SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND PROCESSING EMULSIONS

摘要

An automated on-touch template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, an emulsion PCR (ePCR) thermocycling 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 thermocycling subsystem, in automated fashion. The ePCR subsystem can continuously thermocycle an inverse emulsion passed therethrough and includes static temperature zones and a consumable thermocycling plate. 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 emulsion generating device comprising:
a first gasket including a first set of channels; a second gasket including a second set of channels complementary to the first set of channels, a carrier fluid inlet and an emulsion outlet fluidically coupled to the second set of channels; and a membrane disposed between the first and second gaskets, wherein fluid is to pass through the membrane at least three times when traversing the first and second sets of channels between the carrier fluid inlet and the emulsion outlet.