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Method for operating a system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein

  • US 10,184,946 B2
  • Filed: 08/18/2015
  • Issued: 01/22/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for operating a control device in a biochip analysis device comprising:

  • a cartridge in the form of a plastic card which contains a system of microfluidic channels that form a reservoir that contains a reaction substance, a sample chamber and flow channels, a fluid input and a deformable means for covering the system of microfluidic channels,a control device having a cartridge receptacle for receiving, locking, unlocking and releasing the cartridge, the control device comprising;

    a power supply connected to the cartridge receptacle,at least one first sensor adapted for identifying whether or not a cartridge located in the cartridge receptacle is a correct cartridge or correctly located therein,a microcontroller adapted for control and data acquisition, and having means for transmitting data to an evaluation unit or computer, anda pump controlled by the microcontroller and adapted to direct a flow of liquid through a cartridge located in the cartridge receptacle,wherein the cartridge receptacle is comprised of upper and lower parts that are movable apart for insertion of a cartridge and together for locking an inserted cartridge in the cartridge receptacle, the method comprising the steps of;

    introducing a sample into said cartridge;

    opening the cartridge receptacle;

    using a means for moving to move a part of the cartridge receptacle upon insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, such that the cartridge is correctly received in the cartridge receptacle;

    transferring the sample to a PCR chamber;

    dissolving dry PCR reagents;

    closing off valves of the PCR chamber;

    starting thermocycling;

    carrying out a set number of thermocycles at defined temperatures;

    opening the valves of the PCR chamber after conclusion of the PCR;

    transferring the PCR product from the PCR chamber to a detection chamber;

    carrying out an DNA analysis of constituents to be detected in the sample in an integrated process;

    the carrying out the DNA analysis comprising actively changing the temperature in the detection chamber, such that hybridization of the PCR product with catcher molecules can take place;

    pumping dissolved enzyme into the detection chamber;

    pumping dissolved substrate into the detection chamber;

    starting electrical detection; and

    evaluating measurement signals resulting from the analysis or transmitting data to an external device or computer.

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