US 6,159,368 A · Multi-well microfiltration apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with is the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes. Further, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that adequately support discrete filter elements disposed in the wells without creating substantial preferential flow. Additionally, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that avoid cross-contamination due to aerosol formation, pendent drops and/or splattering. Other disclosed features of the invention provide for the automated covering or heat-sealing of filtrate samples separately collected in an array of wells.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A microfiltration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid samples, comprising:

a first plate having a plurality of columns, each column having (i) a first inner bore defining a lumen within the column, and (ii) an end region for receiving a filter medium within the column, said end region defining (a) a second inner bore having a diameter greater than that of the first inner bore and (b) a transition region that joins the second inner bore to the first inner bore;
positioned within each column end region, adjacent said transition region, a filter medium for filtering sample;
and
a second plate having a plurality of discharge conduits, each discharge conduit having an upstanding upper end region aligned with and received within a corresponding column end region so as to form a substantially fluid-tight interface therebetween, said discharge conduit upper end region having a terminal rim region for supporting a circumferential region of the filter medium such that each filter medium is held in compression between a column transition region and the terminal rim region of a corresponding discharge conduit in a manner effective (i) to securely hold the filter medium and (ii) to radially press a circumferential side-edge region of the filter medium against an inner sidewall of the column so as to prevent leakage around its edges.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-well microfiltration apparatus

Life of this patent

Multi-well microfiltration apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10