US 8,911,941 B2Granted

Methods and apparatus for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection

OwnerKenneth J. Michlitschinventor

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fully integrated, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostic instrument that optionally may be used in a multiplexed fashion to detect multiple target nucleic acid sequences of interest and that optionally may be configured for disposal after one-time use. Optionally, sample preparation is fully or partially achieved via heat treatment and/or using a filter paper, such as a chemically treated filter paper, e.g., an FTA card. The instrument preferable utilizes an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to reduce the instrumentation requirements associated with nucleic acid amplification. Detection of target amplification may be achieved, for example, via detection of a color shift or fluorescence in a dye added to the amplification reaction.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for point-of-care amplification and detection of a target nucleic acid sequence, the method comprising:

collecting a sample matrix with filter paper;
advancing a punch element through the filter paper to form at least one punch of the filter paper;
transferring the at least one punch of the filter paper to a reaction chamber comprising nucleic acid amplification reagents;
sealing the at least one punch of the filter paper within the reaction chamber in fluid communication with the nucleic acid amplification reagents;
heating the nucleic acid amplification reagents with a heating element in order to amplify the target nucleic acid sequence when contained within the sample matrix;
detecting amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence with a sensor;
displaying detection results obtained with the sensor on a display;
and
disposing of the at least one punch of the filter paper, the reaction chamber, the heating element, the sensor, the display and the nucleic acid amplification reagents after one-time use.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.