Chip and cartridge design configuration for performing micro-fluidic assays

摘要

An assembly for performing micro-fluidic assays includes a micro-fluidic chip with access ports and micro-channels in communication with the access ports and a fluid cartridge having internal, fluid-containable chambers and a nozzle associated with each internal chamber that is configured to be coupled with an access port. Reaction fluids, such as sample material, buffer, and/or reagent, contained within the cartridge are dispensed from the cartridge into the access ports and micro-channels of the micro-fluidic chip. Embodiments of the invention include a cartridge which includes a waste compartment for receiving used DNA and other reaction fluids from the micro-channel at the conclusion of the assay.

主权项

1. A system for performing microfluidic assays, the system comprising:
a microfluidic chip comprising a DNA amplification area and an analysis area in communication with at least a first access port and a second access port; and a cartridge device configured to removably interface with the micro-fluidic chip, the cartridge device comprising:
a delivery chamber in fluid communication with a delivery port, wherein said delivery chamber is configured to contain a reaction fluid and said delivery port is configured to removably interface with the first access port of the micro-fluidic chip; anda recovery chamber in fluid communication with a recovery port, wherein said recovery chamber is configured to receive waste materials from the second access port of said micro-fluidic chip and said recovery port is configured to removably interface with said micro-fluidic chip; wherein the cartridge device delivers fluids to and removes fluids from the microfluidic chip, wherein a connection between the microfluidic chip and the cartridge device is limited to coupling the delivery port to the first access port and the recovery port to the second access port; and, wherein the DNA amplification area and the analysis area of the microfluidic chip are configured to support an amplification reaction and a subsequent analysis.