Methods and apparatuses for gene purification and imaging

A cartridge configured for purifying a hybridized target molecule sample and imaging the hybridized target molecule, comprising:

• a buffer input area configured to hold a target molecule sample, the sample comprising:
• a plurality of hybridized complexes including a plurality of target molecules, and each of reporter probes and capture probes,
• a plurality of non-hybridized reporter probes, and
• a plurality of non-hybridized capture probes;
• a bubble vent configured to separate the sample input and the first binding chamber and to eliminate air bubbles;
• a first binding chamber configured to receive or contain F magnetic beads and to receive the sample, wherein:
• the F magnetic beads are functionalized with first molecules configured to bind with the non-hybridized reporter probes and hybridized complexes of the sample during a first period of time;
• the first binding chamber is additionally configured to receive a first buffer to remove non-hybridized reporter probes from the sample after the non-hybridized reporter probes and hybridized complexes of the sample bind with the F magnetic beads;
• a first elution channel attached to the first binding chamber and a means for heating, and which is configured to receive the F magnetic beads after the first period of time and configured for heating the F magnetic beads to elute a first eluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes and plurality of non-hybridized reporter probes;
• a second binding chamber configured to receive or contain G magnetic beads and to receive the first eluted sample, wherein:
• the G magnetic beads are functionalized with second molecules configured to bind with the hybridized complexes during a second period of time;
• the second binding chamber is additionally configured to receive a second buffer remove at least non-hybridized capture probes;
• a second elution channel attached to the second binding chamber and a means for heating, and which is configured to receive the G magnetic beads after the second period of time and configured for heating the G magnetic beads to elute a second eluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes;
• a binding area having an active binding surface configured to receive the second eluted sample and bind with the hybridized complexes;
• wherein the cartridge is operatively coupled to:
• a plurality of off-card buffer input valves operatively coupled to a fluidic manifold, the plurality of off-card buffer input valves being configured to receive the first buffer and the second buffer from the fluidic manifold and provide the first and buffer to the cartridge;
• and
• a plurality of waste valves configured to collect the first and second buffer from the cartridge.