Priming module for microfluidic chips
First Claim
25. A priming block for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the priming block comprising:
- (a) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs, and (b) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for priming sample substrates such as DNA sipper chips are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a priming system that is suitable for priming a substrate which has a plurality of wells and at least one channel includes a base unit and a top unit. The base unit is arranged to accommodate, or support, the substrate. The top unit, which is substantially physically separate from the base unit, fits over the substrate when the substrate is held by the base unit. The top unit includes an adapter portion that interfaces with the substrate. Included in the adapter portion is a first cavity that is used to facilitate pressurizing a first well of the substrate when the adapter portion is interfaced with the substrate such that the first cavity is aligned with the first well.
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Citations
50 Claims
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25. A priming block for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the priming block comprising:
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(a) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs, and (b) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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29. A system for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the system comprising:
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(a) a platform for positionally holding the microfluidic device; and
(b) a priming block comprising;
(i) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs when the microfluidic device is positioned on the platform, and (ii) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method for preparing a plurality of separation networks in a microfluidic device for a separation, each separation network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir and a sample reservoir, comprising the steps of:
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(a) dispensing separation medium into one or more of the priming reservoirs fluidly connected to a plurality of the separation networks;
(b) sealing a priming block against the one or more priming reservoirs;
(c) driving fluid into the plurality of separation networks with the priming block to fill the separation networks; and
(d) transferring a plurality of samples from a sample array to the sample reservoirs in fluid connection with the plurality of filled separation networks, thereby preparing the plurality of separation networks contained in the microfluidic device for a separation. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A priming block for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the priming block comprising:
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(a) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs, and (b) a syringe pump for driving air into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks.
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44. A method for preparing a plurality of fluid networks in a microfluidic device for DNA analysis, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a reservoir and a sample port on the microfluidic device, comprising the steps of:
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(a) dispensing fluid into one or more of the reservoirs fluidly connected to a plurality of the fluid networks;
(b) sealing a priming block against the one or more reservoirs;
(c) driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks with the priming block to fill the fluid networks; and
(d) transferring a plurality of samples from a sample array to the sample ports in fluid connection with the plurality of filled fluid networks, thereby preparing the plurality of fluid networks contained in the microfluidic device for a DNA analysis. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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Specification