Multiplex Q-PCR arrays
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsArjang Hassibi, Babak Hassibi, Haris Vikalo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample.
Claims26
A system comprising:
- a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification reaction chamber comprising:
- (i) a substrate comprising (a) a region comprising an array of nucleic acid probes at independently addressable locations, wherein the nucleic acid probes comprise donors but not acceptors, and (b) a control region that does not contain probes, wherein a side of the chamber comprises the substrate, and (ii) a fluid to be held in contact with the substrate, the fluid comprising a nucleic acid sample comprising multiple nucleotide sequences, primers, and enzymes, wherein each of the primers comprises an acceptor;
- a temperature controller configured to carry out multiple PCR temperature phases and temperature cycles, wherein the temperature controller comprises:
- (i) a heating and cooling module for raising and lowering the temperature of the fluid or the substrate;
- and (ii) a temperature sensor;
- and
- a detector comprising an array of sensors configured to detect (a) light signals as a function of time from the region comprising the array of nucleic acid probes at the independently addressable locations and (b) control signals as a function of time from the control region on the substrate within the chamber at a specific phase or phases during or after a plurality of temperature cycles while the fluid is in contact with the substrate, wherein the detector is below the substrate, and wherein an individual sensor of said array of sensors detects (a) a light signal of said light signals or (b) a control signal of said control signals, from a single independently addressable location of said independently addressable locations;
- and wherein the detector is optically coupled to the substrate without use of a lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.