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AssigneesMotorola, Inc., Amersham PLC
InventorsMark W. McGarry, W. Travis Johnson, George W. Hawkins
Estimating the term…
The present invention provides a method and an improved apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a reaction chamber comprising a flexible layer removably affixed to a substrate layer having a multiplicity of oligonucleotide binding sites disposed thereon, in which biological reactions are performed. The invention specifically relates to methods and apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a reaction chamber wherein target molecules contained in a sample fluid are reacted with probe molecules immobilized on a substrate having an array of oligonucleotide binding sites. The arrays are covered with a flexible, gas permeable layer that permits mixing of the sample fluid on the biochip and removal of gas bubbles from the fluid by use of a means for facilitating diffusion of gas bubbles across the flexible, gas permeable layer.
An apparatus for performing biological reactions, comprising:
A method for removing gas bubbles from an apparatus for performing biological reactions having one or more reaction chambers bounded by a substrate layer, an adhesive and a flexible, gas permeable layer, comprising the steps of:
A method for removing gas bubbles from an apparatus for performing biological reactions having one or more reaction chambers bounded by a substrate layer, an adhesive and a flexible, gas permeable layer, comprising the steps of:
In an apparatus for performing biological reactions, comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto, an array of biomolecules positioned on the first surface of the substrate, a flexible layer affixed to the first surface of the substrate by an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is deposited on the first surface of the substrate and encloses an area thereupon;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
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For multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates: with covers or lids
With fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures: by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are…
By integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g.…
By integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g.…
Term end not estimated
1. Related Applications
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/464,490, filed Dec. 15, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Field of the Invention
Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
FIGS. 1A-1D are views of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention illustrating the preparation of a chamber of the invention for reaction. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus illustrating a reaction chamber prefilled with a water-soluble compound. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus illustrating the mixing of the water-soluble compound and the biological sample fluid. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus illustrating a chamber filled with the sample fluid/water-soluble compound mixture, wherein the first and second ports are covered with a seal. FIG. 1D is a top plan view of the apparatus illustrating the pattern of adhesive defining the individual areas containing the arrays of oligonucleotide probes.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the array of biomolecular probes showing the positioning of the gel pads on the substrate of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for performing high-capacity biological reactions on a biochip comprising a substrate having an array of biological binding sites. The invention also provides a method for removing gas bubbles from the apparatus. The invention is specifically directed to methods for removing gas bubbles from an apparatus comprising a reaction chamber having one or more arrays, preferably comprising arrays consisting of gel pads, and most preferably comprising arrays consisting of 3-dimensional polyacrylamide gel pads, wherein biological reactions are performed by reacting a biological sample containing a target molecule of interest with a complementary probe molecule immobilized on the biochip.
As used herein, the term “array” refers to an ordered spatial arrangement, particularly an arrangement of immobilized biomolecules or polymeric anchoring structures.
As used herein, the term “addressable array” refers to an array wherein the individual elements have precisely defined x and y coordinates, so that a given element at a particular position in the array can be identified.