Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
  • B01L7/52—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices with provision for submitting samples to a predetermined sequence of different temperatures, e.g. for treating nucleic acid samples
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F31/00—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
  • B01F31/65—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms the materials to be mixed being directly submitted to a pulsating movement, e.g. by means of an oscillating piston or air column
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F31/00—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
  • B01F31/80—Mixing by means of high-frequency vibrations above one kHz, e.g. ultrasonic vibrations
  • B01F31/86—Mixing by means of high-frequency vibrations above one kHz, e.g. ultrasonic vibrations with vibration of the receptacle or part of it
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/30—Micromixers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
  • B01F35/712—Feed mechanisms for feeding fluids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
  • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
  • B01F35/71745—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using pneumatic pressure, overpressure, gas or air pressure in a closed receptacle or circuit system
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
  • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
  • B01F35/7176—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using pumps
  • B01F35/71761—Membrane pumps
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
  • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
  • B01F35/718—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using vacuum, under pressure in a closed receptacle or circuit system
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
  • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
  • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
  • B01F35/71805—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using valves, gates, orifices or openings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502723—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by venting arrangements
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/50273—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502738—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by integrated valves
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502746—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the means for controlling flow resistance, e.g. flow controllers, baffles or throttle valves
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502769—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by multiphase flow arrangements
  • B01L3/502784—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by multiphase flow arrangements specially adapted for droplet or plug flow, e.g. digital microfluidics
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
  • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
  • G01N35/1095—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
  • B01F2101/23—Mixing of laboratory samples e.g. in preparation of analysing or testing properties of materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
  • B01F2101/44—Mixing of ingredients for microbiology, enzymology, in vitro culture or genetic manipulation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/25—Mixers with loose mixing elements, e.g. loose balls in a receptacle
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/45—Magnetic mixers; Mixers with magnetically driven stirrers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
  • B01L2200/0621—Control of the sequence of chambers filled or emptied
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
  • B01L2200/0684—Venting, avoiding backpressure, avoid gas bubbles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/10—Integrating sample preparation and analysis in single entity, e.g. lab-on-a-chip concept
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
  • B01L2300/087—Multiple sequential chambers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
  • B01L2300/0883—Serpentine channels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/16—Surface properties and coatings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
  • B01L2400/0415—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
  • B01L2400/0415—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
  • B01L2400/0421—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic electrophoretic flow
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
  • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
  • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
  • B01L2400/049—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics vacuum
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/08—Regulating or influencing the flow resistance
  • B01L2400/084—Passive control of flow resistance
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/08—Regulating or influencing the flow resistance
  • B01L2400/084—Passive control of flow resistance
  • B01L2400/086—Passive control of flow resistance using baffles or other fixed flow obstructions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502715—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502753—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by bulk separation arrangements on lab-on-a-chip devices, e.g. for filtration or centrifugation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
  • B01L9/52—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
  • B01L9/527—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips for microfluidic devices, e.g. used for lab-on-a-chip
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
  • G01N35/00029—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor provided with flat sample substrates, e.g. slides
  • G01N2035/00099—Characterised by type of test elements
  • G01N2035/00158—Elements containing microarrays, i.e. "biochip"
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
  • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
  • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
  • Y10T436/117497—Automated chemical analysis with a continuously flowing sample or carrier stream
  • Y10T436/118339—Automated chemical analysis with a continuously flowing sample or carrier stream with formation of a segmented stream
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
  • Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
  • Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
  • Y10T436/25375—Liberation or purification of sample or separation of material from a sample [e.g., filtering, centrifuging, etc.]
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
  • Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
  • Y10T436/2575—Volumetric liquid transfer

Definitions

• polynucleotide sequences can also be specifically involved in, for example, the control and regulation of gene expression.
• disorders which are caused by mutations, deletions or repeats in specific portions of the genome may be readily diagnosed and/or treated using genetic techniques.
• disorders caused by external agents may be diagnosed by detecting the presence of genetic material which is unique to the external agent, e.g., bacterial or viral DNA.
• the present invention generally provides miniature integrated fluidic systems for carrying out a variety of preparative and analytical operations, as well a ⁇ method ⁇ of operating the ⁇ e ⁇ y ⁇ tem ⁇ and method ⁇ of u ⁇ ing the ⁇ e ⁇ y ⁇ tems.
• the present invention provides a miniature fluidic system which comprises a body having at least first and second chambers dispo ⁇ ed therein. Each of these first and second chambers ha ⁇ a fluid inlet and i ⁇ in fluid connection.
• At lea ⁇ t one of the ⁇ e fir ⁇ t and ⁇ econd chambers is a hybridization chamber for analyzing a component of a fluid sample.
• the hybridization chamber include ⁇ a polymer array which ha ⁇ a plurality of different polymer ⁇ equence ⁇ coupled to a surface of a ⁇ ingle ⁇ ub ⁇ trate, each of the plurality of different polymer sequences being coupled to the surface in a different, known location.
• the sy ⁇ tem further includes a sample inlet, fluidly connected to at least one of the fir ⁇ t and second chamber ⁇ , for introducing a fluid ⁇ ample into the system, and a fluid transport system for moving a fluid sample from the first chamber to the second chamber.
• the fluid direction system comprises a pneumatic manifold for applying a differential pressure between the first chamber and the ⁇ econd chamber, to move said fluid ⁇ ample from the fir ⁇ t chamber to the ⁇ econd chamber.
• the p ** -j ⁇ ent invention provides a miniature fluidic system, which is substantially the same a ⁇ that de ⁇ cribed above, except that in place or in addition to a hybridization chamber, the ⁇ y ⁇ tem compri ⁇ e ⁇ a ⁇ eparation channel for separating a component of ⁇ aid fluid ⁇ ample.
• the separation channel is fluidly connected to at least one of the chambers and includes at least first and second electrodes in electrical contact with opposite ends of the separation channel for applying a voltage acros ⁇ said separation channel.
• the present invention provides a substantially similar fluidic system as described, except where at least one of the chambers comprise ⁇ an in vitro transcription reaction chamber, the in vitro transcription reaction chamber having an effective amount of an RNA polymerase and four different nucleoside triphosphate ⁇ , di ⁇ posed therein.
• the sy ⁇ tem may compri ⁇ e a body wherein at lea ⁇ t one of the chamber ⁇ is a cell lysis chamber which includes a cell lysi ⁇ system, for lysing cells in said fluid sample.
• At least one of the chambers may be a nucleic acid purification chamber, for separating nucleic acids in said fluid sample from other contaminants in ⁇ aid fluid ⁇ ample.
• the pre ⁇ ent invention al ⁇ o provide ⁇ a miniature fluidic system which comporise ⁇ a differential pre ⁇ ure delivery system for transporting fluids through the ⁇ y ⁇ tem.
• the pre ⁇ ent invention provide ⁇ a miniature fluidic ⁇ y ⁇ tem, which include ⁇ a body having at least a first reaction chamber fluidly connected to a second reaction chamber by a fluid pas ⁇ age.
• the ⁇ y ⁇ tem al ⁇ o includes a sample inlet, fluidly connected to the first chamber, for introducing a fluid sample into the sy ⁇ tem.
• the ⁇ y ⁇ tem further include ⁇ a differential pressure delivery ⁇ ystem for maintaining the fir ⁇ t chamber at a fir ⁇ t pressure and the second chamber at a second pressure, wherein the fir ⁇ t pre ⁇ sure is greater than ambient pres ⁇ ure and the ⁇ econd pressure is greater than said first pres ⁇ ure.
• the first pre ⁇ ure forces a liquid sample in the first chamber into the ⁇ econd chamber.
• the fluidic ⁇ ystem employ ⁇ a differential pre ⁇ ure delivery ⁇ ource for maintaining the fir ⁇ t chamber at a fir ⁇ t pre ⁇ ure and the ⁇ econd chamber at a second pre ⁇ ure, where the ⁇ econd pre ⁇ ure i ⁇ le ⁇ s than ambient pres ⁇ ure and the first pres ⁇ ure i ⁇ less than the second pres ⁇ ure.
• the second pressure draws a liquid sample in the first chamber into the second chamber.
• the present invention also provides methods of directing, controlling and manipulating fluids in miniature or micro-fluidic systems.
• the present invention provides a method for directing a fluid sample in a miniature fluidic system which comprise ⁇ providing a microfabricated device having at lea ⁇ t fir ⁇ t and ⁇ econd chamber ⁇ di ⁇ posed therein, wherein each of ⁇ aid at lea ⁇ t fir ⁇ t and ⁇ econd chamber ⁇ i ⁇ in fluid connection with a common chamber or channel, ha ⁇ at lea ⁇ t first and second controllable valve ⁇ disposed acros ⁇ ⁇ aid fluid connection, re ⁇ pectively, and include ⁇ at lea ⁇ t one vent.
• the method compri ⁇ e ⁇ applying a positive pre ⁇ ure to the common chamber or channel.
• the at lea ⁇ t first controllable valve is selectively opened, whereby the positive pres ⁇ ure force ⁇ the fluid ⁇ ample from the common chamber or channel into the fir ⁇ t chamber.
• the method may further comprise applying a positive pressure to the first chamber and selectively opening the least first controllable valve, whereby the positive pre ⁇ ure force ⁇ said fluid sample from the lea ⁇ t first chamber into the common chamber or channel.
• the present invention also provides methods of mixing at least two discrete fluid component ⁇ in a microfabricated fluidic system.
• the method comprises providing a microfabricated channel having a vent disposed at an intermediate location in said channel.
• the vent includes a gas permeable, fluid barrier disposed across the vent.
• At least two di ⁇ crete fluid component ⁇ are then introduced into the channel ⁇ eparated by a gas bubble. Upon flowing the at least two fluid components past the vent, the bubble will exit the vent, allowing the at least two fluid components to mix.
• the present invention al ⁇ o provide ⁇ method ⁇ of repeatedly mea ⁇ uring a known volume of a fluid in a miniature fluidic system.
• the method comprise ⁇ providing a microfabricated device having at lea ⁇ t fir ⁇ t and ⁇ econd chambers disposed therein, wherein the at least first and second chambers are in fluid connection, and wherein at least one of the chambers i ⁇ a volumetric chamber having a known volume.
• the volumetric chamber i ⁇ filled with the fluid to create a fir ⁇ t aliquot of the fluid. This aliquot is then transported to the at least second chamber and the filling and transporting steps are repeated.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a nucleic acid diagnostic system for analysis of nucleic acids from sample ⁇ .
• Figure ⁇ 2A and 2b show schematic representation ⁇ of two alternate reaction chamber de ⁇ ign ⁇ from a cut-away view.
• Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a miniature integrated diagnostic device having a number of reaction chambers arranged in a serial geometry.
• Figures 4A-C show a representation of a microcapillary electrophoresi ⁇ device.
• Figure ⁇ 4A and 4B show the microcapillary configured for carrying out alternate loading strategies for the microcapillary whereas Figure 4C illustrates the microcapillary in running mode.
• Figure 5A illustrate ⁇ a top view of a miniature integrated device which employ ⁇ a centralized geometry.
• Figure 5B ⁇ how ⁇ a ⁇ ide view of the ⁇ ame device wherein the central chamber i ⁇ a pumping chamber, and employing diaphragm valve structures for sealing reaction chambers.
• Figure 6 ⁇ how ⁇ ⁇ chematic illustrations of pneumatic control manifolds for transporting fluid within a miniature integrated device.
• Figure 6A show ⁇ a manifold configuration suitable for application of negative pre ⁇ ure, or vacuum
• Figure 6B show ⁇ a manifold configuration for application of po ⁇ itive pressures.
• Figure 6C illustrate ⁇ a pressure profile for moving fluids among several reaction chambers.
• Figure 7A shows a schematic illustration of a reaction chamber incorporating a PZT element for u ⁇ e in mixing the content ⁇ of the reaction chamber.
• Figure 7B ⁇ hows mixing within a reaction chamber applying the PZT mixing element as shown in Figure 7A.
• Figure 7C is a bar graph ⁇ howing a comparison of hybridization intensities using mechanical mixing, acou ⁇ tic mixing, ⁇ tagnant hybridization and optimized acoustic mixing.
• Figure 8 i ⁇ a ⁇ chematic illu ⁇ tration of a side and top view of a base-unit for u ⁇ e with a miniature integrated device.
• Figure 9 i ⁇ a time temperature profile of thermal cycling in a miniature reaction chamber and a di ⁇ play of the programmed cycling parameter ⁇ .
• Figure IOA i ⁇ a gel ⁇ howing a time course of an RNA fragmentation reaction.
• Figure 10B is a gel showing a comparison of the product of an in vitro transcription reaction in a microchamber vs. a control (te ⁇ t tube) .
• Figure IOC is a compari ⁇ on of the PCR product produced in a PCR thermal cycler and that produced by a microreactor.
• Figure 11 how ⁇ an embodiment of a reaction chamber employing an electronic pH control ⁇ ystem.
• Figure 12A-C show a schematic representation of a miniature integrated device employing a pneumatic fluid direction ⁇ y ⁇ tem utilizing a ga ⁇ permeable fluid barrier bound vents, e.g., a poorly wetting or hydrophobic membrane,and pneumatically controlled valves.
• Figure 12A show ⁇ an embodiment of a single chamber employing this system.
• Figure 12B is a schematic illustration of a debubbling chamber for linking discrete fluid plugs that are ⁇ epareted by a ga ⁇ bubble.
• Figure 12C schematically illustrate ⁇ thi ⁇ system in an integrated device having numerous chambers, including degassing chamber, dosing or volumetric chamber, storage and reaction chambers.
• Figure 12D is an illustration of an injection molded substrate which embodies the sy ⁇ tem schematically illustrated in Figure 12C.
• Figure 13 is a ⁇ chematic representation of a device configuration for carrying generic sample preparation reactions.
• Figure 14 is a schematic representation of a device configuration for carrying multiple parallel reactions.
• Figure 15 show ⁇ a demon ⁇ tration of integrated reaction ⁇ in a microfabricated polycarbonate device.
• Figure 15A shows the layout of the device including the thermal configuration of the device.
• Figure 15B show ⁇ the re ⁇ ult ⁇ of PCR amplification and ⁇ ub ⁇ equent in vitro transcription within the chambers of the device.
• the device of the invention is generally capable of performing one or more sample acquisition and preparation operations, in combination with one or more sample analysis operations.
• the device can integrate several or all of the operations involved in sample acqui ⁇ ition and ⁇ torage, ⁇ ample preparation and ⁇ ample analy ⁇ i ⁇ , within a ⁇ ingle, miniaturized, integrated unit.
• the device i ⁇ u ⁇ eful in a variety of application ⁇ and most notably, nucleic acid based diagnostic applications and de novo seguencing applications.
• the device of the invention will typically be one component of a larger diagnostic ⁇ y ⁇ tem which further includes a reader device for scanning and obtaining the data from the device, and a computer based interface for controlling the device and/or interpretation of the data derived from the device.
• one embodiment of the device of the invention will typically incorporate a plurality of distinct reaction chamber ⁇ for carrying out the sample acqui ⁇ ition, preparation and analy ⁇ is operation ⁇ .
• a sample to be analyzed is introduced into the device whereupon it will be delivered to one of these di ⁇ tinct reaction chamber ⁇ which are de ⁇ igned for carrying out a variety of reaction ⁇ a ⁇ a prelude to analy ⁇ is of the ⁇ ample.
• These preparative reactions generally include, e.g., sample extraction, PCR amplification, nucleic acid fragmentation and labeling, extension reactions, transcription reactions and the like. Following sample preparation, the sample can be subjected to one or more different analysi ⁇ operation ⁇ .
• analy ⁇ i ⁇ operations may generally be performed, including size based analysi ⁇ u ⁇ ing, e.g., microcapillary electrophore ⁇ is, and/or ⁇ equence ba ⁇ ed analy ⁇ is using, e.g., hybridization to an oligonucleotide array.
• the device will generally comprise a series of fluid channels which allow for the transportation of the sample or a portion thereof, among the various reaction chambers. Further chambers and components may also be included to provide reagents, buffer ⁇ , sample manipulation, e.g., mixing, pumping, fluid direction (i.e., valve ⁇ ) heating and the like.
• the sample collection portion of the device of the present invention generally provides for the identification of the sample, while preventing contamination of the sample by external elements, or contamination of the environment by the sample. Generally, this is carried out by introducing a sample for analysi ⁇ , e.g., preamplified ⁇ ample, ti ⁇ ue, blood, saliva, etc., directly into a sample collection chamber within the device. Typically, the prevention of cros ⁇ -contamination of the sample may be accompli ⁇ hed by directly injecting the sample into the sample collection chamber through a sealable opening, e.g., an injection valve, or a septum. Generally, sealable valves are preferred to reduce any potential threat of leakage during or after sample injection. Alternatively, the device may be provided with a hypodermic needle integrated within the device and connected to the sample collection chamber, for direct acquisition of the sample into the sample chamber. This can substantially reduce the opportunity for contamination of the sample.
• a sample for analysi ⁇ e.g., preamplified ⁇ ample, ti
• the ⁇ ample collection portion of the device may al ⁇ o include reagent ⁇ and/or treatment ⁇ for neutralization of infectiou ⁇ agent ⁇ , stabilization of the specimen or sample, pH adjustments, and the like.
• Stabilization and pH adjustment treatments may include, e.g., introduction of heparin to prevent clotting of blood samples, addition of buffering agents, addition of protease or nuclease inhibitors, preservative ⁇ and the like.
• Such reagents may generally be stored within the sample collection chamber of the device or may be stored within a separately accessible chamber, wherein the reagent ⁇ may be added to or mixed with the ⁇ ample upon introduction of the ⁇ ample into the device.
• These reagents may be incorporated within the device in either liquid or lyophilized form, depending upon the nature and stability of the particular reagent used.
• the ⁇ e sample preparation operations will include such manipulations as extraction of intracellular material, e.g., nucleic acids from whole cell samples, viruse ⁇ and the like, amplification of nucleic acids, fragmentation, transcription, labeling and/or extension reactions.
• extraction of intracellular material e.g., nucleic acids from whole cell samples, viruse ⁇ and the like
• amplification of nucleic acids e.g., fragmentation, transcription, labeling and/or extension reactions.
• One or more of these various operations may be readily incorporated into the device of the present invention.
• nucleic acids may be liberated from the collected cells, viral coat, etc., into a crude extract, followed by additional treatments to prepare the sample for subsequent operations, e.g., denaturation of contaminating (DNA binding) protein ⁇ , purification, filtration, de ⁇ alting, and the like.
• Liberation of nucleic acid ⁇ from the sample cells or viru ⁇ es, and denaturation of DNA binding proteins may generally be performed by physical or chemical methods.
• chemical method ⁇ generally employ lysing agents to disrupt the cells and extract the nucleic acids from the cells, followed by treatment of the extract with chaotropic salts such as guanidinium isothiocyanate or urea to denature any contaminating and potentially interfering proteins.
• chaotropic salts such as guanidinium isothiocyanate or urea
• the appropriate reagents may be incorporated within the extraction chamber, a separate accessible chamber or externally introduced.
• cell extraction and denaturing of contaminating proteins may be carried out by applying an alternating electrical current to the sample. More specifically, the sample of cells is flowed through a microtubular array while an alternating electric current is applied across the fluid flow.
• alternating electrical current may be applied across the fluid flow.
• other method ⁇ may be utilized within the device of the pre ⁇ ent invention to effect cell lysis/extraction, including, e.g., subjecting cells to ultrasonic agitation, or forcing cells through microgeometry apertures, thereby subjecting the cell ⁇ to high shear ⁇ tre ⁇ s resulting in rupture.
• nucleic acids e.g., denatured proteins, cell membrane particles, salts, and the like. Removal of particulate matter is generally accomplished by filtration, flocculation or the like. A variety of filter types may be readily incorporated into the device. Further, where chemical denaturing method ⁇ are used, it may be desirable to desalt the sample prior to proceeding to the next step.
• Desalting of the sample, and isolation of the nucleic acid may generally be carried out in a single step, e.g., by binding the nucleic acids to a solid phase and washing away the contaminating ⁇ alt ⁇ or performing gel filtration chromatography on the sample, pas ⁇ ing ⁇ alt ⁇ through dialysis membranes, and the like.
• Suitable solid supports for nucleic acid binding include, e.g. , diatomaceous earth, silica (i.e., glass wool), or the like.
• Suitable gel exclusion media also well known in the art, may also be readily incorporated into the devices of the present invention, and i ⁇ commercially available from, e.g., Pharmacia and Sigma Chemical.
• the isolation and/or gel filtration/desalting may be carried out in an additional chamber, or alternatively, the particular chromatographic media may be incorporated in a channel or fluid pas ⁇ age leading to a ⁇ ub ⁇ equent reaction chamber.
• the interior ⁇ urface ⁇ of one or more fluid pa ⁇ sages or chambers may themselves be derivatized to provide functional groups appropriate for the desired purification, e.g., charged group ⁇ , affinity binding group ⁇ and the like, i.e., poly-T oligonucleotide ⁇ for mRNA purification.
• de ⁇ alting methods may generally take advantage of the high electrophoretic mobility and negative of DNA compared to other elements.
• Electrophoretic methods may al ⁇ o be utilized in the purification of nucleic acid ⁇ from other cell contaminant ⁇ and debri ⁇ .
• a ⁇ eparation channel or chamber of the device i ⁇ fluidly connected to two separate "field" channels or chambers having electrodes, e.g., platinum electrodes, dispo ⁇ ed therein.
• the two field channels are separated from the separation channel using an appropriate barrier or "capture membrane" which allows for pas ⁇ age of current without allowing pa ⁇ sage of nucleic acids or other large molecules.
• the barrier generally serves two basic functions: first, the barrier acts to retain the nucleic acids which migrate toward the po ⁇ itive electrode within the ⁇ eparation chamber; and ⁇ econd, the barrier ⁇ prevent the adver ⁇ e effect ⁇ a ⁇ sociated with electroly ⁇ is at the electrode from entering into the reaction chamber (e.g., acting a ⁇ a salt junction).
• Such barriers may include, e.g., dialysi ⁇ membranes, dense gels, PEI filters, or other suitable materials.
• the nucleic acids present in the sample will migrate toward the positive electrode and become trapped on the capture membrane. Sample impurities remaining free of the membrane are then washed from the chamber by applying an appropriate fluid flow.
• the nucleic acid ⁇ are relea ⁇ ed from the membrane in a ⁇ ubstantially purer form.
• the field channel ⁇ may be di ⁇ posed on the same or opposite sides or ends of a separation chamber or channel, and may be used in conjucton with mixing elements described herein, to ensure maximal efficiency of operation.
• coarse filters may also be overlaid on the barriers to avoid any fouling of the barriers by particulate matter, proteins or nucleic acid ⁇ , thereby permitting repeated u ⁇ e.
• the high electrophoretic mobility of nucleic acids with their negative charges may be utilized to ⁇ eparate nucleic acid ⁇ from contaminant ⁇ by utilizing a short column of a gel or other appropriate matrix or gel which will slow or retard the flow of other contaminants while allowing the faster nucleic acids to pas ⁇ .
• it may be de ⁇ irable to extract and ⁇ eparate messenger RNA from cells, cellular debris, and other contaminants.
• the device of the pre ⁇ ent invention may, in ⁇ ome ca ⁇ es, include an mRNA purification chamber or channel. In general, such purification take ⁇ advantage of the poly-A tail ⁇ on mRNA.
• poly-T oligonucleotides may be immobilized within a chamber or channel of the device to serve as affinity ligands for mRNA.
• Poly-T oligonucleotides may be immobilized upon a solid support incorporated within the chamber or channel, or alternatively, may be immobilized upon the surface(s) of the chamber or channel itself. Immobilization of oligonucleotides on the surface of the chambers or channels may be carried out by methods described herein including, e.g., oxidation and silanation of the surface followed by standard DMT synthesis of the oligonucleotides.
• the ly ⁇ ed ⁇ ample is introduced into thi ⁇ chamber or channel in a high ⁇ alt ⁇ olution to increa ⁇ e the ionic ⁇ trength for hybridization, whereupon the mRNA will hybridize to the immobilized poly-T. Hybridization may also be enhanced through incorporation of mixing elements, also as described herein. After enough time has elapsed for hybridization, the chamber or channel is washed with clean salt solution. The mRNA bound to the immobilized poly-T oligonucleotides is then washed free in a low ionic strength buffer.
• the surface area upon which the poly-T oligonucleotides are immobilized may ⁇ a increased through the use of etched structures within the chamber or channel, e.g., ridges, grooves or the like. Such structures also aid in the agitation of the contents of the chamber or channel, as described herein.
• the poy-T oligonucleotides may be immobiliized upon poroussurfaces, e.g. , porous silicon, zeolites silica xerogels, scintered particle ⁇ , or other ⁇ olid supports.
• nucleic acid portion of the sample is typically subjected to one or more preparative reactions. These preparative reactions include in vitro transcription, labeling, fragmentation, amplification and other reactions. Nucleic acid amplification increases the number of copies of the target nucleic acid sequence of interest.
• a variety of amplification methods are suitable for u ⁇ e in the method ⁇ and device of the pre ⁇ ent invention, including for example, the polymera ⁇ e chain reaction method or (PCR) , the liga ⁇ e chain reaction (LCR) , ⁇ elf ⁇ u ⁇ tained ⁇ equence replication (3SR) , and nucleic acid ba ⁇ ed ⁇ equence amplification (NASBA) .
• the latter two amplification method ⁇ involve isothermal reactions based on isothermal tran ⁇ cription, which produce both ⁇ ingle stranded RNA ( ⁇ sRNA) and double stranded DNA (dsDNA) a ⁇ the amplification product ⁇ in a ratio of approximately 30 or 100 to 1, re ⁇ pectively.
• ⁇ sRNA ⁇ ingle stranded RNA
• dsDNA double stranded DNA
• amplification product ⁇ in a ratio of approximately 30 or 100 to 1, re ⁇ pectively.
• a ⁇ a re ⁇ ult where these latter methods are employed, ⁇ eguence analysis may be carried out using either type of ⁇ ubstrate, i.e., complementary to either DNA or RNA.
• the amplification step is carried out using PCR techniques that are well known in the art. See PCR Protocol ⁇ : A Guide to Methods and Applications (Innis, M.
• PCR amplification generally involves the use of one strand of the target nucleic acid sequence as a template for producing a large number of complement ⁇ to that sequence.
• two primer sequence ⁇ complementary to different end ⁇ of a segment of the complementary strands of the target sequence hybridize with their respective strands of the target sequence, and in the presence of polymerase enzymes and nucleoside triphosphates, the primers are extended along the target sequence.
• PCR amplification typically involve ⁇ repeated cycles of denaturation, hybridization and extension reactions to produce sufficient amounts of the target nucleic acid.
• the first step of each cycle of the PCR involves the separation of the nucleic acid duplex formed by the primer extension. Once the strand ⁇ are separated, the next step in PCR involve ⁇ hybridizing the separated strands with primers that flank the target sequence. The primers are then extended to form complementary copies of the target strand ⁇ .
• the primer ⁇ are de ⁇ igned ⁇ o that the po ⁇ ition at which each primer hybridizes along a duplex sequence is such that an extension product synthe ⁇ ized from one primer, when separated from the template (complement) , serves as a template for the extension of the other primer.
• strand separation i ⁇ normally achieved by heating the reaction to a ⁇ ufficiently high temperature for a ⁇ ufficient time to cau ⁇ e the denaturation of the duplex but not to cause an irreversible denaturation of the polymerase enzyme (see U.S. Patent No. 4,965,188, incorporated herein by reference) .
• Typical heat denaturation involves temperatures ranging from about 80°C to 105°C for times ranging from second ⁇ to minute ⁇ .
• Strand ⁇ eparation can be accompli ⁇ hed by any ⁇ uitable denaturing method including phy ⁇ ical, chemical, or enzymatic mean ⁇ .
• Strand separation may be induced by a helicase, for example, or an enzyme capable of exhibiting helicase activity.
• the enzyme RecA has helicase activity in the presence of ATP.
• the reaction conditions suitable for strand separation by helicases are known in the art (see Kuhn Hoffman-Berling, 1978, CSH-Quantitative Biology, 43:63-67; and Radding, 1982, Ann . Rev. Genetics 16:405-436, each of which is incorporated herein by reference) .
• Other embodiments may achieve strand separation by application of electric fields acros ⁇ the sample.
• Published PCT Application Nos. WO 92/04470 and WO 95/25177 describe electrochemical methods of denaturing double stranded DNA by application of an electric field to a sample containing the DNA.
• Structures for carrying out this electrochemical denaturation include a working electrode, counter electrode and reference electrode arranged in a potentiostat arrangement across a reaction chamber (See, Published PCT Application No ⁇ . WO 92/04470 and WO 95/25177, each of which i ⁇ incorporated herein by reference for all purposes) .
• Such devices may be readily miniaturized for incorporation into the devices of the present invention utilizing the microfabrication techniques described herein.
• Template-dependent extension of primers in PCR is catalyzed by a polymerizing agent in the presence of adequate amounts of at least 4 deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate ⁇ (typically ⁇ elected from dATP, dGTP, dCTP, dUTP and dTTP) in a reaction medium which compri ⁇ e ⁇ the appropriate ⁇ alt ⁇ , metal cation ⁇ , and pH buffering ⁇ y ⁇ tem.
• Reaction component ⁇ and conditions are well known in the art (See PCR Protocols : A Guide to Methods and Applications (Innis, M. , Gelfand, D., Sninsky, J. and White, T. , eds.) Academic Pres ⁇ (1990), previously incorporated by reference) .
• Suitable polymerizing agents are enzymes known to catalyze template-dependent DNA synthesis.
• the amplification reaction chamber of the device may comprise a sealable opening for the addition of the various amplification reagents.
• the amplification chamber will have an effective amount of the various amplification reagents described above, predisposed within the amplification chamber, or within an as ⁇ ociated reagent chamber whereby the reagent ⁇ can be readily transported to the amplification chamber upon initiation of the amplification operation.
• an effective amount is meant a quantity and/or concentration of reagents required to carry out amplification of a targeted nucleic acid sequence. These amounts are readily determined from known PCR protocols. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual , (2nd ed.) Vols. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, (1989) and PCR Protocols : A Guide to Methods and Applications (Innis, M. , Gelfand, D. , Sninsky, J. and White, T. , eds.) Academic Pres ⁇ (1990) , both of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purpo ⁇ e ⁇ in their entirety.
• the variou ⁇ reagent ⁇ are predi ⁇ po ⁇ ed within the amplification or adjacent chamber, it will often be de ⁇ irable for the ⁇ e reagents to be in lyophilized form ⁇ , to provide maximum ⁇ helf life of the overall device.
• Introduction of the liguid ⁇ ample to the chamber then reconstitutes the reagents in active form, and the particular reactions may be carried out.
• the polymerase enzyme may be present within the amplification chamber, coupled to a suitable solid support, or to the walls and surface ⁇ of the amplification chamber.
• Suitable solid supports include those that are well known in the art, e.g., agarose, cellulose, silica, divinylbenzene, polystyrene, etc. Coupling of enzymes to solid supports has been reported to impart stability to the enzyme in question, which allow ⁇ for ⁇ torage of day ⁇ , week ⁇ or even month ⁇ without a ⁇ ub ⁇ tantial lo ⁇ in enzyme activity, and without the nece ⁇ ity of lyophilizing the enzyme.
• the 94 kd, single subunit DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus is particularly ⁇ uited for the PCR ba ⁇ ed amplification methods used in the present invention, and i ⁇ generally commercially available from, e.g., Promega, Inc., Madison, WI.
• monoclonal antibodies are available which bind the enzyme without affecting its polymerase activity.
• covalent attachment of the active polymera ⁇ e enzyme to a solid support, or the walls of the amplification chamber can be carried out by using the antibody as a linker between the enzyme and the ⁇ upport.
• the methods and devices of the pre ⁇ ent invention are al ⁇ o applicable to a number of other reaction type ⁇ , e.g., rever ⁇ e tran ⁇ cription, nick translation, and the like.
• the nucleic acids in a sample will generally be labeled to facilitate detection in sub ⁇ equent steps. Labeling may be carried out during the amplification, in vitro transcription or nick translation processes. In particular, amplification, in vitro transcription or nick translation may incorporate a label into the amplified or transcribed sequence, either through the use of labeled primers or the incorporation of labeled dNTPs into the amplified sequence. Alternatively, the nucleic acids in the sample may be labeled following amplification. Post amplification labeling typically involve ⁇ the covalent attachment of a particular detectable group upon the amplified ⁇ equence ⁇ . Suitable label ⁇ or detectable group ⁇ include a variety of fluorescent or radioactive labeling groups well known in the art.
• amplified sequence ⁇ may be ⁇ ubjected to other post amplification treatments.
• additional treatment ⁇ may be performed within the amplification chamber, or alternatively, may be carried out in a ⁇ eparate chamber.
• physical fragmentation methods may involve moving the sample containing the nucleic acid over pits or spikes in the surface of a reaction chamber or fluid channel. The motion of the fluid sample, in combination with the surface irregularities produces a high shear rate, resulting in fragmentation of the nucleic acids.
• this may be accompli ⁇ hed in a miniature device by placing a piezoelectric element, e.g., a PZT ceramic element adjacent to a ⁇ ubstrate layer that covers a reaction chamber or flow channel, either directly, or through a liquid layer, as de ⁇ cribed herein.
• the ⁇ ub ⁇ trate layer ha ⁇ pit ⁇ , spikes or apertures manufactured in the surface which are within the chamber or flow channel.
• a standing wave is set up within the chamber. Cavitation and/or streaming within the chamber result ⁇ in ⁇ ub ⁇ tantial ⁇ hear.
• Similar shear rates may be achieved by forcing the nucleic acid containing fluid sample through restricted ⁇ ize flow passages, e.g., apertures having a cros ⁇ - ⁇ ectional dimen ⁇ ion in the micron or submicron scale, thereby producing a high shear rate and fragmenting the nucleic acid.
• a number of sample preparation operation ⁇ may be carried out by adju ⁇ ting the pH of the sample, such as cell lysis, nucleic acid fragmentation, enzyme denaturation and the like.
• pH control may also play a role in a wide variety of other reactions to be carried out in the device, i.e., for optimizing reaction conditions, neutralizing acid or base additions, denaturing exogenously introduced enzymes, quenching reactions, and the like.
• pH monitoring and control may be readily accomplished u ⁇ ing well known method ⁇ .
• pH may be monitored by incorporation of a pH sensor or indicator within a particular chamber. Control may then be carried out by titration of the chamber contents with an appropriate acid or base.
• the device may include an electronically controlled pH system.
• an electrode i ⁇ placed adjacent, e.g., in fluid contact, to a reaction chamber wehile a counter electrode i ⁇ po ⁇ itioned within a second chamber or channel fluidly connected to the first.
• a pH sensor may also be included within the reaction chamber to provide for monitoring and/or feedback control of the precise pH within the chamber.
• reaction chamber employing an electronic pH control sy ⁇ tem is shown in Figure 11.
• the reference chamber 1106 typically includes a reference electrode 1118.
• the reference electrode may be fabricated, e.g., from a platinum, gold or nickel screen pressed with a mixture of teflon and platinum black (producing a hydrogen electrode) .
• the reaction chamber 1108 typically includes an electrolysis electrode 1120, e.g., a platinum, gold or nickel screen coated with an appropriate barrier, e.g., polyacrylamide gel layer, and a hydrogen electrode 1122, also protected with an appropriate barrier.
• the reference electrode 1118 and hydrogen electrode 1122 are connected to an electrometer 1126 for monitoring the pH within the reaction chamber.
• the counter-electrode chamber 1110 typically includes the counter-electrode 1123, e.g., a single platinum, gold or nickel screen electrode. Tlu electrolysis electrode and counter-electrode are connected to an appropriate current cource 1124.
• a current is applied by the current source.
• Electrolysi ⁇ at the electroly ⁇ i ⁇ electrode alters the pH within the reaction chamber 1108.
• the electrometer compare ⁇ the pH ⁇ ensed by the voltage between the reference and hydrogen electrodes. This signal may be compared to a set-point by appropriate mean ⁇ , e.g., an appropriately programmed computer or other microproce ⁇ sor 1128, and used to control the application of current.
• the resulting sy ⁇ tem allow ⁇ the automated control of pH within the reaction chamber by varying the ⁇ et-point signal.
• the sample will generally be ⁇ ubjected to one or more analy ⁇ i ⁇ operation ⁇ .
• Particularly preferred analy ⁇ i ⁇ operations include, e.g. , seguence based analy ⁇ e ⁇ u ⁇ ing an oligonucleotide array and/or ⁇ ize ba ⁇ ed analy ⁇ e ⁇ u ⁇ ing, e.g., microcapillary array electrophore ⁇ i ⁇ .
• the nucleic acid sample is probed using an array of oligonucleotide probes.
• Oligonucleotide arrays generally include a substrate having a large number of positionally di ⁇ tinct oligonucleotide probe ⁇ attached to the ⁇ ubstrate. These oligonucleotide arrays, also described as "GenechipTM arrays,” have been generally described in the art, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854 and PCT patent publication Nos. WO 90/15070 and 92/10092.
• the ⁇ e reference ⁇ disclose methods of forming vast arrays of peptides, oligonucleotides and other polymer sequence ⁇ u ⁇ ing, for example, light-directed ⁇ ynthe ⁇ is techniques. Techniques for the synthesis of these arrays u ⁇ ing mechanical ⁇ ynthe ⁇ i ⁇ strategies are described in, e.g., PCT Publication No. 93/09668 and U.S. Patent No. 5,384,261, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purpo ⁇ es. Incorporation of these arrays in injection molded polymeric casing ⁇ has been described in Published PCT Application No. 95/33846.
• the basic strategy for light directed synthesis of oligonucleotide arrays is as follows.
• the ⁇ urface of a solid support, modified with photosensitive protecting groups is illuminated through a photolithographic mask, yielding reactive hydroxyl groups in the illuminated regions.
• a selected nucleotide typically in the form of a 3 '-O- phosphoramidite-activated deoxynucleoside (protected at the 5' hydroxyl with a photosen ⁇ itive protecting group) , i ⁇ then pre ⁇ ented to the ⁇ urface and coupling occur ⁇ at the ⁇ ite ⁇ that were expo ⁇ ed to light.
• the substrate is rinsed and the surface is illuminated through a second mask, to expose additional hydroxyl groups for coupling.
• a second selected nucleotide e.g., 5 '-protected, 3 '-O-phosphoramidite-activated deoxynucleoside
• the selective deprotection and coupling cycles are repeated until the desired set of products is obtained. Since photolithography is used, the proces ⁇ can be readily miniaturized to generate high den ⁇ ity arrays of oligonucleotide probes. Furthermore, the seguence of the oligonucleotides at each site i ⁇ known. See, Pease, et al.
• the array ⁇ u ⁇ ed in the pre ⁇ ent invention will have a ⁇ ite density of greater than 100 different probes per cm 2 .
• the arrays will have a site den ⁇ ity of greater than 500/cm 2 , more preferably greater than about 1000/cm 2 , and most preferably, greater than about 10,000/cm 2 .
• the arrays will have more than 100 different probes on a single substrate, more preferably greater than about 1000 different probes still more preferably, greater than about 10,000 different probes and most preferably, greater than 100,000 different probes on a single substrate.
• oligonucleotide array ⁇ may be prepared having all po ⁇ ible probes of a given length. Such arrays may be used in such areas a ⁇ ⁇ equencing or ⁇ equence checking application ⁇ , which offer ⁇ ub ⁇ tantial benefit ⁇ over traditional method ⁇ .
• the u ⁇ e of oligonucleotide arrays in such applications is described in, e.g., U.S. Patent application Serial No. 08/515,919, filed July 24, 1995, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/284,064, filed August 2, 1994, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purpose ⁇ .
• the ⁇ e methods typically use a set of short oligonucleotide probes of defined sequence to search for complementary sequences on a longer target strand of DNA.
• the hybridization pattern of the target sequence on the array is used to reconstruct the target DNA sequence.
• Hybridization analysis of large numbers of probes can be used to sequence long stretches of DNA.
• a 12-mer target DNA sequence is probed on an array having a complete set of octanucleotide probe ⁇ .
• Five of the 65,536 octamer probe ⁇ will perfectly hybridize to the target ⁇ equence.
• the identity of the probe ⁇ at each ⁇ ite i ⁇ known. Thu ⁇ by determining the location ⁇ at which the target hybridizes on the array, or the hybridization pattern, one can determine the sequence of the target seguence. While these strategies have been proposed and utilized in some applications, there has been difficulty in demonstrating seguencing of larger nucleic acids using these same strategies.
• oligonucleotide probes may be prepared having every possible sequence of length n, it will often be de ⁇ irable in practicing the pre ⁇ ent invention to provide an oligonucleotide array which i ⁇ ⁇ pecific and complementary to a particular nucleic acid sequence.
• the oligonucleotide array will contain oligonucleotide probe ⁇ which are complementary to specific target sequences, and individual or multiple mutations of these.
• the target sequence may be that of a particular exogenous disease causing agent, e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (see, U.S. Application Serial No. 08/284,064, previously incorporated herein by reference) , or alternatively, the target sequence may be that portion of the human genome which is known to be mutated in instances of a particular disorder, i.e., sickle cell anemia (see, e.g., U.S. Application Serial No.08/082,937, previously incorporated herein by reference) or cystic fibrosis.
• a particular exogenous disease causing agent e.g., human immunodeficiency virus
• the target sequence may be that portion of the human genome which is known to be mutated in instances of a particular disorder, i.e., sickle cell anemia (see, e.g., U.S. Application Serial No.08/082,937, previously incorporated herein by reference) or cystic fibrosis.
• the array generally comprises at lea ⁇ t four ⁇ et ⁇ of oligonucleotide probes, usually from about 9 to about 21 nucleotides in length.
• a first probe set has a probe corresponding to each nucleotide in the target sequence.
• a probe i ⁇ related to it ⁇ corresponding nucleotide by being exactly complementary to a subsequence of the target sequence that includes the corresponding nucleotide.
• each probe has a position, designated an interrogation position, that i ⁇ occupied by a complementary nucleotide to the corresponding nucleotide in the target sequence.
• the three additional probe set ⁇ each have a corresponding probe for each probe in the first probe set, but substituting the interrogation position with the three other nucleotides.
• the three corre ⁇ ponding probes in the three additional probe set ⁇ are identical to the corre ⁇ ponding probe from the first probe or a sub ⁇ equence thereof that includes the interrogation position, except that the interrogation position is occupied by a different nucleotide in each of the four corre ⁇ ponding probe ⁇ .
• Some array ⁇ have fifth, ⁇ ixth, seventh and eighth probe sets.
• the probes in each set are selected by analogou ⁇ principle ⁇ to tho ⁇ e for the probe ⁇ in the fir ⁇ t four probe set ⁇ , except that the probes in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sets exhibit complementarity to a second reference sequence.
• the fir ⁇ t ⁇ et of probes is complementary to the coding strand of the target sequence while the second ⁇ et i ⁇ complementary to the noncoding ⁇ trand.
• the second reference sequence can be a subsequence of the first reference ⁇ equence having a substitution of at least one nucleotide.
• the target sequence has a sub ⁇ tituted nucleotide relative to the probe ⁇ equence in at least one undetermined position, and the relative specific binding of the probe ⁇ indicate ⁇ the location of the po ⁇ ition and the nucleotide occupying the po ⁇ ition in the target sequence.
• the nucleic acid sample is incubated with the oligonucleotide array in the hybridization chamber. Hybridization between the ⁇ ample nucleic acid and the oligonucleotide probes upon the array is then detected, u ⁇ ing, e.g., epifluore ⁇ cence confocal microscopy. Typically, sample is mixed during hybridization to enhance hybridization of nucleic acids in the sample to nucleoc acid probes on the array.
• mixing may be carried out by the methods described herein, e.g., through the use of piezoelectric elements, electrophoretic methods, or physical mixing by pumping fluids into and out of the hybridization chamber, i.e., into an adjoining chamber.
• the detection operation will be performed using a reader device external to the diagnostic device. However, it may be desirable in some ca ⁇ es, to incorporate the data gathering operation into the diagnostic device itself.
• the hybridization data is next analyzed to determine the presence or absence of a particular seguence within the sample, or by analyzing multiple hybridizations to determine the sequence of the target nucleic acid using the SBH techniques already described.
• hybridized oligonucleotide ⁇ may be labeled following hybridization.
• wghere biotin labeled dNTP ⁇ are used in, e.g. , amplification or transcription, streptavidin linked reporter groups may be used to label hybridized complexes.
• streptavidin linked reporter groups may be used to label hybridized complexes.
• Such operations are readily integratable into the sy ⁇ tem ⁇ of the pre ⁇ ent invention.
• Capillary Electrophore ⁇ i ⁇ In ⁇ ome embodiment ⁇ , it may be de ⁇ irable to provide an additional, or alternative mean ⁇ for analyzing the nucleic acid ⁇ from the sample.
• the device of the invention will optionally or additionally comprise a micro capillary array for analysis of the nucleic acids obtained from the ⁇ ample.
• Microcapillary array electrophore ⁇ is generally involves the use of a thin capillary or channel which may or may not be filled with a particular separation medium. Electrophoresi ⁇ of a sample through the capillary provides a size based separation profile for the sample.
• the use of microcapillary electrophoresis in size ⁇ eparation of nucleic acid ⁇ ha ⁇ been reported in, e.g., Woolley and Mathie ⁇ , Proc . Nat ' l Acad . Sci . USA (1994) 91:11348-11352.
• Microcapillary array electrophore ⁇ is generally provides a rapid method for size based sequencing, PCR product analysi ⁇ and re ⁇ triction fragment sizing.
• the high surface to volume ratio of the ⁇ e capillarie ⁇ allows for the application of higher electric fields across the capillary without substantial thermal variation acros ⁇ the capillary, consequently allowing for more rapid separations. Furthermore, when combined with confocal imaging methods, these methods provide sensitivity in the range of attomole ⁇ , which i ⁇ comparable to the ⁇ en ⁇ itivity of radioactive ⁇ equencing method ⁇ .
• Microfabrication of microfluidic devices including microcapillary electrophoretic devices has been discu ⁇ ed in detail in, e.g., Jacob ⁇ en, et al., Anal . Chem . (1994) 66:1114- 1118, Effenhau ⁇ er, et al., Anal. Chem . (1994) 66:2949-2953, Harrison, et al.. Science (1993) 261:895-897, Effenhauser, et al. Anal. Chem . (1993) 65:2637-2642, and Manz, et al., J. Chromatog. (1992) 593:253-258.
• the ⁇ e method ⁇ comprise photolithographic etching of micron scale channel ⁇ on a silica, silicon or other rigid sub ⁇ trate or chip, and can be readily adapted for u ⁇ e in the miniaturized device ⁇ of the present invention.
• the capillary array ⁇ may be fabricated from the ⁇ ame polymeric material ⁇ de ⁇ cribed for the fabrication of the body of the device, u ⁇ ing the injection molding techniques described herein.
• the capillary and other fluid channels may be molded into a first planar element.
• a second thin polymeric member having ports corresponding to the termini of the capillary channels disposed therethrough, is laminated or sonically welded onto the first to provide the top surface of these channels.
• Electrodes for electrophoretic control are dispo ⁇ ed within the ⁇ e port ⁇ /wells for application of the electrical current to the capillary channels.
• the capillary channel ⁇ may be coated with more thermally conductive material, e.g., gla ⁇ s or ceramic, to enhance heat dis ⁇ ipation.
• the capillaries e.g., fu ⁇ ed ⁇ ilica capillarie ⁇ or channel ⁇ etched, machined or molded into planar ⁇ ub ⁇ trate ⁇ , are filled with an appropriate ⁇ eparation/ ⁇ ieving matrix.
• ⁇ ieving matrice ⁇ are known in the art may be used in the microcapillary arrays.
• matrices include, e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyacrylamide, agarose and the like.
• Gel matrices may be introduced and polymerized within the capillary channel.
• thi ⁇ may result in entrapment of bubbles within the channels which can interfere with sample separation ⁇ . Accordingly, it i ⁇ often desirable to place a preformed separation matrix within the capillary channel(s), prior to mating the planar elements of the capillary portion. Fixing the two parts, e.g., through sonic welding, permanently fixes the matrix within the channel.
• the specific gel matrix, running buffers and running conditions are selected to maximize the separation characteristic ⁇ of the particular application, e.g., the ⁇ ize of the nucleic acid fragments, the required resolution, and the presence of native or undenatured nucleic acid molecule ⁇ .
• running buffer ⁇ may include denaturant ⁇ , chaotropic agent ⁇ such as urea or the like, to denature nucleic acd ⁇ in the ⁇ ample.
• capillary arrays may also be used in sequencing applications.
• gel based sequencing techniques may be readily adapted for capillary array electrophoresi ⁇ .
• capillary electrophore ⁇ i ⁇ may be combined with the Sanger dideoxy chain termination ⁇ equencing methods as discu ⁇ sed in Sambrook, et al. (See al ⁇ o Brenner, et al., Proc . Nat ' l Acad . Sci . (1989) 86:8902-8906).
• the sample nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of fluorescent dideoxynucleoside tripho ⁇ phate ⁇ in an exten ⁇ ion reaction.
• the random incorporation of the dideoxynucleotide ⁇ terminate ⁇ tran ⁇ cription of the nucleic acid.
• Gathering data from the variou ⁇ analy ⁇ is operations will typically be carried out using methods known in the art.
• the arrays may be scanned using lasers to excite fluorescently labeled targets that have hybridized to regions of probe arrays, which can then be imaged using charged coupled device ⁇ ("CCDs") for a wide field scanning of the array.
• CCDs charged coupled device ⁇
• another particularly useful method for gathering data from the array ⁇ i ⁇ through the u ⁇ e of laser confocal microscopy which combines the ease and speed of a readily automated proces ⁇ with high resolution detection.
• Particularly preferred scanning devices are generally described in, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.
• the data will typically be reported to a data analysis operation.
• the data obtained by the reader from the device will typically be analyzed using a digital computer.
• the computer will be appropriately programmed for receipt and storage of the data from the device, a ⁇ well a ⁇ for analy ⁇ i ⁇ and reporting of the data gathered, i.e., interpreting fluore ⁇ cence data to determine the ⁇ equence of hybridizing probe ⁇ , normalization of background and single base mismatch hybridizations, ordering of sequence data in SBH application ⁇ , and the like, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/327,525, filed October 21, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
• FIG. 1 A schematic of a representative analytical system based upon the device of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
• the system includes the diagnostic device 2 which performs one or more of the operation ⁇ of ⁇ ample ' ollection, preparation and/or analy ⁇ i ⁇ u ⁇ ing, e.g., hybridization and/or ⁇ ize based separation.
• the diagnostic device i ⁇ then placed in a reader device 4 to detect the hybridization and or ⁇ eparation information pre ⁇ ent on the device.
• the hybridization and/or separation data is then reported from the reader device to a computer 6 which is programmed with appropriate software for interpreting the data obtained by the reader device from the diagnostic device.
• Interpretation of the data from the diagnostic device may be u ⁇ ed in a variety of ways, including nucleic acid ⁇ equencing which i ⁇ directed toward a particular di ⁇ ea ⁇ e causing agent, such as viral or bacterial infection ⁇ , e.g., AIDS, malaria, etc., or genetic di ⁇ orders, e.g., sickle cell anemia, cy ⁇ tic fibrosis. Fragile X syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the like. Alternatively, the device can be employed in de novo sequencing applications to identify the nucleic acid sequence of a previously unknown sequence.
• the Diagnostic Device 1. Generally, the device can be employed in de novo sequencing applications to identify the nucleic acid sequence of a previously unknown sequence.
• the device of the pre ⁇ ent invention i ⁇ generally capable of carrying out a number of preparative and analytical reaction ⁇ on a ⁇ ample.
• the device generally compri ⁇ e ⁇ a number of di ⁇ crete reaction, ⁇ torage and/or analytical chamber ⁇ di ⁇ po ⁇ ed within a ⁇ ingle unit or body. While referred to herein as a "diagnostic device,” those of skill in the art will appreciate that the device of the invention will have a variety of applications out ⁇ ide the ⁇ cope of diagno ⁇ tics, alone.
• Such applications include sequencing application ⁇ , ⁇ ample identification and characterization applications (for, e.g., taxonomic studies, forensic applications, i.e., criminal investigation ⁇ , and the like) .
• the body of the device defines the various reaction chambers and fluid passages in which the above described operations are carried out. Fabrication of the body, and thus the various chamber ⁇ and channel ⁇ di ⁇ po ⁇ ed within the body may generally be carried out u ⁇ ing one or a combination of a variety of well knc * n manufacturing technique ⁇ and material ⁇ .
• the material from which the body i ⁇ fabricated will be ⁇ elected ⁇ o a ⁇ to provide maximum resistance to the full range of conditions to which the device will be exposed, e.g., extremes of temperature, salt, pH, application of electric fields and the like, and will also be selected for compatibility with other materials used in the device. Additional components may be later introduced, as neces ⁇ ary, into the body.
• the device may be formed from a plurality of di ⁇ tinct part ⁇ that are later a ⁇ embled or mated. For example, ⁇ eparate and individual chamber ⁇ and fluid passage ⁇ may be a ⁇ embled to provide the variou ⁇ chamber ⁇ of the device.
• the body of the device will typically be approximately 1 to 20 cm in length by about 1 to 10 cm in width by about 0.1 to about 2 cm thick.
• the devices of the invention may be embodied in any number of shape ⁇ depending upon the particular need.
• the ⁇ e dimen ⁇ ion ⁇ will typically vary depending upon the number of operation ⁇ to be performed by the device, the complexity of these operations and the like.
• the ⁇ e dimen ⁇ ion ⁇ are provided a ⁇ a general indication of the size of the device.
• the number and size of the reaction chambers included within the device will also vary depending upon the specific application for which the device is to be used.
• the device will include at least two distinct reaction chambers, and preferably, at lea ⁇ t three, four or five di ⁇ tinct reaction chamber ⁇ , all integrated within a single body.
• Individual reaction chambers will also vary in size and shape according to the specific function of the reaction chamber.
• circular reaction chamber ⁇ may be employed.
• elongate reaction chamber ⁇ may be u ⁇ ed.
• the reaction chamber ⁇ will be from about 0.05 to about 20 mm in width or diameter, preferably from about 0.1 or 0.5 to about 20 mm in width or diameter and about 0.05 to about 5 mm deep, and preferably 0.05 to about 1 mm deep.
• length will also typically vary along these same ranges.
• Fluid channel ⁇ are typically distinguished from chambers in having smaller dimen ⁇ ion ⁇ relative to the chamber ⁇ , and will typically range from about 10 to about 1000 ⁇ m wide, preferably, 100 to 500 ⁇ m wide and about 1 to 500 ⁇ m deep. Although de ⁇ cribed in term ⁇ of reaction chambers, it will be appreciated that these chambers may perform a number of varied functions, e.g., as storage chamber ⁇ , incubation chamber ⁇ , mixing chamber ⁇ and the like.
• volumetric chambers In ⁇ ome cases, a separate chamber or chambers may be used as volumetric chambers, e.g., to precisely measure fluid volume ⁇ for introduction into a ⁇ ubsequent reaction chamber. In such cases, the volume of the chamber will be dictated by volumetric needs of a given reaction. Further, the device may be fabricated to include a range of volumetric chamber ⁇ having varied, but known volumes or volume ratios (e.g., in comparison to a reaction chgamber or other volumetric chambers) .
• the body of the device is generally fabricated using one or more of a variety of methods and materials ⁇ uitable for microfabrication technique ⁇ .
• the body of the device may comprise a number of planar members that may individually be injection molded parts fabricated from a variety of polymeric materials, or may be silicon, gla ⁇ , or the like.
• methods for etching, milling, drilling, etc. may be used to produce wells and depre ⁇ ion ⁇ which make up the variou ⁇ reaction chamber ⁇ and fluid channels within the device.
• Microfabrication techniques such as those regularly used in the semiconductor and microelectronics indu ⁇ tries are particularly suited to these materials and method ⁇ .
• the ⁇ e techniques include, e.g., electrodeposition, low-pressure vapor deposition, photolithography, wet chemical etching, reactive ion etching (RIE) , laser drilling, and the like. Where these methods are used, it will generally be desirable to fabricate the planar members of the device from materials similar to tho ⁇ e u ⁇ ed in the semiconductor industry, i.e., silica, silicon, gallium arsenide, polyimide substrates.
• RIE reactive ion etching
• photoresists include those used extensively in the semiconductor industry. Such materials include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and its derivatives, and electron beam resists such as poly(olefin sulfones) and the like (more fully discussed in, e.g., Ghandi, "VLSI Fabrication Principle ⁇ , " Wiley (1983) Chapter 10, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purpose ⁇ ) .
• PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
• electron beam resists such as poly(olefin sulfones) and the like (more fully discussed in, e.g., Ghandi, "VLSI Fabrication Principle ⁇ , " Wiley (1983) Chapter 10, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purpose ⁇ ) .
• the wells manufactured into the surface of one planar member make up the various reaction chambers of the device.
• Channels manufactured into the surface of this or another planar member make up fluid channels which are used to fluidly connect the various reaction chambers.
• Another planar member is then placed over and bonded to the first, whereby the wells in the first planar member define cavities within the body of the device which cavities are the various reaction chamber ⁇ of the device.
• fluid channel ⁇ manufactured in the surface of one planar member, when covered with a second planar member define fluid passages through the body of the device.
• These planar members are bonded together or laminated to produce a fluid tight body of the device. Bonding of the planar members of the device may generally be carried out using a variety of methods known in the art and which may vary depending upon the material ⁇ u ⁇ ed. For example, adhe ⁇ ives may generally be used to bond the planar members together. Where the planar members are, e.g., glass, silicon or combination ⁇ thereof, thermal bonding, anodic/electro ⁇ tatic or silicon fusion bonding methods may be applied.
• this adhesive tapes may be employed as one portion of the device forming a thin wall of the reaction chamber/channel structures.
• the body may comprise a combination of materials and manufacturing techniques described above.
• the body may include ⁇ ome parts of injection molded plastic ⁇ , and the like, while other portion ⁇ of the body may compri ⁇ e etched silica or silicon planar member ⁇ , and the like.
• injection molding technique ⁇ may be u ⁇ ed to form a number of di ⁇ crete cavitie ⁇ in a planar ⁇ urface which define the various reaction chambers, whereas additional components, e.g., fluid channels, arrays, etc, may be fabricated on a planar glas ⁇ , silica or silicon chip or substrate. Lamination of one set of parts to the other will then result in the formation of the variou ⁇ reaction chamber ⁇ , interconnected by the appropriate fluid channels.
• the body of the device i ⁇ made from at lea ⁇ t one injection molded, pre ⁇ molded or machined polymeric part that ha ⁇ one or more well ⁇ or depression ⁇ manufactured into its surface to define several of the walls of the reaction chamber or chamber ⁇ .
• Mold ⁇ or mold face ⁇ for producing these injection molded parts may generally be fabricated using the methods described herein for, e.g., ⁇ ilicon mold ⁇ .
• suitable polymers for injection molding or machining include, e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylic, and commercial polymers such as Kapton, Valox, Teflon, ABS, Delrin and the like.
• a second part that is similarly planar in shape is mated to the surface of the polymeric part to define the remaining wall of the reaction chamber(s) .
• Published PCT Application No. 95/33846 incorporated herein by reference, describes a device that is used to package individual oligonucleotide arrays.
• the device includes a hybridization chamber disposed within a planar body.
• the chamber is fluidly connected to an inlet port and an outlet port via flow channels in the body of the device.
• the body includes a plurality of injection molded planar parts that are mated to form the body of the device, and which define the flow channels and hybridization chamber.
• the surfaces of the fluid channels and reaction chambers which contact the samples and reagents may al ⁇ o be modified to better accomodate a de ⁇ ired reaction.
• Surfaces may be made more hydrophobic or more hydrophilic depending upon the particular application.
• surface ⁇ may be coated with any number of material ⁇ in order to make the overall system more compatible to the reactions being carried out.
• it may be desireable to coat the surface ⁇ with, e.g., a teflon or other non-stick coating, to prevent adhesion of nucleic acid ⁇ to the surface.
• insulator coatings may also be desirable in those instances where electrical leads are placed in contact with fluids, to prevent shorting out, or excess gas formation from electroly ⁇ i ⁇ .
• in ⁇ ulator ⁇ may include those well known in the art, e.g., silicon oxide, ceramics or the like. Additional surface treatments are de ⁇ cribed in greater detail below.
• FIG. 2A and 2B show a ⁇ chematic representation of one embodiment of a reaction chamber for inclusion in the device of the invention.
• the reaction chamber includes a machined or injection molded polymeric part 102 which has a well 104 manufactured, i.e., machined or molded, into its . surface.
• This well may be closed at the end opposite the well opening as shown in Figure 2A, or optionally, may be supplied with an additional opening 118 for inclusion of an optional vent, as shown in Figure 2B.
• the reaction chamber is also provided with additional elements for transporting a fluid sample to and from the reaction chamber.
• These elements include one or more fluid channel ⁇ (122 and 110 in Figure ⁇ 2A and 2B, respectively) which connect the reaction chamber to an inlet/outlet port for the overall device, additional reaction chambers, storage chambers or one or more analytical chambers.
• a second part 124 typically planar in structure, is mated to the polymeric part to define a closure for the reaction chamber. This second part may incorporate the fluid channels, as ⁇ hown in Figure ⁇ 2A and 2B, or may merely define a further wall of the fluid channel ⁇ provided in the ⁇ urface of the fir ⁇ t polymeric part (not ⁇ hown) .
• this second part will comprise a multitude ⁇ of fluid channels manufactured into one of its surfaces, for fluidly connecting the reaction chamber to an inlet port in the overall device or to another reaction or analytical chamber.
• this second part may be a second polymeric part made by injection molding or machining techniques.
• this second part may be manufactured from a variety of other materials, including glass, silica, silicon or other crystalline sub ⁇ trates. Microfabrication technigue ⁇ suited for these sub ⁇ trates are generally well known in the art and are described above.
• the reaction chamber is provided without an inlet/outlet valve structure, as shown in Figure 2A.
• the fluid channels 122 may be provided in the ⁇ urface of the second part that is mated with the surface of the polymeric part such that upon mating the ⁇ econd part to the fir ⁇ t polymeric part, the fluid channel 122 i ⁇ fluidly connected to the reaction chamber 104.
• the reaction chamber may be provided with an inlet/outlet valve structure for sealing the reaction chamber to retain a fluid sample therein.
• the second part 124 mated to the polymeric part may compri ⁇ e a plurality of mated planar members, wherein a first planar member 106 is mated with the first polymeric part 102 to define a wall of the reaction chamber.
• the first planar member 106 has an opening 108 disposed therethrough, defining an inlet to the reaction chamber.
• This first planar member also includes a fluid channel 110 etched in the surface oppo ⁇ ite the ⁇ urface that i ⁇ mated with the fir ⁇ t polymeric part 102. The fluid channel terminates adjacent to, but not within the reaction chamber inlet 108.
• the first planar member will generally be manufactured from any of the above de ⁇ cribed materials, using the above-de ⁇ cribed method ⁇ .
• Deflection of the diaphragm valve may be carried out by a variety of methods including, e.g., application of a vacuum, electromagnetic and/or piezoelectric actuators coupled to the diaphragm valve, and the like.
• the second planar member will typically be fabricated, at least in part, from a flexible material, e.g., silicon, silicone, latex, mylar, polyimide, Teflon or other flexible polymers.
• a flexible material e.g., silicon, silicone, latex, mylar, polyimide, Teflon or other flexible polymers.
• these diaphragm ⁇ will al ⁇ o be of miniature ⁇ cale.
• valve and pump diaphragms used in the device will typically range in size depending upon the size of the chamber or fluid passage to which they are fluidly connected. In general, however, these diaphragms will be in the range of from about 0.5 to about 5 mm for valve diaphragm ⁇ , and from about 1 to about 20 mm in diameter for pumping diaphragms.
• second part 124 includes an additional planar member 116 having an opening 126 for application of pressure or vacuum for deflection of valve 114.
• reagent ⁇ involved in a particular analy ⁇ i ⁇ are incompatible with the material ⁇ used to manufacture the device, e.g., silicon, glas ⁇ or polymeric parts
• a variety of coatings may be applied to the surface ⁇ of the ⁇ e part ⁇ that contact the ⁇ e reagents.
• components that have silicon elements may be coated with a silicon nitride layer or a metallic layer of, e.g., gold or nickel, may be ⁇ puttered or electroplated on the surface to avoid adverse reactions with these reagents.
• inert polymer coating ⁇ e.g., Teflon and the like, pyraline coating ⁇ , or ⁇ urface silanation modifications may also be applied to internal surfaces of the chambers and/or channels.
• the reaction/ ⁇ torage chamber 104 ⁇ hown in Figure 2B i ⁇ al ⁇ o shown with an optional vent 118, for release of displaced gas present in the chamber when the fluid is introduced.
• this vent may be fitted with a gas permeable fluid barrier 120, which permits the pa ⁇ sage of ga ⁇ without allowing for the pa ⁇ sage of fluid, e.g., a poorly wetting filter plug.
• a variety of materials are suitable for use as poorly wetting filter plugs including, e.g., porous hydrophobic polymer materials, such a ⁇ ⁇ pun fibers of acrylic, polycarbonate, teflon, pressed polypropylene fiber ⁇ , or any number commercially available filter plug ⁇ (American Filtrona Corp., Richmond, VA, Gelman Science ⁇ , and the like) .
• a hydrophobic membrane can be bonded over a thru-hole to ⁇ upply a ⁇ imilar structure.
• Modified acrylic copolymer membranes are commercially available from, e.g., Gelman Sciences (Ann Arbor, MI) and particle-track etched polycarbonate membranes are available from Poretics, Inc. (Livermore, CA) .
• Venting of heated chambers may incorporate barriers to evaporation of the sample, e.g., a reflux chamber or a mineral oil layer dispo ⁇ ed within the chamber, and over the top ⁇ urface of the ⁇ ample, to permit the evolution of ga ⁇ while preventing exce ⁇ ive evaporation of fluid from the ⁇ ample.
• barriers to evaporation of the sample e.g., a reflux chamber or a mineral oil layer dispo ⁇ ed within the chamber, and over the top ⁇ urface of the ⁇ ample, to permit the evolution of ga ⁇ while preventing exce ⁇ ive evaporation of fluid from the ⁇ ample.
• the overall geometry of the device of the invention may take a number of form ⁇ .
• the device may incorporate a plurality of reaction chamber ⁇ , storage chambers and analytical chambers, arranged in series, whereby a fluid sample is moved serially through the chambers, and the re ⁇ pective operation ⁇ performed in the ⁇ e chambers.
• the device may incorporate a central fluid distribution channel or chamber having the various reaction/storage/analytical chambers arranged around and fluidly connected to the central channel or chamber, which central channel or chamber act ⁇ as a conduit or hub for ⁇ ample redi ⁇ tribution to the variou ⁇ chamber ⁇ .
• the illustrated device includes a plurality of reaction/storage/analytical chambers for performing a number of the operations described above, fluidly connected in memori ⁇ . The ⁇ chematic repre ⁇ entation of the device in
• Figure 3 shows a device that comprise ⁇ ⁇ everal reaction chamber ⁇ arranged in a ⁇ erial geometry.
• the body of the device 200 incorporate ⁇ reaction chamber ⁇ 202, 206, 210, 214 and 218.
• the ⁇ e chamber ⁇ are fluidly connected in series by fluid channels 208, 212 and 216, re ⁇ pectively.
• reaction chamber 202 may be a sample collection chamber which i ⁇ adapted for receiving a fluid sample, i.e., a cell containing sample.
• this chamber may include an opening to the outside of the device adapted for receipt of the sample.
• the opening will typically incorporate a sealable closure to prevent leakage of the sample, e.g., a valve, check-valve, or septum, through which the sample i ⁇ introduced or ir ected.
• the apparatus may include ⁇ e a hypodermic needle or other sample conduit, integrated into the body of the device and in fluid connection with the sample collection chamber, for direct transfer of the sample from the host, patient, sample vial or tube, or other origin of the sample to the sample collection chamber.
• the sample collection chamber may have disposed therein, a reagent or reagents for the stabilization of the sample for prolonged storage, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed above.
• the ⁇ e reagent ⁇ may be di ⁇ po ⁇ ed within a reagent storage chamber adjacent to and fluidly connected with the sample collection chamber.
• the sample collection chamber is connected via a first fluid channel 204 to second reaction chamber 210 in which the extraction of nucleic acids from the cell ⁇ within the sample may be performed.
• This is particularly suited to analytical operations to be performed where the sample ⁇ include whole cell ⁇ .
• the extraction chamber will typically be connected to ⁇ ample collection chamber, however, in ⁇ ome cases, the extraction chamber may be integrated within and exist as a portion of the sample collection chamber. As previou ⁇ ly de ⁇ cribed, the extraction chamber may include phy ⁇ ical and or chemical mean ⁇ for extracting nucleic acids from cells.
• the extraction chamber is fluidly connected via a second fluid channel 208, to third reaction chamber 210 in which amplification of the nucleic acids extracted from the sample is carried out.
• the amplification proce ⁇ begins when the sample is introduced into the amplification chamber.
• amplification reagents may be exogenously introduced, or will preferably be predispo ⁇ ed within the reaction chamber. However, in alternate embodiment ⁇ , these reagents will be introduced to the amplification chamber from an optional adjacent reagent chamber or from an external source through a sealable opening in the amplification chamber.
• denaturation and hybridization cycling will preferably be carried out by repeated heating and cooling of the sample.
• PCR based amplification chambers will typically include a a temperature controller for heating the reaction to carry out the thermal cycling.
• a heating element or temperature control block may be dispo ⁇ ed adjacent the external surface of the amplification chamber thereby transferring heat to the amplification chamber.
• preferred devices will include a thin external wall for chambers in which thermal control is desired. This thin wall may be a thin cover element, e.g., polycarbonate sheet, or high temperature tape, i.e. silicone adhesive on Kapton tape (commercially available from, e.g., 3M Corp.). Micro-scale PCR devices have been previou ⁇ ly reported. For example, published PCT Application No.
• WO 94/054144 to Northrup and White reports a miniaturized reaction chamber for use as a PCR chamber, incorporating microheaters, e.g., resi ⁇ tive heater ⁇ .
• microheaters e.g., resi ⁇ tive heater ⁇ .
• the high surface area to volume ratio of the chamber allows for very rapid heating and cooling of the reagent ⁇ di ⁇ posed therein.
• U.S. Patent No. 5,304,487 to Wilding et al. previously incorporated by reference, also discu ⁇ e ⁇ the use of a microfabricated PCR device.
• the amplification chamber will incorporate a controllable heater disposed within or adjacent to the amplification chamber, for thermal cycling of the sample.
• Thermal cycling is carried out by varying the current supplied to the heater to achieve the desired temperature for the particular stage of the reaction.
• thermal cycling for the PCR reaction may be achieved by transferring the fluid ⁇ ample among a number of different reaction chamber ⁇ or regions of the same reaction chamber, having different, although constant temperatures, or by flowing the sample through a serpentine channel which travels through a number of varied temperature 'zones'.
• Heating may alternatively be supplied by exposing the amplification chamber to a la ⁇ er or other light or electromagnetic radiation ⁇ ource.
• a fluid channel e.g., fluid channel 212
• additional reaction chamber 214 which can carry out additional preparative operations, such as labeling or fragmentation.
• a fourth fluid channel 216 connects the labeling or fragmentation chamber to an analytical chamber 218.
• the analytical chamber includes an oligonucleotide array 220 a ⁇ the bottom surface of the chamber.
• Analytical chamber 218 may optionally, or additionally comprise a microcapillary electrophoresis device 226 and additional preparative reaction chambers, e.g., 224 for performing, e.g., extension reactions, fluidly connected to, e.g., chamber 210.
• the analytical chamber will typically have as at lea ⁇ t one ⁇ urface, a transparent window for observation or scanning of the particular analysis being performed.
• Figure ⁇ 4A-C illu ⁇ trate an embodiment of a microcapillary electrophore ⁇ i ⁇ device.
• the sample to be analyzed is introduced into sample reservoir 402.
• Thi ⁇ sample reservoir may be a separate chamber, or may be merely a portion of the fluid channel leading from a previous reaction chamber.
• Reservoir ⁇ 404, 406 and 414 are filled with sample/running buffer.
• Figure 4A illustrate ⁇ the loading of the sample by plug loading, where the sample i ⁇ drawn acro ⁇ s the intersection of loading channel 416 and capillary channel 412, by application of an electrical current across buffer reservoir 406 and sample reservoir 402.
• Fabrication of the microcapillary electrophore ⁇ i ⁇ device may generally be carried u ⁇ ing the method ⁇ de ⁇ cribed herein and as described in e.g., Woolley and Mathies, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 91:11348-11352 (1994) , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purpose ⁇ .
• each capillary will be fluidly connected to a separate extension reaction chamber for incorporation of a different dideoxynucleotide.
• An alternate layout of the reaction chambers within the device of the invention includes a centralized geometry having a central chamber for gathering and distribution of a fluid sample to a number of separate reaction/storage/analytical chamber ⁇ arranged around, and fluidly connected to the central chamber.
• An example of thi ⁇ centralized geometry i ⁇ ⁇ hown in Figure 5.
• a fluid sample is introduced into the device through sample inlet 502, which is typically fluidly connected to a sample collection chamber 504. The fluid sample is then tran ⁇ ported to a central chamber 508 via fluid channel 506.
• reaction/ ⁇ torage/analytical chamber ⁇ 510, 512, 514 which are arranged around and fluidly connected to the central chamber.
• reaction chamber ⁇ 510, 512 and 514 include ⁇ a diaphragm 516, 518 and 520, re ⁇ pectively, a ⁇ ⁇ hown in Figure 2B, for opening and closing the fluid connection between the central chamber 508 and the reaction chamber.
• Additional reaction chambers may be added fluidly connected to the central chamber, or alternatively, may be connected to any of the above described reaction chambers.
• the central chamber may have a dual function as both a hub and a pumping chamber.
• this central pumping chamber can be fluidly connected to one or more additional reaction and/or storage chambers and one or more analytical chambers.
• the central pumping chamber again function ⁇ a ⁇ a hub for the variou ⁇ operation ⁇ to be carried out by the device a ⁇ a whole a ⁇ described above.
• Thi ⁇ embodiment provide ⁇ the advantage of a single pumping chamber to deliver a sample to numerous operations, as well as the ability to readily incorporate additional ⁇ ample preparation operation ⁇ within the device by opening another valve on the central pumping chamber.
• the central chamber 508 may incorporate a diaphragm pump a ⁇ one ⁇ urface of the chamber, and in preferred a ⁇ pect ⁇ , will have a zero di ⁇ placement when the diaphragm i ⁇ not deflected.
• the diaphragm pump will generally be ⁇ imilar to the valve ⁇ tructure de ⁇ cribed above for the reaction chamber.
• the diaphragm pump will generally be fabricated from any one of a variety of flexible material ⁇ , e.g., silicon, latex, teflon, mylar and the like. In particularly preferred embodiments, the diaphragm pump is silicon.
• central chamber 508 is fluidly connected to sample collection chamber 504, via fluid channel 506.
• the sample collection chamber end of fluid channel 506 includes a diaphragm valve 524 for arresting fluid flow.
• a fluid sample is typically introduced into sample collection chamber through a ⁇ ealable opening 502 in the body of the device, e.g., a valve or ⁇ eptum.
• sample chamber 504 may incorporate a vent to allow displacement of gas or fluid during ⁇ ample introduction.
• the ⁇ ample i ⁇ introduced into the ⁇ ample collection chamber may be drawn into the central pumping chamber 508 by the operation of pump diaphragm 526.
• opening of ⁇ ample chamber valve 524 open ⁇ fluid channel 506.
• Sub ⁇ eguent pulling or deflection of pump diaphragm 526 create ⁇ negative pre ⁇ ure within pumping chamber 508, thereby drawing the ⁇ ample through fluid channel 506 into the central chamber.
• Sub ⁇ equent clo ⁇ ing of the ⁇ ample chamber valve 524 and relaxation of pump diaphragm 526 create ⁇ a positive pres ⁇ ure within pumping chamber 508, which may be used to deliver the sample to additional chambers in the device.
• these reagents may be stored in liquid or solid form within an adjacent storage chamber 510. Opening valve 516 open ⁇ fluid channel 528, allowing delivery of the sample into storage chamber 510 upon relaxation of the diaphragm pump.
• the operation of pumping chamber may further be employed to mix reagents, by repeatedly pulling and pushing the sample/reagent mixture to and from the storage chamber. This has the additional advantage of eliminating the neces ⁇ ity of including additional mixing component ⁇ within the device.
• Additional chamber/valve/fluid channel ⁇ tructures may be provided fluidly connected to pumping chamber 508 as needed to provide reagent storage chambers, additional reaction chamber ⁇ or additional analytical chamber ⁇ .
• Figure 5A illu ⁇ trate ⁇ an additional reaction/ ⁇ torage chamber 514 and valve 520, fluidly connected to pumping chamber 508 via fluid channel 530.
• Thi ⁇ will typically vary depending upon the nature of the ⁇ ample to be analyzed, the analy ⁇ i ⁇ to be performed, and the de ⁇ ired sample preparation operation.
• reaction chamber 514 which may include an analytical device such as an oligonucleotide array for determining the hybridization of nucleic acids in the sample to the array, or a microcapillary electrophoresi ⁇ device for performing a ⁇ ize ba ⁇ ed analy ⁇ i ⁇ of the sample.
• an analytical device such as an oligonucleotide array for determining the hybridization of nucleic acids in the sample to the array, or a microcapillary electrophoresi ⁇ device for performing a ⁇ ize ba ⁇ ed analy ⁇ i ⁇ of the sample.
• fluid tran ⁇ portation of fluid within the device of the invention may be carried out by a number of varied method ⁇ .
• fluid tran ⁇ port may be affected by the application of pre ⁇ sure differential ⁇ provided by either external or internal sources.
• internal pump elements which are incorporated into the device may be used to transport fluid samples through the device.
• fluid samples are moved from one reaction/storage/analytical chamber to another chamber via fluid channel ⁇ by applying a po ⁇ itive pressure differential from the originating chamber, the chamber from which the sample is to be transported, to the receiving chamber, the chamber to which the fluid ⁇ ample is to be transported.
• the various reaction chamber ⁇ of the device will typically incorporate pressure inlets connecting the reaction chamber to the pres ⁇ ure ⁇ ource (positive or negative) .
• a negative pressure i.e., to the receiving chamber
• po ⁇ itive pressure i.e., to the originating chamber
• application of the pressure differential to a particular reaction chamber may generally be carried out by selectively lowering the pre ⁇ sure in the receiving chamber.
• the pres ⁇ ure inlet for the reaction chambers may be equipped with a controllable valve structure which may be selectively operated to be opened to the pressure source.
• Application of the pres ⁇ ure source to the ⁇ ample chamber then force ⁇ the sample into the next reaction chamber which is at a lower pressure.
• the device will include a pres ⁇ ure/vacuum manifold for directing an external vacuum source to the various reaction/storage/analytical chamber ⁇ .
• a pres ⁇ ure/vacuum manifold for directing an external vacuum source to the various reaction/storage/analytical chamber ⁇ .
• the vacuum/pres ⁇ ure manifold produce ⁇ a ⁇ tepped pre ⁇ sure differential between each pair of connected reaction chambers.
• ambient pres ⁇ ure i ⁇ defined a ⁇ having a value of 1
• a vacuum i ⁇ applied to a fir ⁇ t reaction chamber which may be written l-3x, where x i ⁇ an incremental pre ⁇ ure differential.
• a vacuum of l-2x i ⁇ applied to a ⁇ econd reaction chamber in the ⁇ eries, and a vacuum of 1-x is applied to a third reaction chamber. Thu ⁇ , the first reaction chamber is at the lowest pre ⁇ ure and the third is at the highest, with the second being at an intermediate level. All chamber ⁇ , however, are below ambient pressure, e.g., atmospheric.
• the sample is drawn into the first reaction chamber by the pressure differential between ambient pressure (1) and the vacuum applied to the reaction chamber (l-3x) , which differential is -3x.
• the sample doe ⁇ not move to the second reaction chamber due to the pressure differential between the first and second reaction chambers (l-3x vs. l-2x, respectively) .
• the vacuum is removed from the first chamber, allowing the first chamber to come to ambient pressure, e.g., 1.
• the sample is then drawn from the first chamber into the second by the pressure difference between the ambient pressure of the first reaction chamber and the vacuum of the second chamber, e.g., 1 vs. 1- 2x.
• the vacuum to thi ⁇ chamber is removed and the sample moves to the third reaction chamber.
• FIG. 6A A schematic representation of a pneumatic manifold configuration for carrying out this pres ⁇ ure differential fluid tran ⁇ port system is shown in Figure 6A.
• the pneumatic manifold includes a vacuum source 602 which is coupled to a main vacuum channel 604.
• the main vacuum channel is connected to branch channels 606, 608 and 610, which are in turn connected to reaction chambers 612, 614 and 616, re ⁇ pectively, which reaction chamber ⁇ are fluidly connected, in series.
• the first reaction chamber in the series 616 typically includes a sample inlet 640 which will typically include a sealable closure for retaining he fluid sample and the pres ⁇ ure within the reaction chamber.
• Each branch channel is provided with one or more fluidic resistor ⁇ 618 and 620 incorporated within the branch channel.
• Fluidic resi ⁇ tor ⁇ result in a transformation of the pres ⁇ ure from the pressure/vacuum source, i.e., a step down of the gas pre ⁇ ure or vacuum being applied acro ⁇ the re ⁇ i ⁇ tance.
• Fluidic resi ⁇ tor ⁇ may employ a variety of different ⁇ tructure ⁇ . For example, a narrowing of the diameter or cro ⁇ s-sectional area of a channel will typically result in a fluidic re ⁇ istance through the channel.
• a plug within the channel which has one or more holes disposed therethrough, which effectively narrow the channel through which the pres ⁇ ure i ⁇ applied, will re ⁇ ult in a fluidic re ⁇ i ⁇ tance, which re ⁇ i ⁇ tance can be varied depending upon the number and/or ⁇ ize of the hole ⁇ in the plug.
• the plug may be fabricated from a porou ⁇ material which provide ⁇ a fluidic re ⁇ i ⁇ tance through the plug, which resistance may be varied depending upon the porosity of the material and/or the number of plugs used. Variations in channel length can also be used to vary fluidic resi ⁇ tance.
• Each branch channel will typically be connected at a pre ⁇ sure node 622 to the reaction chamber via pres ⁇ ure inlet ⁇ 624.
• Pre ⁇ ure inlet ⁇ 624 will typically be fitted with poorly wetting filter plugs 626, to prevent drawing of the sample into the pneumatic manifold in the ca ⁇ e of vacuum ba ⁇ ed method ⁇ . Poorly wetting filter plug ⁇ may generally be prepared from a variety of material ⁇ known in the art and as described above.
• Each branch channel is connected to a vent channel 628 which is opened to ambient pres ⁇ ure via vent 630.
• fluidic re ⁇ i ⁇ tance ⁇ upplied by fluidic re ⁇ istor 632 will be less than fluidic resi ⁇ tance ⁇ upplied by fluidic resistor 634 which will be le ⁇ than fluidic resistance supplied by fluidic resi ⁇ tor 636.
• thi ⁇ differential fluidic re ⁇ istance may be accompli ⁇ hed by varying the diameter of the vent channel, varying the number of channel ⁇ included in a ⁇ ingle vent channel, varying channel length, or providing a plug in the vent channel having a varied number of hole ⁇ disposed therethrough.
• reaction chamber 616 may have a pres ⁇ ure of l-3x
• reaction chamber 614 may have a pressure of l-2x
• reaction chamber 612 may have a pressure of 1-x.
• the pres ⁇ ure of a c ven reaction chamber may be raised to ambient pre ⁇ ure, thu ⁇ allowing the drawing of the sample into the ⁇ ub ⁇ equent chamber, by opening the chamber to ambient pressure. This is typically accomplished by providing a sealable opening 638 to ambient pre ⁇ ure in the branch channel.
• This sealable opening may be a controllable valve structure, or alternatively, a rupture membrane which may be pierced at a desired time to allow the particular reaction chamber to achieve ambient pres ⁇ ure, thereby allowing the sample to be drawn into the subseguent chamber. Piercing of the rupture membrane may be carried out by the inclusion of solenoid operated pins incorporated within the device, or the device's base unit (discu ⁇ ed in greater detail below). In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent back flow from a previou ⁇ or ⁇ ub ⁇ equent reaction chamber which i ⁇ at a higher pressure. This may be accomplished by equipping the fluid channels between the reaction chambers 644 with one-way check valves. Examples of one-way valve structure ⁇ include ball and seat structure ⁇ , flap valve ⁇ , duck billed check valve ⁇ , sliding valve structures, and the like.
• FIG. 6C A graphical illustration of the pres ⁇ ure profile ⁇ between three reaction chambers employing a vacuum based pneumatic manifold is shown in Figure 6C.
• the solid line indicates the ⁇ tarting pressure of each reaction chamber/pressure node.
• the dotted line indicates the pres ⁇ ure profile during operation. The piercing of a rupture membrane results in an increase in the pressure of the reaction chamber to ambient pres ⁇ ure, re ⁇ ulting in a pre ⁇ ure drop being created between the particular chamber and the subsequent chamber. This pressure drop draws the ⁇ ample from the fir ⁇ t reaction chamber to the subsequent reaction chamber.
• a positive pressure source may be applied to the originating chamber to push the sample into subsequent chambers.
• a pneumatic pres ⁇ ure manifold u ⁇ eful in thi ⁇ regard is shown in Figure 6B.
• a pres ⁇ ure source 646 provides a positive pres ⁇ ure to the main channel 604.
• controllable valve 648 is opened to vent the pres ⁇ ure from the pre ⁇ ure ⁇ ource and allow the fir ⁇ t reaction chamber in the series 650 to remain at ambient pres ⁇ ure for the introduction of the ⁇ ample.
• the fir ⁇ t chamber in the series typically includes a sample inlet 640 having a sealable clo ⁇ ure 642.
• controllable valve 648 is clo ⁇ ed, bringing the system up to pres ⁇ ure.
• Suitable controllable valves include any number of a variety of commercially available solenoid valves and the like.
• each subsequent chamber is kept at an incrementally higher pressure by the presence of the appropriate fluidic resi ⁇ tor ⁇ and vents, as described above.
• sealable opening 656 is opened to ambient pres ⁇ ure.
• the fir ⁇ t reaction chamber 650 i ⁇ maintained at a pre ⁇ ure of 1+x, by application of thi ⁇ pre ⁇ sure at originating pre ⁇ ure node 652.
• the ⁇ econd reaction chamber 654 i ⁇ maintained at pre ⁇ ure l+2x and the third reaction chamber 658 i ⁇ maintained at a pre ⁇ sure of 1 +3x. Opening ⁇ ealable valve 656 results in a drop in the pres ⁇ ure of the ⁇ econd reaction chamber 654 to 1 (or ambient pre ⁇ ure) .
• Fluidic resistor 660 i ⁇ provided between pre ⁇ ure node 662 and sealable valve 656 to prevent the escape of exces ⁇ pre ⁇ ure when sealable valve 656 is opened. This allows the sy ⁇ tem to maintain a po ⁇ itive pre ⁇ ure behind the ⁇ ample to pu ⁇ h it into subsequent chambers.
• a controllable pre ⁇ sure ⁇ ource may be applied to the originating reaction ve ⁇ el to pu ⁇ h a sample through the device.
• the pre ⁇ ure ⁇ ource i ⁇ applied intermittently, a ⁇ needed to move the sample from chamber to chamber.
• a variety of devices may be employed in applying an intermittent pres ⁇ ure to the originating reaction chamber, e.g., a syringe or other positive displacement pump, or the like.
• a thermopneumatic pump may be readily employed.
• An example of such a pump typically includes a heating element, e.g., a small scale resistive heater dispo ⁇ ed in a pre ⁇ ure chamber.
• a controlled vapor pre ⁇ ure fluid ⁇ uch a ⁇ a fluorinated hydrocarbon liquid, e.g., fluorinert liquid ⁇ available from 3M Corp.
• a controlled vapor pre ⁇ ure fluid ⁇ uch a ⁇ a fluorinated hydrocarbon liquid, e.g., fluorinert liquid ⁇ available from 3M Corp.
• These liquids are commercially available having a wide range of available vapor pressures.
• An increase in the controllable temperature of the heater increase ⁇ pre ⁇ ure in the pre ⁇ ure chamber, which i ⁇ fluidly connected to the originating reaction chamber.
• Thi ⁇ increa ⁇ e in pre ⁇ ure re ⁇ ult ⁇ in a movement of the ⁇ ample from one reaction chamber to the next.
• the temperature in the pressure chamber is reduced.
• gas permeable fluid barriers e.g., poorly wetting filter plugs or hydrophobic membranes
• gas permeable fluid barriers e.g., poorly wetting filter plugs or hydrophobic membranes
• a fluid inlet will allow air or other ga ⁇ present in the reaction chamber to be expelled during introduction of the fluid component into the chamber.
• the fluid sample Upon filling of the chamber, the fluid sample will contact the hydrophobic plug thus stopping net fluid flow.
• Fluidic resistances may al ⁇ o be employed a ⁇ gas permeable fluid barriers, to accomplish this same re ⁇ ult, e.g., using fluid pas ⁇ age ⁇ that are ⁇ ufficiently narrow a ⁇ to provide an exce ⁇ ive fluid re ⁇ i ⁇ tance, thereby effectively stopping or retarding fluid flow while permitting air or gas flow.
• Expelling the fluid from the chamber then involves applying a positive pressure at the plugged vent. This permits chambers which may be filled with no valve at the inlet, i.e., to control fluid flow into the chamber.
• a single valve will be employed at the chamber inlet in order to ensure retention of the fluid sample within the chamber, or to provide a mechanism for directing a fluid sample to one chamber of a number of chambers connected to a common channel.
• the reaction chamber 1202 includes a fluid inlet 1204 which is sealed from a fluid pas ⁇ age 1206 by a valve 1208.
• this valve can employ a variety of structure ⁇ , as described herein, but is preferably a flexible diaphragm type valve which may be displaced pneumatically, magnetically or electrically.
• the valves are controlled pneumatically, e.g., by applying a vacuum to the valve to deflect the diaphragm away from the valve seat, thereby creating an opening into adjoining pas ⁇ age ⁇ .
• hydrophobic membrane 1212 At the end opposite from the inlet, i ⁇ an outlet vent 1210, and disposed across this outlet vent is a hydrophobic membrane 1212.
• a number of different commercially available hydrophobic membranes may be used as described herein, including, e.g., Versapore 200 R membranes available from Gelman Science ⁇ . Fluid introduced into the reaction chamber fills the chamber until it contacts the membrane 1212. Clo ⁇ ure of the valve then allow ⁇ performance of reaction ⁇ within the reaction chamber without influencing or influence from element ⁇ out ⁇ ide of the chamber.
• the ⁇ e plug ⁇ or membrane ⁇ may be used for degas ⁇ ing or debubbling fluid ⁇ within the device.
• a chamber may be provided with one or more vents or with one wall completely or substantially bounded by a hydrophobic membrane to allow the passage of dis ⁇ olved or trapped gases. Additionally, vacuum may be applied on the external surface of the membrane to draw gases from the sample fluid ⁇ . Due to the ⁇ mall cross sectional dimensions of reaction chambers and fluid pas ⁇ age ⁇ , elimination of such gases takes on greater importance, as bubbles may interfere with fluid flow, and/or result in production of irregular data.
• such membranes may be used for removing bubbles purposely introduced into the device, i.e., for the purpose of mixing two fluids which were previously desired to be separated.
• discrete fluids e.g. , reagents
• reagents may be introduced into a single channel or debubbling chamber, separated by a gas bubble which is sufficient to separete the fluid plugs but not to inhibit fluid flow.
• These fluid plugs may then be flowed along a channel having a vent dispo ⁇ ed therein, which vent include ⁇ a hydrophobic membrane.
• a schematic illustration of such a debubbling chamber is shown in Figure 12B.
• FIG. 12C shows a schematic illustration of a device employing a fluid flow sy ⁇ tem which utilize ⁇ hydrophobic membrane bound vent ⁇ for control of fluid flow.
• the device 1250 includes a main channel 1252.
• the main channel is fluidly connected to a multitude ⁇ of ⁇ eparate chamber ⁇ 1254-1260.
• Each of the ⁇ e fluid connection ⁇ with the main channel 1252 i ⁇ mediated (opened or clo ⁇ ed) by the inclu ⁇ ion of a separate valve 1262-1268, respectively, at the intersection of these fluid connections with the main channel.
• each of the various chambers will typically include a vent port 1270-1276 to the outside environment, which vent ports will typically be bounded by a hydrophobic or poorly wetting membrane.
• the basic design of thi ⁇ ⁇ ystem i ⁇ reflected in the device schematic shown in Figure 5, as well, in that it employs a central distribution chamber or channel.
• sample ⁇ or other fluid ⁇ may be introduced into the main channel 1252 via a valved or otherwise sealable liguid inlet 1278 or 1280.
• Application of a positive pressure to the fluid inlet, combined with the selective opening of the elastomeric valve at the fluid connection of a selected chamber with the main channel will force the fluid into that chamber, expelling air or other gase ⁇ through the vent port at the terminu ⁇ of the ⁇ elected chamber, until that vent i ⁇ contacted with the fluid, whereupon fluid flow i ⁇ ⁇ topped.
• the valve to the ⁇ elected chamber may then be returned to the clo ⁇ ed po ⁇ ition to ⁇ eal the fluid within the chamber.
• the requisite pres ⁇ ure differential needed for fluid flow may alternatively or additionally involve the application of a negative pre ⁇ sure at the vent port to which fluid direction is sought.
• a sample introduced into the main channel 1252 is first forced into the degassing chamber 1254 by opening valve 1262 and applying a positive pres ⁇ ure at inlet port 1278.
• valve 1262 may then be clo ⁇ ed.
• Degassing of the fluid may then be carried out by drawing a vacuum on the sample through the hydrophobic membrane disposed across the vent port 1270.
• Degassed sample may then be moved from the degassing chamber 1254 to, e.g., reaction chamber 1256, by opening valves 1262 and 1264, and applying a positive pressure to the degas ⁇ ing chamber vent port 1270.
• the device includes a volumetric or measuring chamber 1258 as well a ⁇ a storage chamber 1260, including similar valve:vent port arrangements 1266:1274 and 1268:1276, respectively.
• the fluid may then be selectively directed to other chambers a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed.
• Figure 12D shows a top view of a portion of an injection molded substrate for carrying out the operations schematically illu ⁇ trated in Figure 12C.
• this device include ⁇ liguid loading chamber ⁇ 1278a and 1280a which are in fluid communication with the fluid inlet ⁇ 1278 and 1280 (not shown) .
• the ⁇ e fluid inlet ⁇ may typically be fabricated into the injection molded portion, e.g., drilled into the loading chamber, or fabricated into an overlaying planar member (not shown).
• reaction chambers 1254, degassing chambers 1256 and 1256a, mea ⁇ uring chamber ⁇ 1258, and storage chambers 1260 are also included. Each of these chambers i ⁇ fluidly connected to main channel 1252.
• a number of the operation ⁇ performed by the variou ⁇ reaction chamber ⁇ of the device require a controllable temperature.
• PCR amplification, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed above require ⁇ cycling of the sample among a strand separation temperature, an annealing reaction temperature and an extension reaction temperature.
• a number of other reactions, including extension, transcription and hybridization reactions are also generally carried out at optimized, controlled temperatures.
• Temperature control within the device of the invention is generally supplied by thin film resistive heaters which are prepared using methods that are well known in the art. For example, these heaters may be fabricated from thin metal films applied within or adjacent to a reaction chamber u ⁇ ing well known method ⁇ ⁇ uch a ⁇ sputtering, controlled vapor deposition and the like.
• the thin film heater will typically be electrically connected to a power source which delivers a current across the heater.
• the electrical connections will also be fabricated using methods similar to those described for the heaters.
• these heaters will be capable of producing temperatures in excess of 100 degrees without suffering adverse effects as a result of the heating.
• resistor heaters include, e.g., the heater discu ⁇ sed in Published PCT Application No. WO 94 ⁇ 05414, laminated thin film NiCr/polyimide/copper heaters, as well as graphite heaters. These heaters may be provided as a layer on one surface of a reaction chamber, or may be provided as molded or machined in ⁇ ert ⁇ for incorporation into the reaction chambers.
• Figure 2B illustrate ⁇ an example of a reaction chamber 104 having a heater insert 128, dispo ⁇ ed therein.
• the re ⁇ i ⁇ tive heater i ⁇ typically electrically connected to a controlled power source for applying a current across the heater. Control of the power source is typically carried out by an appropriately programmed computer.
• the above-described heaters may be incorporated within the individual reaction chambers by depositing a resi ⁇ tive metal film or insert within the reaction chamber, or alternatively, may be applied to the exterior of the device, adjacent to the particular reaction chamber, whereby the heat from the heater i ⁇ conducted into the reaction chamber.
• Temperature controlled reaction chamber ⁇ will also typically include a miniature temperature sen ⁇ or for monitoring the temperature of the chamber, and thereby controlling the application of current acro ⁇ the heater.
• a miniature temperature sen ⁇ or for monitoring the temperature of the chamber, and thereby controlling the application of current acro ⁇ the heater.
• micro ⁇ en ⁇ or ⁇ are available for determining temperatures, including, e.g., thermocouples having a bimetallic junction which produces a temperature dependent electromotive force (EMF) , resistance thermometer ⁇ which include material having an electrical resi ⁇ tance proportional to the temperature of the material, thermi ⁇ tor ⁇ , IC temperature sensors, quartz thermometers and the like. See, Horowitz and Hill, The Art of Electronics, Cambridge
• Control of reaction parameters within the reaction chamber may be carried out manually, but is preferably controlled via an appropriately programmed computer.
• the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the input for the power source will typically be interfaced with a computer which is programmed to receive and record this data, i.e., via an analog- digital/digital-analog (AD/DA) converter.
• AD/DA analog- digital/digital-analog
• the same computer will typically include programming for instructing the delivery of appropriate current for rai ⁇ ing and lowering the temperature of the reaction chamber.
• the computer may be programmed to take the reaction chamber through any number of predetermined time/temperature profile ⁇ , e.g., thermal cycling for PCR, and the like.
• time/temperature profile ⁇ e.g., thermal cycling for PCR, and the like.
• cooling of the reaction chambers will typically occur through exposure to ambient temperature, however additional cooling element ⁇ may be included if desired, e.g., coolant sy ⁇ tems, peltier coolers, water bath ⁇ , etc.
• one or more of the reaction chamber ⁇ of the device may al ⁇ o incorporate a mixing function.
• mixing may be applied merely by pumping the sample back and forth into and out of a particular reaction chamber.
• ca ⁇ e ⁇ con ⁇ tant mixing within a single reaction/analytical chamber is desired, e.g., PCR amplification reactions and hybridization reactions.
• acou ⁇ tic mixing is used to mix the sample within a given reaction chamber.
• a PZT element (element composed of lead, zirconium and titanium containing ceramic) is contacted with the exterior surface of the device, adjacent to the reaction chamber, as shown in Figure 7A.
• PZT element 702 is contacting the external surface 704 of hybridization chamber 706.
• the hybridization chamber includes a ⁇ one internal ⁇ urface, an oligonucleotide array 708.
• Application of a current to this element generates ⁇ onic vibration ⁇ which are translated to the reaction chamber whereupon mixing of the sample di ⁇ po ⁇ ed therein occur ⁇ .
• the vibration ⁇ of thi ⁇ element re ⁇ ult in substantial convection being generated within the reaction chamber.
• a symmetric mixing pattern generated within a micro reaction chamber incorporating this mixing system is shown Figure 7B.
• Incomplete contact (i.e., bonding) of the element to the device may re ⁇ ult in an incomplete mixing of a fluid sample.
• the element will typically have a fluid or gel layer (not shown) dispo ⁇ ed between the element 702 and the external surface of the device ir ⁇ , e.g., water.
• This fluid layer will generally be incorporated within a membrane, e.g., a latex balloon, having one surface in contact with the external surface of the reaction chamber and another surface in contact with the PZT element.
• An appropriately programmed computer 714 may be used to control the application of a voltage to the PZT element, via a function generator 712 and RF amplifier 710 to control the rate and/or timing of mixing.
• mixing may be supplied by the incorporation of ferromagnetic elements within the device which may be vibrated by ⁇ upplying an alternating current to a coil adjacent the device.
• the o ⁇ cillating current creates an oscillating magnetic field through the center of the coil which results in vibratory motion and rotation of the magnetic particles in the device, resulting in mixing, either by direct convection or accoustic streaming.
• the devices of the present invention may include additional component ⁇ for optimizing ⁇ ample preparation or analy ⁇ i ⁇ .
• electrophoretic force may be u ⁇ ed to draw target molecule ⁇ into the surface of the array.
• electrodes may be disposed or patterned on the surface of the array or on the surface opposite the array. Application of an appropriate electric field will either push or pull the target ⁇ in solution onto the array.
• a variety of similar enhancements can be included without departing from the ⁇ cope of the invention.
• control elements for the device e.g., temperature control, mixing and fluid transport element ⁇ may be supplied within a reu ⁇ able ba ⁇ e-unit.
• the reaction chamber portion of the • ' rvice can be mated with a reusable base unit that i ⁇ adapted for receiving the device.
• the base unit may include one or more heaters for controlling the temperature within selected reaction chambers within the device.
• the base unit may incorporate mixing elements such as tho ⁇ e described herein, as well as vacuum or pressure sources for providing sample mixing and transportation within the device.
• the ba ⁇ e unit may include a fir ⁇ t surface having disposed thereon, one or more resi ⁇ tive heater ⁇ of the type de ⁇ cribed above.
• the heater ⁇ are positioned on the surface of the base unit such that when the reaction chamber device is mated to that surface, the heater ⁇ will be adjacent to and preferably contacting the exterior ⁇ urface of the device adjacent to one or more reaction chambers in which temperature control is desired.
• one or more mixing element ⁇ may al ⁇ o be disposed upon this surface of the base unit, whereby when mated with the reaction chamber device, the mixing element ⁇ contact the outer ⁇ urface of the reaction/storage/analytical chambers in which such mixing i ⁇ de ⁇ ired.
• interspersed heaters and mixers may be provided on the surface of the ba ⁇ e unit.
• the base unit may include a second surface which contacts the opposite surface of the device from the first surface, to apply heating on one exterior surface of the reaction chamber and mixing at the other.
• the base unit also typically includes appropriate electrical connections for linking the heating and mixing element ⁇ to an appropriate power source.
• the base unit may also be used to connect the reaction chamber device itself to external power source ⁇ , pre ⁇ ure/vacuum ⁇ ource ⁇ and the like.
• the ba ⁇ e unit can provide manifold ⁇ , port ⁇ and electrical connection ⁇ which plug into receiving connectors or ports on the device to provide power, vacuum or pres ⁇ ure for the various control elements that are internal to the device.
• mating of the device to the base unit may provide a connection from a vacuum source in the base unit to a main vacuum manifold manufactured into the device, as described above.
• the ba ⁇ e unit may provide electrical connectors which couple to complementary connectors on the device to provide electrical current to any number of operations within the device via electrical circuitry fabricated into the device.
• appropriate connections are al ⁇ o provided for monitoring variou ⁇ operation ⁇ of the device, e.g., temperature, pre ⁇ ure and the like.
• the ba ⁇ e unit will al ⁇ o typically include one or more solenoid mounted rupture pins.
• the solenoid mounted rupture pin ⁇ are disposed within receptacle ⁇ which are manufactured into the ⁇ urface of the ba ⁇ e unit, which receptacle ⁇ correspond to position ⁇ of the rupture membranes upon the device.
• the pin ⁇ are retained below the ⁇ urface of the base unit when not in operation. Activation of the solenoid extends the pin above the surface of the base unit, into and through the rupture membrane.
• FIG. 8 A schematic representation of one embodiment of a base unit is shown in Figure 8.
• the base unit 800 includes a body structure 802 having a mating surface 804.
• the body structure house ⁇ the variou ⁇ element ⁇ that are to be incorporated into the ba ⁇ e unit.
• the ba ⁇ e unit may also include one or more thermoelectric heating/cooling elements 806 dispo ⁇ ed within the ba ⁇ e unit ⁇ uch that when the reaction chamber contianing portion of the apparatu ⁇ i ⁇ mated to the mating surface of the base unit, the reaction chamber ⁇ will be in contact or immediatly adjacent to the heating elements.
• the base unit may typically include a pressure source opening to the mating surface via the pres ⁇ ure source port 810.
• the base unit will also typically include other elements of the ⁇ e ⁇ y ⁇ tem ⁇ , ⁇ uch a ⁇ ⁇ olenoid 812 driven pins 814 for piercing rupture membranes. These pin ⁇ are typically within rece ⁇ sed ports 816 in the mating surface 804.
• the base unit will also typically include mounting structures on the mating surface to ensure proper mating of the reaction chamber containing portion of the device to the base unit.
• Such mounting structures generally include mounting pins or holes (not shown) disposed on the mating surface which correspond to complementary structures on the reaction chamber containing portion of the device.
• Mounting pins may be differentially sized, and/or tapered, to ensure mating of the reaction chamber and base unit in an appropriate orientation.
• the base unit may be fabricated to include a well in which the reaction chamber portion mounts, which well has a nonsymetrical shape, matching a nonsymetrical ⁇ hape of the reaction chamber portion.
• Such a design is similar to that used in the manufacture of audio tape cas ⁇ ette ⁇ and players.
• the device of the present invention may include a number of other components to further facilitate analyses.
• a number of the operations of sample transport, manipulation and monitoring may be performed by elements external to the device, per se. These elements may be incorporated within the above-de ⁇ cribed base unit, or may be included as further attachments to the device and/or base unit.
• external pumps or fluid flow devices may be used to move the sample through the various operations of the device and/or for mixing
• temperature controls may be applied externally to the device to maximize individual operations
• valve controls may be operated externally to direct and regulate the flow of the sample. In preferred embodiments, however, these various operations will be integrated within the device.
• the integrated device of the invention will typically incorporate a number of additional components for sample transporting, direction, manipulation, and the like. Generally, this will include a plurality of micropumps, valves, mixers and heating elements.
• Pumping devices that are particularly useful include a variety of micromachined pumps that have been reported in the art.
• suitable pumps include pumps which having a bulging diaphragm, powered by a piezoelectric stack and two check valve ⁇ , such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,277,556, 5,271,724 and 5,171,132, or powered by a thermopneumatic element, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed in U.S. Patent No.
• Ferrofluidic fluid transport and mixing ⁇ y ⁇ tem ⁇ may al ⁇ o be incorporated into the device of the pre ⁇ ent invention.
• the ⁇ e ⁇ ystems incorporate a ferrofluidic ⁇ ubstance which is placed into the apparatus.
• the ferrofluidic substance is controlled/directed externally through the use of magnets.
• the ferrofluidic sub ⁇ tance provides a barrier which can be selectively moved to force the sample fluid through the apparatus, or through an individual operation of the apparatus.
• These ferrofluidic sy ⁇ tems may be used for example, to reduce effective volumes where the sample occupies insufficient volume to fill the hybridization chamber. Insufficient sample fluid volume may result in incomplete hybridization with the array, and incomplete hybridization data.
• ferrofluidic sy ⁇ tem is u ⁇ ed to sandwich the ⁇ ample fluid in a ⁇ ufficiently ⁇ mall volume. This small volume is then drawn acros ⁇ the array in a manner which ensures the ⁇ ample contact ⁇ the entire surface of the array.
• Ferrofluids are generally commercially available from, e.g., FerroFluidic ⁇ Inc., New Hamp ⁇ hire.
• Alternative fluid tran ⁇ port mechani ⁇ m ⁇ for inclu ⁇ ion within the device of the pre ⁇ ent invention include, e.g. electrohydrodynamic pump ⁇ ( ⁇ ee, e.g., Richter, et al. 3rd IEEE Workshop on Micro Electro Mechanical System ⁇ , February 12-14, 1990, Napa Valley, USA, and Richter et al., Sensors and Actuators 29:159-165 (1991), U.S. Patent No. 5,126,022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in it ⁇ entirety for all purposes) .
• electrohydrodynamic pump ⁇ ⁇ ee, e.g., Richter, et al. 3rd IEEE Workshop on Micro Electro Mechanical System ⁇ , February 12-14, 1990, Napa Valley, USA, and Richter et al., Sensors and Actuators 29:159-165 (1991), U.S. Patent No. 5,126,022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in it ⁇ entirety for all purposes
• Such pumps employ a multitude ⁇ of electrodes disposed across one surface of
• Indium-tin oxide film ⁇ may be particularly suited for patterning electrodes on sub ⁇ trate surfaces, e.g., a glass or silicon sub ⁇ trate. These methods can also be used to draw nucleic acids onto an array. For example, electrodes may paterned on the surface of an array substrate and modified with suitable functional group ⁇ for coupling nucleic acid ⁇ to the ⁇ urface of the electrodes. Application of a current betwen the electrodes on the surface of an array and an oppo ⁇ ing electrode re ⁇ ult ⁇ in electrophoretic movement of the nucleic acids toward the surface of the array.
• Electrophoretic pumping by application of transient electric fields can also be employed to avoid electrolysis at the surface of the electrodes while ⁇ till cau ⁇ ing ⁇ ufficient sample movement.
• the electrophoretic mobility of a nucleic acid is not constant with the electric field applied.
• An increa ⁇ e in an electric field of from 50 to 400 v/cm result ⁇ in a 30% increa ⁇ e in mobility of a nucleic acid sample in an acrylamide gel.
• a high electric field is applied in the forward direction of sample movement and a lower field is then applied in the reverse direction.
• the above de ⁇ cribed micropump ⁇ may also be used to mix reagent ⁇ and samples within the apparatus, by directing a recirculating fluid flow through the particular chamber to be mixed. Additional mixing methods may also be employed.
• electrohydrodynamic mixers may be employed within the various reaction chambers. These mixers typically employ a traveling electric field for moving a fluid into which a charge has been introduced. See Bart, et al., Sensor ⁇ and Actuators (1990) A21-A-23:193-197.
• thermopneumatic pumping mechanism This typically involves the inclusion of small heaters, disposed behind apertures within a particular chamber. When the liquid in contact with the heater is heated, it expand ⁇ through the apertures causing a convective force to be introduced into the chamber, thereby mixing the sample.
• a pumping mechanism retained behind two one way check valves ⁇ uch a ⁇ the pump de ⁇ cribed in U.S. Patent No. 5,375,979 to Trah, incorporated herein by reference in it ⁇ entirety for all purpo ⁇ es, can be employed to circulate a fluid sample within a chamber.
• the fluid is then expelled from the pump chamber through another one way check valve during the reciprocal pump cycle, resulting in a circular fluid flow within the reaction chamber.
• the pumping mechanism may employ any number of designs, as described herein, i.e., diaphragm, thermal pressure, electrohydrodynamic, etc.
• insulating materials may be used for thi ⁇ function, including, e.g., teflon coating, Si0 2 , Si 3 N 4 , and the like.
• insulating layers will be Si0 2 , which may generally be sputtered over the surface of the component to provide an insulating layer.
• the device of the present invention will also typically incorporate a number of microvalves for the direction of fluid flow within the device.
• a variety of microvalve de ⁇ ign ⁇ are particularly well ⁇ uited for the in ⁇ tant device.
• Example ⁇ of valve ⁇ that may be u ⁇ ed in the device are described in, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,277,556 to van Lintel, incorporated herein by reference.
• Preferred valve structures for use in the present devices typically incorporate a membrane or diaphragm which may be deflected onto a valve seat.
• the electrostatic valves, silicon/aluminum bimetallic actuated valves or thermopneumatic actuated valves can be readily adapted for incorporation into the device of the invention.
• fluidic valve ⁇ may al ⁇ o be employed.
• Such fluidic valve ⁇ typically include a "liquid curtain" which compri ⁇ e ⁇ a fluid that i ⁇ immi ⁇ cible in the aqueou ⁇ system ⁇ used in the device, e.g., silicone oil, ferrofluidic fluids, and the like.
• a fluidic valve include ⁇ a shallow valving channel, e.g.
• the valving channel is connected to at least one oil port.
• the valving channel is first filled with oil (or other appropriate fluid element) , which is drawn into the channel by capillary action.
• oil or other appropriate fluid element
• the oil, or "fluid curtain” moves aside and allow ⁇ pa ⁇ age.
• the oil will return to seal the fluid or gas behind a vapor barrier.
• these fluidic valve ⁇ are useful in the prevention of evaporation of fluid samples or reagents within the device.
• the device may also incorporate one or more filters for removing cell debris and protein solids from the sample.
• the filters may generally be within the apparatus, e.g., within the fluid pas ⁇ age ⁇ leading from the ⁇ ample preparation/extraction chamber.
• a variety of well known filter media may be incorporated into the device, including, e.g., cellulo ⁇ e, nitrocellulo ⁇ e, poly ⁇ ulfone, nylon, vinyl/acrylic copolymer ⁇ , glass fiber, polyvinylchloride, and the like.
• the filter may be a structure fabricated into the device similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,304,487 to Wilding et al. , previously incorporated herein.
• separation chamber ⁇ having a separation media e.g., ion exchange resin, affinity resin or the like, may be included within the device to eliminate contaminating proteins, etc.
• the device of the present invention may also contain one or more sensor ⁇ within the device it ⁇ elf to monitor the progre ⁇ of one or more of the operations of the device.
• sensor ⁇ within the device it ⁇ elf to monitor the progre ⁇ of one or more of the operations of the device.
• optical sensor ⁇ and pre ⁇ sure ⁇ en ⁇ ors may be incorporated into one or more reaction chamber ⁇ to monitor the progress of the various reactions, or within flow channels to monitor the progress of fluids or detect characteristic ⁇ of the fluid ⁇ , e.g., pH, temperature, fluorescence and the like.
• reagents used in each operation integrated within the device may be exogenously introduced into the device, e.g., through sealable openings in each respective chamber.
• these reagents will be predisposed within the device.
• these reagents may be di ⁇ po ⁇ ed within the reaction chamber which perform ⁇ the operation for which the reagent will be used, or within the fluid channels leading to that reaction chamber.
• the reagents may be dispo ⁇ ed within storage chambers adjacent to and fluidly connected to their respective reaction chambers, whereby the reagents can be readily transported to the appropriate chamber as needed.
• the amplification chamber will typically have the appropriate reagents for carrying out the amplification reaction, e.g., primer probe sequence ⁇ , deoxynucleo ⁇ ide triphosphates ("dNTPs") , nucleic acid polymera ⁇ e ⁇ , buffering agents and the like, predisposed within the amplification chamber.
• sample stabilization reagents will typically be predisposed within the sample collection chamber.
• four domains of the device are each addres ⁇ ed by an array of valves, e.g., a 10 valve array, with its own common channel.
• the four domains may generally be defined as: (1) reagent storage; (2) reaction; (3) sample preparation; and (4) po ⁇ t proce ⁇ sing, which are fluidically interconnected.
• the sample preparation domain i ⁇ typically used to extract and purify nucleic acids from a sample.
• included in the ⁇ ample preparation domain are 5 reagent inlet ⁇ that are fluidly connected to larger volume ⁇ torage vessel ⁇ , e.g., within the base unit.
• Examples of such reagent ⁇ for extraction reaction ⁇ may include, e.g., 4M guanidine i ⁇ othiocyanate, 1 X TBE and 50:50 EtOH:H 2 0.
• the two reaction chamber ⁇ may include, e.g., affinity media for purification of nucleic acid ⁇ such as glas ⁇ wool, or bead ⁇ coated with poly-T oligonucleotides.
• the storage domain is linked to the ⁇ ample preparation domain, and i ⁇ u ⁇ ed for ⁇ torage of reagent ⁇ and mixtures, e.g., PCR mix with FITC-dG ⁇ and dUTP but no template, UNG reaction mix and IVT reaction mix without template.
• the reaction domain is also linked to the sample preparation domain as well as the storage domain and includes a number of reaction chambers (5) , measuring chambers (2) and debubbling chambers (1) . Both sample preparation and reaction domains may be addressed by a thermal controller, e.g., heaters or thermoelectric heater/cooler.
• the post proces ⁇ ing domain i ⁇ typically linked to the reaction domain and include ⁇ a number of reagent inlet ⁇ (5) , reaction chamber ⁇ (2) , ⁇ torage chamber ⁇ (1) and ⁇ ample inlets (1) .
• the reagent inlets may be used to introduce buffers, e.g., 6 X SSPE or water into the analytical element, e.g., an oligonucleotide array.
• valves are addres ⁇ ed by 4 column ⁇ each of pneumatic port ⁇ .
• Two additional array ⁇ of 10 valve ⁇ address a sample preparation and post proces ⁇ ing domain.
• a bank of solenoid valve ⁇ may be u ⁇ ed to drive the pneumatic port ⁇ and the valve array ⁇ .
• the device and ⁇ y ⁇ tem of the pre ⁇ ent invention ha ⁇ a wide variety of u ⁇ e ⁇ in the manipulation, identification and/or seguencing of nucleic acid sample ⁇ .
• the ⁇ e ⁇ amples may be derived from plant, animal, viral or bacterial sources.
• the device and sy ⁇ tem of the invention may be used in diagnostic application ⁇ , ⁇ uch a ⁇ in diagno ⁇ ing genetic disorders, as well as diagno ⁇ ing the pre ⁇ ence of infectious agent ⁇ , e.g., bacterial or viral infection ⁇ .
• the device and system may be used in a variety of characterization applications, such as foren ⁇ ic analy ⁇ i ⁇ , ' e.g., genetic fingerprinting, bacterial, plant or viral identification or characterization, e.g., epidemiological or taxonomic analy ⁇ is, and the like.
• characterization applications such as foren ⁇ ic analy ⁇ i ⁇ , ' e.g., genetic fingerprinting, bacterial, plant or viral identification or characterization, e.g., epidemiological or taxonomic analy ⁇ is, and the like.
• the device and sy ⁇ tem of the present invention is used in the analysis of human sample ⁇ . More particularly, the device i ⁇ u ⁇ ed to determine the pre ⁇ ence or absence of a particular nucleic acid sequence within a particular human sample. This include ⁇ the identification of genetic anomalie ⁇ a ⁇ ociated with a particular disorder, as well as the identification within a sample of a particular infectious agent, e.g., virus, bacteria, yeast or fungus.
• a particular infectious agent e.g., virus, bacteria, yeast or fungus.
• the devices of the present invention may also be u ⁇ ed in de novo sequencing applications.
• the device may be used in sequencing by hybridization (SBH) technique ⁇ .
• SBH sequencing by hybridization
• the use of oligonucleotide arrays in de novo SBH applications is described, for example, in U.S. Application Serial No. 08/082,937, filed June 25, 1993.
• the lysate wa ⁇ passed through a cartridge containing glass wool (20 ⁇ l) , a cartridge with soda glas ⁇ walls ( 20 ⁇ l) , and a glas ⁇ tube. After 30 minutes at room temperature, the remaining lysate was washed away with several volumes of ethanol:water (1:1) and the captured DNA was eluted at 60°C using IX TBE.
• the yield of eluted DNA was measured using ethidum bromide staining on an agarose gel, and purity was tested by using the eluted material as a template for a PCR reaction. Elution yield ⁇ ranged from 10% to 25% and PCR yield ⁇ ranged from 90 to 100% a ⁇ compared to control ⁇ u ⁇ ing pure template.
• a model miniature reactor system was designed to investigate the efficacy of miniaturized devices in carrying out prehybridization preparative reaction ⁇ on target nucleic acids.
• a dual reaction chamber system for carrying out in vitro transcription and fragmentation was fabricated.
• the device employed a tube based structure using a polymer tubing a ⁇ an in vitro tran ⁇ cription reactor coupled to a glass capillary fragmentation reactor. Reagents not introduced with the sample were provided as dried deposits on the internal surface of the connecting tubing.
• the experiment was designed to investigate the effect ⁇ of reaction chamber materials and reaction volume in RNA preparative reaction chambers.
• the sample including the target nucleic acid, DNA amplicons containing a 1 kb portion of the HIV gene flanked with promoter regions for the T3 and T7 RNA primer ⁇ on the sense and antisense strands, re ⁇ pectively, RNA polymera ⁇ e, NTP ⁇ , fluorinated UTP and buffer, were introduced into the reactor system at one end of the tubing based system.
• In vitro transcription was carried out in a silicone tubing reactor immersed in a water bath. Following thi ⁇ initial reaction, the sample was moved through the sy ⁇ tem into a gla ⁇ capillary reactor which wa ⁇ maintained at 94°C, for carrying out the fragmentation reaction.
• the product ⁇ of a representative time-course fragmentation reaction are shown in the gel of Figure 10A.
• the tubing connecting the IVT reactor to the fragmentation reactor contained additional MgCl 2 for addition to the ⁇ ample.
• the glass capillary was first coated with BSA to avoid interactions between the sample and the glas ⁇ .
• the sample was hybridized with an appropriately tiled oligonucleotide array, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed above.
• Preparation u ⁇ ing this system with 14 mM MgCl 2 addition resulted in a correct base calling rate of 96.5%.
• Omis ⁇ ion of the MgCl 2 gave a correct ba ⁇ e calling rate of 95.5%.
• a similar preparative transcription reaction wa ⁇ carried out in a micro-reaction chamber fabricated in polycarbonate.
• a well wa ⁇ machined in the ⁇ urface of a first polycarbonate part.
• the well was 250 ⁇ m deep and had an approximate volume of 5 ⁇ l.
• a second polycarbonate part was then acou ⁇ tically welded to the fir ⁇ t to provide a top wall for the reaction chamber.
• the ⁇ econd part had two hole ⁇ drilled through it, which hole ⁇ were po ⁇ itioned at oppo ⁇ ite end ⁇ of the reaction chamber.
• Temperature control for the tran ⁇ cription reaction wa ⁇ ⁇ upplied by applying external temperature control ⁇ to the reaction chamber, a ⁇ de ⁇ cribed for the tubing ba ⁇ ed system. 3 ⁇ l sample ⁇ were u ⁇ ed for both transcription and fragmentation experiments.
• Transcription reactions performed in the micro- reactor achieved a 70% yield as compared to conventional methods, e.g., same volume in microfuge tube and water bath or PCR thermal cycler.
• a comparison of in vitro transcription reaction products using a microchamber versu ⁇ a larger scale control are shown in Figure 10B.
• the miniature polymeric reaction chamber similar to the one described in Example 2 was u ⁇ ed for carrying out PCR amplification.
• the chamber wa ⁇ fabricated from a planar piece of poycarbonate 4 mm thick, and having a cavity measuring 500 ⁇ m deep machined into its surface.
• a second planar polycarbonate piece was welded over the cavity.
• Thermal control was supplied by applying a peltier heater against the thinner second wall of the cavity.
• Amplification of a target nucleic acid was performed with Perkin-Elmer GeneAmp® PCR kit.
• the reaction chamber wa ⁇ cycled for 20 second ⁇ at 94°C (denaturing) , 40 ⁇ econds at 65°C (annealing) and 50 ⁇ econd ⁇ at 72°C (exten ⁇ ion) .
• Figure IOC show ⁇ production of amplified product in the microchamber as compared to a control using a typical PCR thermal cycler.
• a microfabricated polycarbonate device was manufactured having the structure shown in Figure 15A.
• the device included three discrete vented chambers. Two of the chambers (top and middle) were thermally isolated from the PCR chamber (bottom) to prevent any denaturation of the RNA polymera ⁇ e used in IVT reractions at PCR temperatures. Thermal i ⁇ olation was accomplished by fabricating the chambers more than 10 mm apart in a thin polycarbonate substrate and controlling the temperatures in each region through the use of thermoelectric temperature controllers, e.g., peltier devices.
• the reactor device dimension ⁇ were as follows: channels were 250 ⁇ m wide by 125 ⁇ m deep; the three reaction chambers were 1.5 mm wide by 13 mm in length by 125 to 500 ⁇ m deep, with the reactor volumes ranging from 2.5 to 10 ⁇ l. Briefly, PCR was carried out by introducing 0.3 unit ⁇ of Taq polymerase, 0.2 mM dNTP ⁇ , 1.5 mM MgCl 2 , 0.2 ⁇ M primer sequences, approximately 2000 molecules of template sequence and IX Perkin-Elmer PCR buffer into the bottom chamber.
• the thermal cycling program included (1) an initial denaturation at 94°C for 60 seconds, (2) a denaturation step at 94°C for 20 seconds, (3) an annealing step at 65°C for 40 second ⁇ , (4) an extension step at 72°C for 50 ⁇ econd ⁇ , (5) repeated cycling through steps 2-4 35 times, and (6) a final extension step at 72°C for 60 second ⁇ .
• RNAguard Pharmacia
• Fluid transfer was carried out by applying pressure to the vents at the termini of the chambers.
• IVT wa ⁇ carried out at 37°C for 60 minute ⁇ . The results of PCR and IVT are ⁇ hown in Figure 15B, compared with control experiment ⁇ , e.g., performed in eppendorf tube ⁇ .
• Example 5- Acou ⁇ tic Mixing The efficacy of an acou ⁇ tic element for mixing the contents of a reaction chamber was tested.
• a 0.5" X 0.5" X 0.04" crystal of PZT-5H was bonded to the external ⁇ urface of a 0.030" thick region of a planar piece of delrin which had cavity machined in the ⁇ urface oppo ⁇ ite the PZT element.
• a fluore ⁇ cently labeled oligonucleotide target sequence having the seguence 5 '-GAGATGCGTCGGTGGCTG-3 ' and an array having a checkerboard pattern of 400 ⁇ m square ⁇ having complement ⁇ to thi ⁇ ⁇ equence synthesized thereon were used.
• Hybridization of a 10 nM solution of the target in 6xSSPE was carried out.
• the external surface of the array was kept in contact with a thermoelectric cooler set at 15°C.
• the resulting average intensity was identical to that achieved using mechanical mixing of the chamber (vertical rotation with an incorporated bubble) .
• Ela ⁇ tomeric valve ⁇ were opened and clo ⁇ ed by application of vacuum or pre ⁇ ure (approx. 60 p ⁇ i) to the space above the individual valves.
• debubbling chamber Functioning of the debubbling chamber was demonstrated by moving four separate plug ⁇ of colored water from the reaction chamber to the debubbling chamber. The discrete plugs, upon pas ⁇ ing into the debubbling chamber, joined together as a single fluid plug.
• the functioning of the measuring chamber was demonstrated by repetetively moving portions of a 10 ⁇ l colored water sample from the ⁇ torage chamber to the mea ⁇ uring chamber, followed by exhau ⁇ ting thi ⁇ fluid from the mea ⁇ uring chamber. Thi ⁇ fluid transfer was carried out 6 times, indicating repeated aliquoting of approximately 1.6 ⁇ l per measuring chamber volume (10 ⁇ l in 6 aliguots) .

Landscapes

• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
• Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Biochemistry (AREA)
• Immunology (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Measuring Or Testing Involving Enzymes Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
• Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
• Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
• Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=27356719

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Cited By (226)

Families Citing this family (1416)