Method and apparatus for processing biomolecule arrays
AssigneeBeckman Coulter, Inc.
InventorsRobert S. Matson, Daniel G. Morrow, Karen E. Lowe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microarray assay system using an array-of-arrays plate mounted on the top surface of a vacuum fixture, and an automatic handling system that handles the plate and fixture assembly. The A2 plate includes a tray formed of a flexible material and a rigid frame for mounting on the fixture. The fixture has a plurality of orifices opening at the top surface and connected to a vacuum source to create a negative pressure to hold the flexible plate against the top surface of the fixture. The automatic handling systems that can be used with the plate and fixture assembly include a microarray printing machine, liquid handling robot, hybridization and incubation devices, and microarray imaging devices.
Claims32
An assembly for a microarray assay device, comprising:
- a microplate having a plurality of discrete array formation areas each formed of a flexible material and activated for immobilization of biorecognition materials, and barriers formed between the array formation areas to restrict fluid cross-flow therebetween;
- and
- a vacuum fixture defining a top surface and an interior chamber connectable to a vacuum source, wherein the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture so that the array formation areas conform to the top surface of the vacuum fixture, the vacuum fixture defining a plurality of orifices connected to the interior chamber and opening at the top surface at locations corresponding to the array formation areas when the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture, wherein each of the orifices connects directly to both the top surface and the interior chamber, wherein each of the orifices are directly below the array formation areas, wherein there is no fluid communication between the array formation areas and the orifices.
An assembly for a microarray assay device, comprising:
- a microplate having a plurality of wells formed of a flexible material and having continuous flat bottoms;
- and
- a vacuum fixture defining a top surface and an interior chamber connectable to a vacuum source, wherein the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture so that the bottom of each well conforms to the top surface of the vacuum fixture, the vacuum fixture further defining a plurality of orifices connected to the interior chamber and opening at the top surface at locations corresponding to the bottoms of the wells when the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture, wherein each of the orifices connects directly to both the top surface and interior chamber, wherein each of the orifices is directly below the wells, wherein there is no fluid communication between the wells and the orifices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.