Pressure-assisted fluid transfer and sample analysis within a cell processing system

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for integrated cell processing and analysis with precise fluid management are disclosed. The system includes a cartridge with processing modules connected by a fluidic bus with pressure regulation to control fluid flow between modules and to analytical tools. Methods for controlling fluid transfer by adjusting pump operational parameters in response to pressure measurements ensure precise sample delivery volumes and flow rates throughout the integrated platform. Fluid pulsations are reduced or prevented during the fluid transfer for accurate sample transfers. Fluid transfer steps coordinate fluid flow between an on-cartridge analytical module and/or off-cartridge analytical tools. The cartridge may include an analytical module with a channel selector to direct fluid samples from a plurality of fluid conduits to selected analytical chips. A positioning system with rack-and-pinion mechanisms enables precise movement of analytical chips along multiple axes to interface with analytical tools.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.