SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND PROCESSING EMULSIONS

摘要

An automated template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, a thermal plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermal subsystem, in automated fashion. The thermal subsystem can treat an inverse emulsion passed therethrough. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.

主权项

1. An integrated apparatus comprising:
an emulsion generator including a carrier fluid port to receive a carrier fluid, a sample vial to receive a sample fluid immiscible with the carrier fluid, a displacement fluid port, and an emulsion outlet port, the emulsion generator including a membrane to generate an emulsion including the carrier fluid and the sample fluid, the emulsion exiting the emulsion generator via the emulsion outlet port, a tube extending from the displacement fluid port into the sample vial; an amplification device including an inlet port in fluid communication with the emulsion outlet port and to receive the emulsion, the amplification device including a heater to subject the emulsion to amplification conditions and including an effluent port, the amplified emulsion exiting the amplification device via the effluent port; and a centrifuge device including an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the effluent port and to receive the amplified emulsion, the centrifuge device further including a rotor to receive a centrifuge tube and including a slinger to dispense the amplified emulsion received via the inlet conduit to the centrifuge tube when the rotor is spinning.