Devices and methods for the performance of miniaturized homogeneous assays
AssigneeTecan Trading AG
InventorsGregory J. Kellogg, David C. Duffy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyzes and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. These assays may be performed for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to screening of drug candidate compounds, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.
Claims40
A centripetally-motivated microsystems platform comprising:
- a) a rotatable platform comprising a substrate having a surface comprising one or a multiplicity of microfluidics structures embedded in the surface of the platform, wherein each microfluidics structure comprises
- i) one or a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing a reagent solution
- ii) one or a plurality of sample reservoirs containing a sample solution,
- iii) a mixing microchannel, wherein each mixing microchannel is fluidly connected to a sample reservoir and one or a plurality of reagent reservoirs by a microchannel, and
- iv) a collection chamber fluidly connected to the mixing microchannel by a microchannel,
- wherein the mixing microchannel defines a longitudinal path in the surface of the platform, the mixing microchannel being configured to bend a plurality of times around a plurality of curves as it traverses the longitudinal path on the platform, the longitudinal path having a length sufficient to mix the sample solution and the reagent solutions to a homogenous mixture, and wherein fluid within the microchannels of the platform is moved through said microchannels by centripetal force arising from rotational motion of the platform for a time and a rotational velocity sufficient to move the fluid through the microchannels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.