Method for processing a nucleic acid sample by oscillating a cartridge, a system and a cartridge for performing such a method

摘要

A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber ( 11 ) of a cartridge ( 12 ) which contains a chip shaped carrier ( 14 ), an active surface ( 15 ) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge ( 12 ) into a cartridge holder ( 16 ) which holds cartridge ( 12 ); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder ( 16 ) and thereby cartridge ( 12 ) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge ( 12 ) back and forth between a first angular position ( 26 ) and a second angular position ( 28 ) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position ( 27 ) at which active surface ( 15 ) of chip shaped carrier ( 14 ) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge ( 12 ). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel ( 13 ) with respect to active surface ( 15 ) of chip shaped carrier ( 14 ). Chamber ( 11 ) has a narrow interior and includes a curved channel ( 13 ). Chip shaped carrier ( 14 ) is located in a central zone of the curved channel ( 13 ).