System and method for process automation
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for manipulating chemical, biological, and/or biochemical samples, optionally supported on substrates and/or within chambers, for example biological samples contained on chips, within biological chambers, etc. In certain embodiments, an apparatus configured to be able to position a chamber or other substrate in one or more modules surrounding the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be configured to be able to move the chamber or substrate in any set of directions, such as radially, vertically, and/or rotationally, with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus may be manually operated and/or automatically controlled. Examples of modules include, but are not limited to, stacking or holding modules, barcode readers, filling modules, sampling modules, incubation modules, sensor modules (e.g., for determining cell density, cell viability, pH, oxygen concentration, nutrient concentration, fluorescence measurements, etc.), assay modules (e.g., for ELISA or other biological assays), data analysis and management modules, control modules, etc. Sensors, control systems, and the like may also be positioned to facilitate operation of the device. Certain embodiments of the invention may be used, for example, to promote or optimize chemical synthesis or cell or biological growth, for instance, for the production of compounds such as drugs or other therapeutics.
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Citations
52 Claims
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1-33. -33. (canceled)
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34. A method, comprising acts of:
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directing an apparatus to remove a biological substrate from a first module configured to be able to perform a manipulation on the biological substrate;
rotating at least a portion of the substrate about an axis; and
directing the apparatus to position the biological substrate in a second module configured to be able to perform a manipulation on the biological substrate. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 52)
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44. A method, comprising an act of:
subjecting at least one biological substrate to a plurality of different environmental conditions using an apparatus constructed and arranged to secure a substrate, wherein the apparatus is configured to be able to independently rotate the substrate about an axis.
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45. A method of selecting an environmental condition, comprising acts of:
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subjecting at least two predetermined reaction sites, each having a volume of less than about 1 ml, each to a different environmental condition;
selecting an environmental condition having a desired effect on a species within one of the at least two predetermined reaction sites; and
applying the selected environmental condition in a reactor containing cells. - View Dependent Claims (46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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Specification