Enhanced sample processing devices, systems and methods

• US 20060076346A1
• Filed: 11/23/2005
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DiaSorin S.p.A.
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Bedingham, William, Robole, Barry W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,164,107 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/725
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/027 for microfluidic devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0681 Filter
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0806 Standardised forms, e.g. compact disc [CD] format
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0864 comprising only one inlet and multiple receiving wells, e.g. for separation, splitting
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/087 Multiple sequential chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0874 Three dimensional network
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0887 Laminated structure
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1822 using Peltier elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1861 using radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0409 centrifugal forces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0661 shape memory polymer valves
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0677 phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5025 for parallel transport of multiple samples
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50273 characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids micropumps F04B19/006, of the membrane type F04B43/043
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502738 characterised by integrated valves microvalves F16K99/0001
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/52 with provision for submitting samples to a predetermined sequence of different temperatures, e.g. for treating nucleic acid samples amplification or hybridisation processes per se C12Q1/68; controlling sequential reactions for synthesis B01J19/0046
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/30 Combinations with other devices, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F27B 9/16 the charge moving in a circular or arcuate path
• CPC Class Codes: F27D 5/00 Supports, screens, or the like for the charge within the furnace travelling or movable supports F27D3/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00069 : whereby the sample substrate is of the bio-disk type, i.e. having the format of an optical disk
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/0098 : involving analyte bound to insoluble magnetic carrier, e.g. using magnetic separation magnetic particles used in immunoassays G01N33/54326; magnetic separation in general B03C
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/80 : Apparatus for specific applications stoves or ranges F24C7/02
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 : Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.

Claims

1. A sample processing device comprising:

a substrate that comprises first and second major sides and a first cover attached to the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover transmits electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths;

a plurality of process chamber arrays formed in the substrate, each process chamber array of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprising a first chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, a second chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, a channel extending between the first chamber and second chamber, wherein the plurality of process chamber arrays are arranged radially on the substrate such that the second chamber is located radially outward of the first chamber in each of the process chamber arrays; and

a valve located in the channel between the first chamber and the second chamber in at least one process array of the plurality of process arrays, wherein the valve comprises an impermeable membrane closing the channel, and wherein the valve is opened by forming a void through the impermeable membrane using electromagnetic energy passing through the first cover.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a via formed in the substrate, the via comprising an opening at the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover extends over the opening, and wherein the impermeable membrane is located within the via.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the impermeable membrane is separate and distinct from the substrate.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the impermeable membrane is molded integral with the substrate.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the impermeable membrane comprises a coating of material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths transmitted by the first cover and converting that electromagnetic energy to heat.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises a permeable support proximate the impermeable membrane.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a via formed in the substrate, the via comprising an opening at the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover extends over the opening, and wherein the impermeable membrane and the permeable support are both located within the via.

8. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a second cover attached to the second major surface of the substrate, wherein the second cover comprises metallic layer.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first cover is adhesively attached to the first major side of the substrate.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a valve layer located between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the impermeable membrane of the valve in at least some process chamber arrays of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprises a portion of the valve layer.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the valve layer comprises material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths transmitted by the first cover and converting that electromagnetic energy to heat.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a valve layer located between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the impermeable membrane of the valve all of the process chamber arrays of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprises a portion of the valve layer.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the valve layer is coextensive with the top and bottom layers of the substrate.

14. A device according to claim 12, wherein the valve layer comprises a coating of material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths transmitted by the first cover and converting that electromagnetic energy to heat.

15. A sample processing device comprising:

a substrate that comprises first and second major sides and a first cover attached to the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover transmits electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths; and

a plurality of process chamber arrays formed in the substrate, each process chamber array of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprising a first chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, a second chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, and a channel extending between the first chamber and second chamber, wherein the plurality of process chamber arrays are arranged radially on the substrate such that the second chamber is located radially outward of the first chamber in each of the process chamber arrays; and

a valve located in the channel between the first chamber and the second chamber in at least two or more process chamber arrays of the plurality of process arrays, wherein the valve comprises an impermeable membrane closing the channel, and wherein the valve is opened by forming a void through the impermeable membrane using electromagnetic energy passing through the first cover;

wherein the channel comprises a via formed in the substrate, the via comprising an opening at the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover extends over the opening, and wherein the impermeable membrane is located within the via;

and wherein the impermeable membrane comprises material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths transmitted by the first cover and converting that electromagnetic energy to heat.

16. A method of controlling fluid flow through a sample processing device, the method comprising:

providing a sample processing device comprising a substrate that comprises first and second major sides and a first cover attached to the first major side of the substrate, the sample processing device further comprising a plurality of process chamber arrays formed in the substrate, each process chamber array of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprising a first chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, a second chamber defining a volume for containing sample material, a channel extending between the first chamber and second chamber, and a valve located in the channel between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the valve comprises an impermeable membrane closing the channel;

opening the valves in one or more of the process chamber arrays of the plurality of process chamber arrays by passing electromagnetic energy of the selected wavelengths through the first cover, wherein the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths forms a void through the impermeable membranes of the valves in the one or more process chamber arrays; and

rotating the sample processing device to pass fluid through the voids in the impermeable membranes of the valves in the one or more process chamber arrays.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of process chamber arrays are arranged radially with respect to an axis of rotation about which the substrate is rotated to pass fluid through the voids in the impermeable membranes of the valves in the one or more process chamber arrays, wherein the second chamber is located radially outward of the first chamber in each of the process chamber arrays.

18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the impermeable membrane comprises a coating of material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths.

19. A method according to claim 16, wherein the impermeable membrane comprises material susceptible of absorbing at least some of the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths, wherein the material is contained within the impermeable membrane.

20. A method according to claim 16, wherein the channel in at least some of the process chamber arrays of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprises a via formed in the substrate, the via comprising an opening at the first major side of the substrate, wherein the first cover extends over the opening and the impermeable membrane is located within the via, and wherein the method further comprises directing the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths into the vias.

21. A method according to claim 16, wherein the electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths is emitted by a laser.

22. A method of moving sample material within a sample processing device, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising a plurality of process chamber arrays, each process chamber array of the plurality of process chamber arrays comprising a first process chamber, a second process chamber, and a valve located between the first process chamber and the second process chamber, the valve comprising an impermeable barrier;

providing sample material in at least one process chamber array of the plurality of process chamber arrays, the sample material being provided in the first process chamber of the at least one process chamber array;

placing the first process chamber of the at least one process chamber array in fluid communication with the second process chamber of the at least one process chamber array by forming a void in the impermeable barrier of the valve using electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths through a cover attached to a surface of the device; and

moving the sample material from the first process chamber of the at least one process chamber array to the second process chamber in the at least one process chamber array through the void by rotating the device.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of process chamber arrays are arranged radially with respect to an axis of rotation about which the device is rotated to move the sample material from the first process chamber of the at least one process chamber array to the second process chamber in the at least one process chamber array, wherein the second process chamber is located radially outward of the first process chamber in each of the process chamber arrays.

24. A method according to claim 22, wherein the valve further comprises a permeable support member proximate the impermeable barrier.

25. A method according to claim 22, further comprising filtering the sample material while moving the sample material from the first process chamber to the second process chamber in the at least one process chamber array.