Methods and apparatus for processing a sample of biomolecular analyte using a microfabricated device
First Claim
1. A method for loading a test plate with a sample of biomolecular analyte that is disposed about a bead that is magnetically attractable, the method comprising the steps of:
- activating an electromagnetic loading device to electromagnetically attract and carry the bead;
positioning the electromagnetic loading device adjacent an opening of the test plate; and
deactivating the electromagnetic loading device to release the bead at the opening of the test plate such that the sample of biomolecular analyte is loaded on the test plate.
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Abstract
A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel. The injection channel extends from the upper planar surface to the lower planar surface. The separation channel extends within the dielectric plate member in a plane parallel with the upper and lower planar surfaces and intersects the injection channel.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for loading a test plate with a sample of biomolecular analyte that is disposed about a bead that is magnetically attractable, the method comprising the steps of:
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activating an electromagnetic loading device to electromagnetically attract and carry the bead;
positioning the electromagnetic loading device adjacent an opening of the test plate; and
deactivating the electromagnetic loading device to release the bead at the opening of the test plate such that the sample of biomolecular analyte is loaded on the test plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for loading a test plate with a sample of biomolecular analyte that is disposed within a solution, comprising the steps of:
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positioning a capillary adjacent an opening of the test plate;
activating an electrokinetics device coupled to a capillary such that the sample is drawn through the capillary onto the test plate using electrokinetics; and
deactivating the electrokinetics device such that the sample is no longer drawn through the capillary. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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6. A test module assembly, comprising:
a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface, the dielectric plate member having at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel, the injection channel extending from the upper planar surface to the lower planar surface, the separation channel extending within the dielectric plate member in a plane parallel with the upper and lower planar surfaces and intersecting the injection channel. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for separating a sample of biomolecular analyte, comprising the steps of:
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drawing the sample along a longitudinal axis of an injection channel of a test plate using electrokinetics, the test plate being planar in shape along an orthogonal axis to the longitudinal axis; and
subsequently drawing the sample along the orthogonal axis through a separation channel of the test plate using electrokinetics, the separation channel intersecting the injection channel within the test plate. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A test module assembly, comprising:
a rotatable dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface, the rotatable dielectric plate member having multiple separation channels that extend within the rotatable dielectric plate member in a plane parallel with the upper and lower planar surfaces, the multiple separation channels extending radially from an inner portion of the rotatable dielectric plate member to an outer portion of the rotatable dielectric plate member. - View Dependent Claims (22)
Specification