the flow cell manifold 173 may be omitted, and the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 may include fluid lines 186, an inlet 184, and a plurality of outlets 188. As an example, fluid lines 186, an inlet 184, and a plurality of outlets 188 may be injection molded and/or extruded into the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 (see, for example, FIGS. 13A and 13B).

[00113] The flow cell manifold 173 may also include inlet equalization ports 190 and outlet equalization holes 192. Inlet equalization holes 190 may be located on either side of the inlet port 184, and outlet equalization holes 192 may be located adjacent to the outlet holes 188 of the manifold 173 flow cell. The equalization inlet ports 190 and/or the equalization outlet ports 192 may be referred to as the flow cell manifold 173 interface.

[00114] The flow cell connector 162 includes protrusions 194. The protrusions 194 are configured to be installed in the outlet alignment holes 192 of the flow cell manifold 173 to secure the flow cell manifold 173 relative to the flow cell 125. The flow cell connector 162 may include end portions 196, configured new capable of forming a snap-fit connection to the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 or can be freely moved within specified tolerances relative to the body 158. The connection between the flow cell connector 162 and the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 can help hold the flow cell 125 and the flow cell manifold 173 in cavities 172 housing 158 assemblies 102 flow cell cartridges.

[00115] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow cell connector 162 includes a support 197. The support 197 is a semicircular cutout and may have tapered surfaces. The support 197 may be configured to receive and/or secure the RFID tag 167 relative to the flow cell cartridge assembly 102. In some embodiments, support 197 may be absent.

[00116] The inlet gasket assembly 164 includes a first portion 198, a second portion 202, and an inlet gasket 204. The inlet gasket 204 may be configured to connect to the inlet 184 of the flow cell manifold 173 and provide fluid communication between the flow cell channels 126 125 and components of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The first portion 198 of the inlet shim assembly 164 includes projections 206, and the second portion 202 of the inlet shim assembly 164 includes receiving compartments 208. The projections 206 are configured to align the inlet alignment holes 190 of the flow cell manifold 173 with the receiving compartments 208 of the second assembly portion 202 164 intake gaskets. The interaction between the projections 206 and the receiving compartments 208 may connect together the first and second portions 198, 202 of the inlet gasket assembly 164 through, for example, a snap connection. In another embodiment, the projections 206 may be aligned with the receiving compartments 208 for alignment. The sides 210 of the first portion 198 of the inlet gasket assembly 164 may be configured to form a snap connection with the second portion 202 of the inlet gasket assembly 164 and/or with the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102.

[00117] The outlet gasket assembly 166 includes a plurality of gaskets 212 and a housing 214. The housing 214 may contain gaskets 212. Each gasket 212 of the plurality of gaskets 212 is configured to connect adjacent to one of the channel outlets 182 of the flow cell 125 and provide communication fluid between the channels 126 of the flow cell 125 and the components of the system 100. The sides 216 of the housing 214 of the outlet gasket assembly 166 may be configured to form a snap connection with the housing 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102.

[00118] In FIG. 3-5, and 6A, and 6B illustrate various embodiments of a flow cell assembly 160 that can be used with the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A. The channels 126 of the flow cell assemblies 160 shown in FIG. 3-5, and 6A and 6B may have a volume of from about 18.7 microliters (μL) to about 32.4 μL. Other volumes may be acceptable.

[00119] In FIG. 3 is a top view of flow cell 125 and flow cell manifold 173 for flow cell assembly 160 shown in FIG. 2.

[00120] In FIG. 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of a flow cell 125 and another embodiment of a flow cell manifold 173 of a flow cell assembly 160 that can be used with the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the width of the channels 126 of the flow cell assembly 160 shown in FIG. 4, maybe less. The spacing and/or size of the fluid lines 186 of the flow cell manifold 173 shown in FIG. 4, can be adjusted accordingly.

[00121] In FIG. 5 shows a top view of another embodiment of a flow cell 125 and another embodiment of a flow cell manifold 173 of a flow cell assembly 160 that may be used in the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. Unlike other embodiments described, the flow cell 125 shown in FIG. 5 includes two channels 126, and the flow cell manifold 173 includes a smaller number of fluid lines 186. Fluid lines 186 of the flow cell manifold 173 connect the inlet 184 of the flow cell manifold 173 to the channels 126 of the flow cell 125. Although the flow cell 125 shown in FIG. 5 includes two channels 126, it may include any other number of channels 126, including one.

[00122] In FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of flow cell 125 and another embodiment of flow cell manifold 173 of flow cell assembly 160 that can be used with the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. Unlike other described embodiments, the inlet 184 of the flow cell manifold 173 shown in FIG. 6A is substantially in line with the outlets 188 of the flow cell manifold 173, and the fluid lines 186 are positioned accordingly. Thus, the height H of the flow cell manifold 173 shown in FIG. 6A may be less than the height of the flow cell headers 173 shown in FIG. 3, 4 and 5.

[00123] In FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the flow cell 125 and flow cell manifold 173 shown in FIG. 6A. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid line 213 is connected to inlet 184 of flow cell manifold 173 via spacer 204. Fluid line 213 may be part of the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A, and includes a connector 215. The connector 215 of the fluid line 213 may be coupled to a port of the central valve 130, for example, to provide fluid communication between the central valve 130 and the flow cell 125.

[00124] In FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sample loading manifold assembly 108 coupled to an embodiment of a flow cell assembly 160 for use with the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample loading manifold assembly 108 includes a housing 217 having a first face 218 and a second face 219 opposite the first face 218. The first face 218 defines the boundaries of a plurality of sample ports 220 and a plurality of flow cell ports 222. Each of the sample ports 220 is connected to a corresponding sample cartridge interface port 119 via separate sample fluid lines 223. Likewise, each of the flow cell ports 222 is connected to a corresponding channel 126 of the flow cell 125 via separate fluid lines 224. Flow cell fluid lines 224 may be connected to flow cell interface ports 129. Although separate fluid lines 223, 224 are mentioned connecting sample ports 220 to sample cartridge interface ports 119 and connecting flow cell ports 222 to flow cell channels 126 and/or flow cell interface ports 129, it is possible to use a single fluid line to fluid connections of two or more ports.

[00125] The second face 219 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 defines the boundaries of the pump ports 226. Each pump port 226 is connected to a corresponding port 228 of the pump manifold assembly 110 (the corresponding ports 228 of the pump manifold assembly 110 are more clearly shown in FIG. 8) via separate fluid lines 230 for the pump channels.

[00126] The sample valves 120 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 are configured to be actuated to obtain a test sample from the sample cartridge 104 and load it into one or more channels 126 of the flow cell 125. To obtain a test sample from the sample cartridge 104, one or more sample valves 120 are actuated to a first position allowing fluid communication of the sample cartridge 104 with the pump manifold assembly 110. In the first position of the sample valves 120, the test sample may flow through the sample fluid line 223 into the sample ports 220 from the pump ports 226 and into the pump channel fluid line 230 of the pump manifold assembly 110.

[00127] To independently introduce the test sample into one or more channels 126 of the flow cell 125 through the outlet gasket assembly 166, one or more sample valves 120 are actuated to a second position providing fluid communication of the pump manifold assembly 110 to the flow cell 125. In the second position of the sample valves 120, the sample under test may flow from the pump channel fluid lines 230 into the pump ports 226 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 and exit the flow cell ports 222 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 to the corresponding channels 126 of the flow cell 125 through flow cell fluid lines 224. The pump manifold assembly 110 may be configured to dispense a test sample into the flow cell 125 at a relatively low rate to provide substantially uniform transfer. When a test sample is loaded into the channels 126 of the flow cell 125, the central valve 130 may be positioned to divert the flow cell 125 to an auxiliary waste fluid line 132. After dispensing the test sample into the flow cell 125, the seeding incubation process can be performed. In some embodiments, 100 microliters (μL) of the test sample is simultaneously introduced into channels 126 of flow cell 125, incubated, and seeded. Other volumes may be acceptable. The process of stepwise introduction of a smaller amount of the test sample into the channels 126, incubation and seeding can be repeated a threshold number of times.

[00128] Before obtaining a test sample from the sample cartridge 104, in some embodiments, the pump manifold assembly 110 may be filled with a buffer. The buffer may be obtained from fluid bypass line 145. Filling the pump manifold assembly 110 with buffer may be provided by the pump manifold assembly 110 with a piston stroke to dispense, for example, a test sample into the flow cell 125.

[00129] In FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a portion of a pump manifold assembly 110 for use with the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, pump manifold assembly 110 includes a housing 232 housing pump valves 122, buffer tank valve 234, and pumps 121. Pumps 121 may be syringe pumps and may be configured to receive a volume of approximately 500 microliters (μL). Other volumes may be acceptable.

[00130] Pump valves 122, buffer tank valve 234, and/or pumps 121 are configured to independently control fluid flow for each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of flow cell 125. In the illustrated embodiment, two pump drive assemblies 147 are provided. Pump drive assemblies 147 may be configured to drive one or more pumps 121 individually to perform one or more of the operations described herein. In an embodiment, one of the pump drive assemblies 147 may drive two pumps 121, and another of the pump drive assemblies 147 may drive six pumps 121. Other designs may be suitable.

[00131] Pump valves 122, buffer tank valve 234, and/or pumps 121 may be configured to allow one or more reactants to flow through fluid bypass line 145 and/or to main waste fluid line 127. A plurality of sensors 236, 237 may also be located on the housing 232 of the pump manifold assembly 110. The sensors 236, 237 may include pressure or flow sensors. Other types of sensors may be suitable. In another embodiment, one or more sensors 236, 237 and/or buffer tank valve 234 may be eliminated. In some such embodiments, fluid bypass line 145 may also be eliminated. Other designs may be acceptable.

[00132] Pump manifold assembly 110 includes a buffer tank 123, pump channel fluid lines 230, a plurality of pump fluid lines 238, a common fluid line 240, a buffer tank fluid line 242, and a main waste fluid line 127. . Buffer tank fluid line 242 is connected to and extends between buffer tank 123 and buffer tank valve 234. Pump channel fluid line 230 and pump channel fluid line 238 may be collectively referred to as pump channel fluid line. In the illustrated embodiment, each pump valve 122 is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line 230, a corresponding pump fluid line 238, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump 121 is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line 238. The pumps 121 are configured to control each fluid flow to the fluid line 230 for the pump channels and to one of the channels 126 of the flow cell 125 separately.

[00133] The buffer tank valve 234 is connected to the buffer tank fluid line 242, the main waste fluid line 127, and the common fluid line 240. The sensors 236, 237 may be configured to detect one or more of a pressure value or a flow rate value for one or more of: at least one of the pump channel fluid lines 230 or the common fluid line 240. Five sensors 236 are connected to fluid lines 230 for the pump channels. The sensors 236 can be arranged in different ways. Additional sensors or fewer sensors, including zero sensors, may be suitable.

[00134] To pump fluid from the flow cell 125 or force fluid thereto using one or more of the pumps 121, one or more pump valves 122 may be actuated to a first position allowing fluid communication of the lines 230 fluid for the pump channels and pump fluid lines 238, and one or more of the pumps 121 may be driven to move the fluid.

[00135] To move the reaction components to the waste fluid reservoir 117 using one or more of the pumps 121, one or more of the pump valves 122 may be actuated to a second position allowing fluid communication of the pump fluid lines 238 and common fluid line 240, buffer tank valve 234 may be actuated to a first position allowing fluid communication of common fluid line 240 and main waste fluid line 127, and one or more pumps 121 may be driven. into action to move the fluid.

[00136] To perform a mixing operation using one or more reaction components received via fluid bypass line 145, pump valves 122 may be actuated to a second position allowing fluid communication of pump fluid lines 238 and general line 240, buffer tank valve 234 may be actuated to a second position allowing fluid communication between buffer tank fluid line 242 and common fluid line 240, and one or more pumps 121 may be actuated to fluid movement. In some embodiments, a larger volume of reaction component(s) may be moved through fluid bypass line 145 to fill a common fluid line 240 using all pumps 121. Two pumps may then be used to improve the accuracy of subsequent fluid transfer. pump 121, for example, while the other pumps 121 are not activated. Instead, a different number of pumps 121 may be used, including using a single pump 121.

[00137] In FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a system 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, system 300 includes a flow cell interface 128 and a pump manifold assembly 110. The flow cell interface 128 is configured to connect to a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126. The pump manifold assembly 110 includes pump valves 122 and pumps 121. Although the system 300 includes two pump valves 122 and two pumps 121, providing the system 300 with a different number of valves 122 and/or pumps 121 may be suitable.

[00138] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump manifold assembly 110 includes pump channel fluid lines 230, pump fluid lines 238, and a common fluid line 240. Pump valves 122 and pumps 121 may be configured to control each fluid flow through each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 separately via respective fluid lines 230 for the pump channels. Each pump valve 122 may be connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line 238, a corresponding pump fluid line 230, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump 121 may be connected to a corresponding pump fluid line 238. Other fluid line designs may be suitable.

[00139] In FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a system 400 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, system 400 includes one or more of valves 130, 134 and/or 136, flow cell interface 128, pump manifold assembly 110, and fluid bypass line 145. Valves 130, 134 and/or 136 are configured to connect to corresponding reagent reservoirs 144. Flow cell interface 128 is configured to connect to flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126. Pump manifold assembly 110 includes pumps 121, pump valves 122, and buffer tank 123. Each pump 121 may be configured to control each fluid stream to each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 separately. Fluid bypass line 145 is operatively coupled to one or more valves 130, 134, 136 and buffer tank 123. Other fluid line designs may be suitable.

[00140] In FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a system 500 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 500 includes a flow cell interface 128, a sample cartridge interface 119, and a sample loading manifold assembly 108. The flow cell interface 119 is configured to connect to a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126. The sample cartridge interface 119 is configured to connect to the sample cartridge 104, and the sample cartridge interface 119 is located downstream of the flow cell interface 128. The sample loading manifold 108 is located between the flow cell interface 128 and the sample cartridge interface 129.

[00141] The sample loading manifold 108 includes a housing 217 housing a plurality of sample valves 120 and defining the boundaries of the sample ports 220 and the flow cell ports 222. Each sample port 220 is connected to a corresponding port 502 of the sample cartridge interface 119 via one of the sample fluid lines 223 . Each flow cell port 222 is connected to a corresponding port 504 of the flow cell interface 119. The ports 504 of the flow cell interface 119 are coupled to a corresponding one of the channels 126 of the flow cell 125 via flow cell fluid lines 224.

[00142] In FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a system 600 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, system 600 includes one or more of valves 130, 134 and/or 136, a flow cell interface 128, a sample cartridge interface 119, and a pump manifold assembly 110. One or more of the valves 130, 134 and/or 136 may be configured to be connected to corresponding reagent reservoirs 144. The flow cell interface 128 is configured to connect to a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126. The sample cartridge interface 128 includes a plurality of ports 502 and is configured to connect to a sample cartridge 104 housing the sample of interest. The sample cartridge interface 119 is located downstream of the flow cell interface 128.

[00143] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump manifold assembly 110 includes pumps 121 and pump valves 122. Each pump 121 and corresponding pump valve 122 are configured to control each flow between each port 502 of the plurality of ports 502 of the sample cartridge interface 119 and each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 together with the test sample individually.

[00144] In FIG. 13A is a top view of another embodiment of a flow cell 125 and another embodiment of a flow cell manifold 173 of a flow cell cartridge assembly 102 that can be used with the system 100 of FIG. 1A. Unlike other described embodiments, the body 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 defines the boundaries of the fluid lines 186, the inlet 184, and the plurality of outlets 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid lines 186 are also connected to the outlets 182 of the flow cell channels 126 for providing fluid communication with, for example, fluid line 124 and/or sample loading manifold 108.

[00145] In FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 shown in FIG. 13A. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 158 of the flow cell cartridge assembly 102 defines the boundaries of the receiving compartment 250. Internal gaskets 252 and external gaskets 254 are located within the receiving compartments 250. Internal gaskets 254 may be configured to interface with the flow cell 125 for fluid communication between lines. 186 fluid housing 158 flow cell cartridge assembly 102 and flow cell channels 126. The outer spacers 254 may be configured to interface with the flow cell interface 129 of the system 100 to provide fluid communication between the system 100 and the flow cell cartridge assembly 102.

[00146] In FIG. 14-17 are flow charts of methods for performing a pumping operation and/or loading operation on a test sample using the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1A, or any of the other systems 300, 400, 500 and/or 600 described herein. In the block diagrams shown in Fig. 14 and 16, blocks surrounded by solid lines may be included in the method embodiment 1200 and 1400, while blocks surrounded by dashed lines may be optional in the process embodiment. However, no matter how the block boundary is represented in FIG. 14-17, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed and/or some of the described blocks may be modified, omitted, combined and/or divided into multiple blocks.

[00147] Process 1200 shown in FIG. 14 begins by connecting a flow cell 125 having a plurality of channels 126 to a flow cell interface 129 (block 1202). At a block 1204, one or more of a plurality of pump valves 122 and one or more of a plurality of pumps 121 of a pump manifold assembly 110 are operated to load a test sample into each channel 126 of a plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125.

[00148] One or more of a plurality of pump valves 122 and one or more of a plurality of pumps 121 of the pump manifold assembly 110 are actuated to control each fluid flow through each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 individually via a corresponding channel fluid line 230 pumps (block 1206). Controlling one or more of the plurality of pumps 121 may include causing the test sample to flow into each channel 126 in a first direction. Controlling one or more of the plurality of pumps 121 may also include causing a reagent to flow through channels 126 of the flow cell 125 in a second direction opposite to the first. The pump manifold assembly 110 may include a plurality of pump channel fluid lines 230, a plurality of pump fluid lines 238, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump valve 122 may be connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line 230, a corresponding pump fluid line 238, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump 121 may be connected to a corresponding pump fluid line 238.

[00149] One or more of the plurality of pumps 121 of the pump manifold assembly 110 is configured to control fluid flow between the fluid bypass line 145 and the buffer tank 123 of the pump manifold assembly 110 (block 1208). In some embodiments, fluid bypass line 145 connects buffer tank 123 and bypass valve 136.

[00150] At block 1210, one or more pump valves 122, one or more pumps 121, or buffer tank valve 234 of pump manifold assembly 110 are operative to control fluid flow between at least one of the common fluid line 240 and the main waste line 127. fluid or between the bypass fluid line 145 and the main waste fluid line 127. One or more pumps 121 of the pump manifold assembly 110 are driven to cause the test sample to flow from the channels 126 of the flow channel 125 and into the auxiliary waste fluid line 132 (block 1212).

[00151] Process 1300 shown in FIG. 15 begins with a flow cell 125 with a plurality of channels 126 connected to a contact surface of the flow cell 129 (block 1302). At a block 1304, one or more of a plurality of pump valves 122 and one or more of a plurality of pumps 121 of the pump manifold assembly 110 are actuated to control each fluid flow through each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 separately via respective fluid lines 230 for the channels. pumps The pump manifold assembly 110 may include a plurality of pump channel fluid lines 230, a plurality of pump fluid lines 238, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump valve 122 may be connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line 230, a corresponding pump fluid line 238, and a common fluid line 240. Each pump 121 may be connected to a corresponding pump fluid line 238.

[00152] Process 1400 shown in FIG. 16 begins with a flow cell 125 with a plurality of channels 126 connected to a contact surface of the flow cell 129 (block 1402). At a block 1404, the sample cartridge 104 is coupled to the sample cartridge interface 119. The sample cartridge interface 119 may be located downstream of the flow cell interface 129. The sample cartridge 104 may contain a test sample. One or more sample valves 120 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 are actuated to load a test sample into each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 (block 1406).

[00153] In some embodiments, controlling one or more sample valves 120 includes moving a test sample from a sample cartridge 104 to a corresponding sample port 220 of a sample loading manifold assembly 108 from a corresponding pump port 226 of a sample loading manifold assembly 108 into a corresponding line. 230 fluid for the pump channels of the pump manifold assembly 110. Control of one or more sample valves 120 may also include moving a test sample from a corresponding pump channel fluid line 230 through a corresponding pump port 226 and through a flow cell port 222 of a sample loading manifold assembly 108 . Each flow cell port 222 may be coupled to a corresponding port 502 of the flow cell interface 119 and coupled to one of the channels 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125.

[00154] Each sample valve 120 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 is configured to provide fluid communication to one of the ports 502 of the sample cartridge interface 119 and one or more pumps 121 and fluid communication to the pump 121 and a corresponding channel 126 of the plurality of channels. 126 of the flow cell 125. In some embodiments, control of the one or more sample valves 120 includes causing a test sample to flow into each channel 126 of the flow cell 125 in a first direction. Process 1400 may also include controlling the flow of reagent through channels 126 of flow cell 125 in a second direction opposite to the first.

[00155] At a block 1408, one or more of the plurality of pumps 121 are driven to control each fluid flow for each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 separately. A reagent may flow through a common reagent fluid line 138 to channels 126 of the flow cell 125, and then another reagent may flow through a dedicated fluid line 140 and/or reagents 142 to channels 126 of the flow cell 125 (block 1410). At block 1412, the test sample flows from channels 126 of flow cell 125 and enters auxiliary waste fluid line 132.

[00156] Process 1500 shown in FIG. 17 begins with a flow cell 125 with a plurality of channels 126 connected to a contact surface of the flow cell 129 (block 1502). At a block 1504, sample cartridge 104 is coupled to sample cartridge interface 119. Sample cartridge interface 119 may be located downstream of flow cell interface 129. The sample cartridge 104 may contain one or more test samples. One or more sample valves 120 of the sample loading manifold assembly 108 are actuated to load the corresponding test sample, or the same test sample separately, into each channel 126 of the plurality of channels 126 of the flow cell 125 (block 1506).

[00157] The method includes connecting a flow cell having a plurality of channels to a flow cell interface, the flow cell interface being in fluid communication with a pump manifold assembly; and moving a first pump valve of the plurality of pump valves of the pump manifold assembly to a first position for fluid communication of the first channel of the plurality of channels with the first pump of the plurality of pumps. The first pump is fluidly coupled to the first channel through a first pump channel fluid line. The method includes pumping a first volume of a first reactant through a first channel using a first pump through a first channel fluid line and moving a first pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position to provide fluid communication between the pump and the first channel fluid line. pumps with a common fluid line in fluid communication with a waste fluid reservoir. The method includes pumping a first volume of a first reactant into a waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line and moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a first position to provide fluid communication of a second channel of the plurality of channels with a second pump of the plurality of pumps. The second pump is fluidly coupled to the second channel via a second pump channel fluid line. The method includes pumping a second volume of the first reactant into a second channel using a second pump through a second fluid line for the pump channels and moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position to provide fluid communication between the second pump and the second fluid line for pump channels with a common fluid line in fluid communication with a waste fluid reservoir. The method includes pumping a second volume of the first reagent into a waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line.

[00158] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below further includes moving the bypass valve to a first position for fluid connection of the fluid bypass line and the buffer tank pump manifold assembly and pumping a third volume of the first reagent or other reagent through the fluid bypass line into the buffer tank.

[00159] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below further includes operating one or more of a plurality of pump valves, one or more of a plurality of pumps, or a valve. buffer tank for the pump manifold assembly and pumping a reactant between at least one of a common fluid line and a main waste fluid line in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir, or a bypass fluid line and a main waste fluid line. waste fluid.

[00160] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below further includes controlling one or more of a plurality of pump valves and one or more of a plurality of pumps of a pump manifold assembly for loading the test sample into one or more of a plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[00161] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below for controlling one or more of a plurality of pumps to load a test sample into one or more channels of a plurality of flow cell channels includes ensuring the flow of the sample under study in the first direction. The method further includes controlling one or more pumps of the pump manifold assembly to control the flow of reagent through the flow cell channels in a second direction opposite to the first.

[00162] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below further includes controlling one or more of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly to cause flow of the test sample from the one or more flow cell channels and into an auxiliary waste fluid line, wherein the auxiliary waste fluid line is located upstream of the flow cell interface.

[00163] An apparatus comprising a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels; and a pump manifold assembly housing a plurality of pump valves and a plurality of pumps and comprising a plurality of fluid lines for the pump passages, a plurality of pump fluid lines, and a common fluid line. The pump valves and pumps are configured to control each fluid flow individually through each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels through corresponding fluid lines to the pump channels. Moreover, each pump valve is connected to the corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, the corresponding fluid line of the pumps and the common fluid line and is configured to move between the first position for fluid connection of the corresponding channel from the plurality of channels, the corresponding fluid line for the pump channels and a corresponding fluid line of the pumps, and a second position for fluid connection of the corresponding fluid line for the pump passages, the common fluid line and the waste fluid reservoir. Each pump is connected to a corresponding pump fluid line.

[00164] An apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a buffer tank. The device further includes a bypass valve and a bypass line for fluid connecting the bypass valve and the buffer tank.

[00165] An apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump manifold assembly further includes a buffer tank valve and a buffer tank fluid line. Moreover, the valve of the buffer tank is connected to the fluid line of the buffer tank and the common fluid line.

[00166] An apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a waste fluid main line connected to a waste fluid reservoir, wherein the valve of the buffer tank is connected to the main line for the waste fluid.

[00167] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more of a pressure value or a flow rate value for one or more of: at least one of the fluid lines for the pump channels or the common fluid line.

[00168] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a pair of pump drive assemblies configured to drive a plurality of pumps.

[00169] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge, wherein the sample cartridge interface is located below downstream of the flow cell interface.

[00170] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a sample loading manifold assembly located between the flow cell interface and the sample cartridge interface and comprising or including a housing housing a plurality of sample valves and defining boundaries of a plurality of sample ports, a plurality of flow cell ports, and a plurality of pump ports. Each sample port is connected to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of the channels of the plurality of flow cell channels along a flow cell fluid line. Each pump port is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line from a plurality of pump channel fluid lines.

[00171] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the sample loading manifold assembly sample valves and the pump manifold assembly pumps are configured to load each test sample into each channel from multiple flow cell channels individually.

[00172] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein each sample valve is configured to provide fluid communication between a port of the sample cartridge and a corresponding pump of the plurality of pumps the pump manifold assembly, as well as pump fluid messages from the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly and a corresponding channel from the plurality of flow cell channels.

[00173] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a central valve and an auxiliary waste fluid line connected to the central valve and configured to be connected to a waste fluid reservoir. waste fluid, wherein an auxiliary line for waste fluid is located upstream of the flow cell interface.

[00174] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a common line valve, a bypass valve, a plurality of dedicated reagent fluid lines, and a common reagent fluid line . A common reagent fluid line connects the common line valve and the central valve and is configured to allow one or more reagents to flow into the flow cell through the central valve. Each dedicated reagent fluid line connects the bypass valve and the central valve and is configured to allow reagent to flow into the flow cell through the central valve.

[00175] The device includes one or more valves configured to connect to corresponding reagent reservoirs, and a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels. The device includes a pump manifold assembly having a plurality of pumps, a plurality of pump valves, and buffer capacity. Each pump is configured to control each fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels and a fluid bypass line operatively coupled to one or more valves and a buffer tank, separately.

[00176] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a sample loading manifold assembly having a plurality of sample valves. Each sample valve and corresponding pump of the pump manifold assembly is configured to load each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately. Moreover, the sample loading collector unit is located downstream from the flow cell.

[00177] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a flow cell assembly having a plurality of channels and a flow cell manifold. The flow cell manifold includes an inlet, a plurality of fluid lines, and a plurality of outlets. Each flow cell manifold outlet is connected to a corresponding flow cell channel.

[00178] The method includes connecting a flow cell having a first channel and a second channel to a flow cell interface and moving a first sample valve of one or more sample valves of a sample loading manifold assembly to a first fluid connection position. the environment of the first sample reservoir of the sample cartridge with the outlet of the first channel of the flow cell. The method includes pumping a first test sample from a first sample reservoir into a first channel of a flow cell through an outlet of the first channel. The inlet of the first channel is in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir via a central valve when the central valve is in the first position. The method includes moving a first sample valve from one or more sample valves of a sample loading manifold assembly to a second position to fluidly disconnect the first sample reservoir of the sample cartridge and fluidly couple the outlet of the first channel to the waste fluid reservoir. and moving the central valve to a second position for fluid connection of the reagent reservoir with the first channel and the second channel of the flow cell. The method includes pumping a first volume of reagent through a first channel into a waste fluid reservoir.

[00179] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein pumping the first test sample from the first sample reservoir into the first channel of the flow cell includes moving the first test sample from the sample cartridge to the corresponding sample port of the sample loading manifold assembly, beyond the corresponding pump port of the sample loading manifold assembly and into the pump channel fluid line of the pump manifold assembly, and moving the first test sample from the pump channel fluid line through the corresponding port pump and through the corresponding flow cell port of the sample loading manifold assembly. Moreover, each port of the flow cell is connected to a corresponding port of the flow cell interface and is connected to one of the channels of the plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[00180] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, moving a first sample valve of the one or more sample valves to a first position includes making a fluid connection to the port interface of the sample cartridge and the corresponding pump, and moving the first sample valve of the one or more sample valves to a second position includes fluid connection of the corresponding pump and the first channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[00181] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further including controlling one or more of a plurality of pumps to control each fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of channels flow cells separately.

[00182] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising flowing a first test sample from the first channel of the flow cell and into an auxiliary waste fluid line, wherein an auxiliary waste fluid line is located upstream of the flow cell and is in fluid communication with the central valve and the waste fluid reservoir.

[00183] The method of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising flowing a reagent along a common reagent fluid line to a plurality of channels of the flow cell and then flowing another reagent along a dedicated reagent fluid line to a plurality of flow cell channels.

[00184] An apparatus comprising a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels, and a central valve, and an auxiliary waste fluid line coupled to the central valve and configured to connect to a waste fluid reservoir. The central valve is coupled to the flow cell interface and is movable between a first position for fluid connection of the inlet of the plurality of channels to the auxiliary waste fluid line, and a second position for fluid connection of the reagent reservoir and the plurality of channels. The device includes a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface. The apparatus includes a sample loading manifold assembly located between a flow cell interface and a sample cartridge interface, and includes a housing that receives a plurality of sample valves and defines the boundaries of a plurality of sample ports and a plurality of flow cell ports. Each sample port is connected to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line. Each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and is coupled to one of a plurality of flow cell channels along a flow cell fluid line. Each of the sample valves is movable between a first position for fluid connection of a corresponding sample port and a corresponding outlet of the plurality of channels, and a second position for fluid connection of a corresponding outlet of the plurality of channels and a waste fluid reservoir.

[00185] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the sample valves are configured to load each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately.

[00186] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a plurality of pumps, and wherein the sample loading manifold housing further defines the boundaries of the plurality of pump ports. Each pump port is connected to one of the plurality of pumps via a fluid line to the pump channels.

[00187] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein each sample valve is configured to provide fluid communication between a port of the sample cartridge and a corresponding pump of the plurality of pumps and pump fluid messages of the plurality of pumps and a corresponding channel of the plurality of flow cell channels.

[00188] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pumps are configured to control each fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately.

[00189] An apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a pump manifold assembly comprising pumps and a buffer tank. Additionally comprising a bypass valve and a fluid bypass line connecting the bypass valve and the buffer tank.

[00190] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a common line valve, a plurality of dedicated reagent fluid lines, and a common reagent fluid line. In this case, a common fluid line for reagents connects the common line valve and the central valve and is configured to flow one or more reagents to the flow cell. Moreover, each dedicated fluid line for reagents connects the bypass line for the fluid and the central valve and is configured to flow to the flow cell.

[00191] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump manifold assembly includes a plurality of pump valves and a buffer tank valve and includes a plurality of fluid lines for the pump passages , a plurality of pump fluid lines, a common fluid line, a buffer tank fluid line, and a main waste fluid line. Moreover, the fluid line of the buffer tank is connected to the buffer tank and the valve of the buffer tank and passes between them. In this case, each pump valve is connected to a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels, a corresponding fluid line of the pumps and a common fluid line. The buffer tank valve is connected to the buffer tank fluid line, the main waste fluid line and the common fluid line.

[00192] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump valves and pumps are configured to independently control fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels, and the pump valves, the buffer tank valve, and the pumps are configured to control fluid flow between the fluid bypass line and the common fluid line.

[00193] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, wherein the pump valves, the buffer tank valve, and the pumps are configured to control the flow of fluid between the common fluid line and the main fluid line. line for waste fluid.

[00194] The device includes one or more valves configured to connect to corresponding reagent reservoirs, and a flow cell interface configured to connect to the flow cell. The device includes a sample cartridge interface having one or more ports and configured to connect to a sample cartridge containing a test sample. The sample cartridge interface is located downstream of the flow cell interface. The device includes a pump configured to load a test sample into a flow cell channel through a flow cell interface coupled to a flow cell outlet and a corresponding sample cartridge interface port.

[00195] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a pump manifold assembly having a plurality of pumps, including a pump and a plurality of pump valves. Each pump and associated pump valve are configured to control each test sample flow individually between each port of the one or more sample cartridge interface ports and a corresponding channel of the flow cell.

[00196] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a sample loading manifold assembly having a plurality of sample valves. Each sample valve is configured to load the test sample separately into each channel of the plurality of channels of the flow cell.

[00197] The apparatus of any one or more of the preceding embodiments and/or any one or more of the embodiments described below, further comprising a flow cell assembly including a flow cell having a plurality of channels and a flow cell manifold. The flow cell manifold includes an inlet, a plurality of fluid lines, and a plurality of outlets. Each flow cell manifold outlet is connected to a corresponding flow cell channel.

[00198] The above description is provided to enable one skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the technology that is the subject of the document is described, in particular, with reference to various figures and configurations, it should be understood that they are provided for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the technology that is the subject of the document.

[00199] As used herein, an element or step listed in the singular and the preceding words in the singular are to be understood as not excluding the plural of said elements or steps unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Moreover, references to “one embodiment” should not be interpreted as precluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the specified elements. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements, whether or not they have that property or No. In addition, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” etc. are used interchangeably herein.

[00200] The terms "substantially", "approximately" and "about" as used herein are used to describe and account for small variations, for example due to fluctuations in values during processing. For example, they may refer to ±5% or less, for example ±2% or less, for example ±1% or less, for example ±0.5% or less, for example ±0.2% or less, for example ±0.1% or less, for example ±0.05% or less.

[00201] There are many other ways to implement the technology that is the subject of the document. The various functions and elements described herein may be subdivided in a manner different from that shown, without departing from the scope of the technology that is the subject of the document. Various modifications of these embodiments will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, one skilled in the art can make many changes and modifications to the inventive technology without departing from the scope of the subject technology. For example, a different number of data modules or blocks may be used, a different type or types of data modules or blocks may be used, a given module or block may be added, or a given module or block may be omitted.

[00202] Underlining or italics of headings and subheadings is for convenience only and does not limit the technology that is the subject of the document and does not relate to the interpretation of the description of the technology that is the subject of the document. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of the various embodiments described herein that are known or become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are deemed to be within the scope of the technology subject to this document. In addition, nothing described herein is intended for public use, whether or not expressly mentioned in the above description.

[00203] It should be understood that all combinations of the above concepts and additional concepts described in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually contradictory) are considered part of the subject matter of the invention described herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this specification are considered to be part of the subject matter described herein.

Claims (36)

1. A method for controlling pumps and valves for sequencing platforms, including: connecting a flow cell having a plurality of channels to a flow cell interface, the flow cell interface being fluidly coupled to a pump manifold assembly; moving a first pump valve of the plurality of pump valves of the pump manifold assembly to a first position for fluid connection of a first channel of the plurality of channels to a first pump of the plurality of pumps, the first pump being fluidly coupled to the first channel via a first fluid line for the pump channels; pumping a first volume of a first reactant through a first channel using a first pump through a first fluid line for the pump channels; moving a first pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position for fluid connection of the pump and a first fluid line for the pump passages with a common fluid line in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir; pumping a first volume of the first reactant into a waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line; moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a first position for fluid connection of a second channel of the plurality of channels to a second pump of the plurality of pumps, the second pump being fluidly coupled to the second channel via a second fluid line for the pump channels; pumping a second volume of the first reactant into the second channel using a second pump through a second fluid line for the pump channels; moving a second pump valve of the plurality of pump valves to a second position for fluid connection of the second pump and a second fluid line for the pump passages with a common fluid line in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir; And pumping a second volume of the first reagent into the waste fluid reservoir along a common fluid line. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the bypass valve to a first position for fluid connection of the fluid bypass line and the buffer tank of the pump manifold assembly and pumping a third volume of the first reagent or other reagent through the fluid bypass line to buffer capacity. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising actuating one or more of the plurality of pump valves, one or more of the plurality of pumps, or a buffer tank valve of the pump manifold assembly, and pumping a reactant between at least one of the common fluid line and a main waste fluid line in fluid communication with the waste fluid reservoir, or a bypass fluid line and a main waste fluid line. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising controlling one or more of the plurality of pump valves and one or more of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly to load the test sample into one or more of the plurality of channels of the flow cell. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein controlling one or more pumps for loading the test sample into one or more channels of the plurality of channels of the flow cell includes causing the test sample to flow in a first direction, further includes controlling one or more of a plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly to control the flow of reagent through the flow cell channels in a second direction opposite to the first. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising controlling one or more pumps of the pump manifold assembly to cause the test sample to flow from the one or more channels of the flow cell into an auxiliary waste fluid line, wherein the auxiliary waste fluid line is located upstream of the flow cell interface. 7. A device for controlling pumps and valves for sequencing platforms, comprising: a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels; And a pump manifold assembly housing a plurality of pump valves and a plurality of pumps and comprising a plurality of fluid lines for the pump channels, a plurality of pump fluid lines, and a common fluid line, wherein the pump valves and pumps are configured to control each fluid flow through each of the plurality of channels flow cell channels separately through respective pump channel fluid lines, wherein each pump valve is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line, a corresponding pump channel fluid line, and a common fluid line and is movable between a first connection position along fluid of a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels, a corresponding fluid line for the pump channels and a corresponding fluid line of the pumps, and a second position for fluid connection of the corresponding fluid line of the pumps, the common fluid line and the waste fluid reservoir, each pump connected to the corresponding fluid line of the pumps. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a buffer tank further comprising a bypass valve and a fluid bypass line connecting the bypass valve and the buffer tank. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a buffer tank valve and a buffer tank fluid line, wherein the buffer tank valve is connected to the buffer tank fluid line and a common fluid line. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a main waste fluid line connected to the waste fluid reservoir, wherein the buffer tank valve is connected to the main waste fluid line. 11. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 7-10, wherein the pump manifold assembly further comprises a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more of a pressure value or a flow rate value for one or more of: at least one of the fluid lines for the pump channels or a common fluid line . 12. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 7-11, further comprising a pair of pump drive assemblies configured to drive a plurality of pumps. 13. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 7-12, further comprising a sample cartridge interface configured to connect to the sample cartridge, the sample cartridge interface located downstream of the flow cell interface. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a sample loading manifold located between the flow cell interface and the sample cartridge interface, and comprising a housing housing the plurality of sample valves and defining the boundaries of the plurality of sample ports, the plurality of flow cell ports, and the plurality of ports. pump, wherein each sample port is coupled to a corresponding interface port of the sample cartridge via a sample fluid line, wherein each flow cell port is coupled to a corresponding flow cell interface port and coupled to one of the channels of the plurality of flow cell channels via a flow cell fluid line cuvettes, and wherein each pump port is connected to a corresponding pump channel fluid line of the plurality of pump channel fluid lines. 15. The device according to claim 14, in which the sample valves of the sample loading manifold unit and the pumps of the pump manifold unit are configured to load the test sample into each channel of the plurality of channels of the flow cell separately. 16. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 14-15, wherein each sample valve is configured to provide fluid communication to a port of the sample cartridge and a corresponding pump of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly and fluid communication of a pump of the plurality of pumps of the pump manifold assembly and a corresponding channel of the plurality of flow channels. cuvettes. 17. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 7-16, further comprising a central valve and an auxiliary waste fluid line connected to the central valve and configured to connect to a waste fluid reservoir, wherein the auxiliary waste fluid line is located upstream of the flow cell interface. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a common line valve, a bypass valve, a plurality of dedicated reactant fluid lines, and a common reactant fluid line, wherein the common reactant fluid line connects the common line valve and the central valve and is configured to allowing one or more reagents to flow to the flow cell through the central valve, wherein each dedicated reagent fluid line connects the bypass valve and the central valve and is configured to allow the reagent to flow to the flow cell through the central valve. 19. A device for controlling pumps and valves for sequencing platforms, comprising: one or more valves configured to connect to corresponding reagent reservoirs; a flow cell interface configured to connect to a flow cell having a plurality of channels; a pump manifold assembly having a plurality of pumps, a plurality of pump valves, and a buffer tank, each pump configured to control each fluid flow for each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately; And a fluid bypass line operatively coupled to one or more valves and a buffer tank. 20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a sample loading manifold assembly having a plurality of sample valves, wherein each sample valve and corresponding pump of the pump manifold assembly is configured to load each channel of the plurality of flow cell channels separately, wherein the manifold assembly sample loading is located downstream of the flow cell. 21. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 19-20, further comprising a flow cell assembly including a flow cell having a plurality of channels, and a flow cell manifold, wherein the flow cell manifold includes an inlet, a plurality of fluid lines, and a plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of the manifold flow cell is connected to the corresponding flow cell channel.