APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AUTOMATED CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION

摘要

Systems, methods and devices are provided for the automated centrifugal processing of samples. In some embodiments, an integrated fluidic processing cartridge is provided, in which a centrifugation chamber is fluidically interfaced, through a lateral surface thereof, with a microfluidic device, and wherein the integrated fluidic processing cartridge is configured to be inserted into a centrifuge for centrifugation. A cartridge interfacing assembly may be employed to interface with the integrated fluidic processing cartridge for performing various fluidic processing steps, such as controlling the flow of fluids into and out of the centrifugation chamber, and controlling the flow of fluids into the microfluidic device, and optionally for the further fluidic processing of fluids extracted to the microfluidic device. The integrated fluidic processing cartridge may include a supernatant chamber the extraction of a supernatant thereto, and a diluent chamber for diluting a suspension collected in the centrifugation chamber.

主权项

1. A method of performing centrifugal separation and microfluidic processing using an integrated fluidic processing cartridge;
the integrated fluidic processing cartridge comprising:
a macrofluidic centrifugation chamber, wherein a distal region of the macrofluidic centrifugation chamber is configured to collect a sediment under the application of centrifugal force;a microfluidic device having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is attached to a lateral surface of the macrofluidic centrifugation chamber, and wherein the microfluidic device comprises one or more fluidic components that are configured to be actuated through the outer surface;wherein a sediment extraction port is provided within the macrofluidic centrifugation chamber and wherein the sediment extraction port is in fluid communication, through the lateral surface, with a sediment extraction channel of the microfluidic device for extraction of the sediment to the microfluidic device; the method comprising:
providing a liquid sample within the macrofluidic centrifugation chamber;centrifuging the integrated fluidic processing cartridge with a centrifugation device such that the sediment is collected within the distal region;applying a pressure difference between the sediment extraction channel of the microfluidic device and the macrofluidic centrifugation chamber, such that a concentrated suspension comprising at least a portion of the sediment flows through the sediment extraction port and into the microfluidic device, thereby transferring the concentrated suspension to the microfluidic device; andfluidically processing the concentrated suspension within the microfluidic device by actuating one or more of the fluidic components through the outer surface.