System and method for serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays

摘要

The present invention relates to systems and methods for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g., a well-plate); a liquid handling system comprising at least one robotic pipettor for aspirating, mixing, and dispensing reagent mixtures to the microfluidic cartridge; systems for data storage, processing, and output; and a system controller to coordinate the various devices and functions.

主权项

1. An instrument for serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays, comprising:
a frame chassis; a processing drawer configured to be moveable relative to the frame chassis between an open position and a closed position and including a microfluidic device support structure configured to hold a microfluidic device; a cooling manifold assembly carried on a portion of said frame chassis adjacent said processing drawer and configured to be in an operative position with respect to the microfluidic device support structure when the processing drawer is in the closed position, wherein the cooling manifold assembly is connected to an upper surface of the microfluidic device, the cooling manifold assembly is configured to direct airflow to the microfluidic device supported on the microfluidic device support structure while isolating the airflow from one or more inlet ports of the microfluidic device, and the cooling manifold assembly comprises one or more openings extending through the cooling manifold assembly to access the one or more inlet ports of the microfluidic device, and the rest of the microfluidic device is covered by the cooling manifold; a liquid handling system supported by the frame chassis, wherein the liquid handling system is configured such that the microfluidic device mounted on the microfluidic device support structure is accessible to the liquid handling system when the processing drawer is in the closed position; and an optical imaging system configured to create images of fluorescent emissions from materials within a microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device, the optical imaging system being carried on a portion of said frame chassis adjacent said processing drawer and configured to be in an operative position with respect to the microfluidic device support structure when the processing drawer is in the closed position.