# US 8,771,609 B2 · Module for processing a biological sample, biochip kit, and use of the module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,771,609 B2 - Document ID: US8771609B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/653,230 - Filed: 2007-01-16 - Published: 2007-07-19 - Granted: 2014-07-08 - Earliest claimed: 2006-01-17 - Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft - Applicants: Thomas Ehben; Walter Gumbrecht; Manfred Stanzel; Christian Zilch - Inventors: Thomas Ehben; Walter Gumbrecht; Manfred Stanzel; Christian Zilch - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8771609B2 ## CPC - G01N 1/40: Concentrating samples - B01L 3/502715: {characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces} - B01L 3/565: {Seals} - B01L 2200/027: for microfluidic devices - B01L 2300/0816: Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions - G01N 35/0098: {involving analyte bound to insoluble magnetic carrier, e.g. using magnetic separation (magnetic particles used in immunoassays G01N33/54326; magnetic separation in general B03C)} - Y10T 436/2575: Volumetric liquid transfer - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A module for processing a biological sample for an analysis test is disclosed. The processing module includes, in at least one embodiment, an interface at which the processing module can be connected to a cartridge with a lab-on-a-chip, in which cartridge the analysis steps are carried out. A biochip kit is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the biochip kit includes one or more processing modules which are intended for different sample materials and which can be connected to the same cartridge type. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A module for processing a biological sample for a test in which a target substance in the sample is at least one of detected and quantified, the processing module comprising: a hollow space, wherein the hollow space includes a narrowing having an first opening at a tip of the narrowing; a displaceable plunger arranged in the hollow space, the displaceable plunger being configured to draw up the biological sample; at least one of a first membrane and a first partition wall that seals of the first opening in a leaktight manner when a cartridge with a miniaturized laboratory is not connected to the processing module, and that allows a fluidic connection between the cartridge and the processing module when the cartridge is connected to the processing module; and a first interface at which the processing module is connectable to the cartridge with the miniaturized laboratory, the cartridge including, a plurality of channels configured to perform analysis steps for the at least one of detection and quantification of the target substance, and a second interface including a second opening sealed by at least one of a second membrane and a second partition wall, wherein the cartridge with the miniaturized laboratory is one selected from a biochip miniaturized to a check card format and a lab-on-chip, an inside of the at least one of the first membrane and the first partition wall includes a spike adapted to pierce the at least one of the second membrane and the second partition wall upon connection of the processing module to the cartridge, and the first interface is connected to the hollow space. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to enable at least one of concentration, extraction and multiplication of cells, at least one of concentration, extraction and amplification of molecules, at least one of homogenization and liquefaction of the sample, cell lysis, and combinations thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow space contains spherules which, on their surface, are provided with binding partners of the target substance. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The processing module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spherules are magnetic beads which, by way of a magnetic field, are transferable from the processing module through the first interface into the cartridge. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The processing module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first interface is configured to transfer the spherules, when the processing module is connected to the cartridge, in order to transfer the processed sample from the processing module to the cartridge. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first interface is adapted to permit at least one of a plug-type, screw-type, tube-type and bayonet-type connection to the cartridge. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spike is adapted to establish a connection between the cartridge and the processing module. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein reagents necessary for processing are stored in the processing module in a liquid or dry state. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when connecting the processing module to the cartridge, a fluidic connection is established for transferring the processed sample from the processing module to the cartridge. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A method, comprising: using the processing module as claimed in claim 1 for processing the biological sample for the test in the cartridge with the miniaturized laboratory, wherein the analysis steps necessary for the at least one of detection and quantifying of a target substance are carried out in the cartridge. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow space comprises a funnel-shaped end. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a seal at the first opening of the narrowing, wherein the tip of the narrowing is at least one of embedded within or contacting the seal. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an agitator in the hollow space. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The processing module as claimed in claim 13, wherein the agitator is drivable by externally applied magnetic fields. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The processing module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the agitator has cutting blades for homogenization of the sample. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The processing module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the agitator is additionally provided with cutting blades for homogenization of the sample. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the narrowing of the hollow space includes a tubular portion extending past and enclosing the tip and the first opening in the tip is closed by the at least one of the first membrane and the first partition extending between sidewalls of the tubular portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The processing module as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first interface of the cartridge includes a sidewall extending from a surface of the cartridge and the sidewall is configured to interface with the tubular portion to provide a physical connection between the cartridge and the hollow space. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The processing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing module is configured to process a larger volume of the biological sample than the cartridge. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The processing module of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first membrane and the first partition wall is configured to surround the tip of the narrowing, when the processing module is connected to the cartridge.