METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A SINGLE TARGET NUCLEIC ACID IN A SAMPLE
First Claim
1. A method for detecting whether at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid is present in a sample portion, said method comprising:
- loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure, said first sample portion comprising at least part of a sample, whereby if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single round of amplification;
subjecting said first sample portion in said first porous sample structure to at least a first amplification step; and
thendetermining whether said first sample portion contains at least one molecule of said target nucleic acid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method comprises loading a sample portion into a first porous structure, subjecting the sample portion to an amplification step, and determining whether the sample portion contains at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid. If the sample portion contains a single molecule of the target nucleic acid, the sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of the target nucleic acid after a single round of amplification. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a porous sample structure and a sample portion positioned in the porous sample structure. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a porous sample structure and an amplification targeting reagent positioned in the porous sample structure.
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Citations
252 Claims
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1. A method for detecting whether at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid is present in a sample portion, said method comprising:
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loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure, said first sample portion comprising at least part of a sample, whereby if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single round of amplification; subjecting said first sample portion in said first porous sample structure to at least a first amplification step; and
thendetermining whether said first sample portion contains at least one molecule of said target nucleic acid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100)
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2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first amplification step is a homogeneous amplification step.
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4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first amplification step is a thermocycle step
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5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first porous sample structure and said first sample portion comprises constituents for enabling amplification of a target nucleic acid.
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6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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8. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a hydrophilic interior.
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10. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophobic.
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11. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophobic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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13. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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14. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said first porous sample structure.
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16. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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17. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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18. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 picoliters.
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19. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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20. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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21. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion has a volume in the range of from about 100 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.
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22. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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23. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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24. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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25. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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26. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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27. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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28. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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29. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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30. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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31. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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32. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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33. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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34. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures contains at least one amplification targeting reagent.
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35. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein at least said first porous sample structure contains at least a first amplification targeting reagent, and at least a second porous sample structure contains at least a second amplification targeting reagent, said first amplification targeting reagent differing from said second amplification targeting reagent.
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36. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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37. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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38. A method as recited in claim 37, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures.
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39. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein said porous sample structures have been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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40. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures being hydrophobic.
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41. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein said method further comprises detecting, for each of said individual porous sample structures, whether there is amplified product in said individual porous sample structure.
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42. A method as recited in claim 41, wherein said method further comprises determining the number of said porous sample structures in which there is amplified product.
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43. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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44. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 10 picoliters.
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45. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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46. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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47. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume in the range of from about 100 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.
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48. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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49. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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50. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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51. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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52. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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53. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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54. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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55. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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56. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure contains at least one amplification targeting reagent.
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57. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises loading at least a first amplification targeting reagent into said first porous sample structure.
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58. A method as recited in claim 57, wherein said first loading a first sample portion is carried out before said loading at least a first amplification targeting reagent.
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59. A method as recited in claim 57, wherein said first loading a first sample portion is carried out after said loading at least a first amplification targeting reagent.
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60. A method as recited in claim 57, wherein said first loading a first sample portion is carried out simultaneously with said loading at least a first amplification targeting reagent.
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61. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device, and said microfluidic device comprises at least one means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion.
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62. A method as recited in claim 61, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one physical restraint on diffusion.
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63. A method as recited in claim 61, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one chemical restraint on diffusion.
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64. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises positioning a sealing device on at least a first surface of said first porous sample structure.
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65. A method as recited in claim 64, wherein said sealing device is selected from the group consisting of microscope slide coverslips, tapes, films, silicon films, silicon devices, and devices comprising an array of reactants.
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66. A method as recited in claim 64, wherein said sealing device displaces first sample portion fluid from said first surface of said first porous sample structure, without displacing first sample portion fluid from within pores of said first porous sample structure.
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67. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure comprises applying centrifugal force.
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68. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure comprises loading said first sample portion into said first porous sample structure through at least one ink jet.
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69. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure is carried out using at least pressure.
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70. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure is carried out using at least a vacuum.
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71. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said loading a first sample portion into a first porous sample structure is carried out using at least capillary action.
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72. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface being hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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73. A method as recited in claim 72, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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74. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein:
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said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, said method further comprises supplying a displacing fluid into said flow-through channel after said loading said first sample portion into said first porous sample structure; at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to said displacing fluid, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said second affinity is greater than said first affinity, and said third affinity is greater than said fourth affinity.
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75. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises at least one flow-through channel and said method further comprises supplying a displacing fluid into said flow-through channel, whereby said displacing fluid displaces first sample portion fluid from said flow-through channel.
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76. A method as recited in claim 75, further comprising curing said displacing fluid to seal said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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77. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein:
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said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises at least one flow-through channel which communicates with said first porous sample structure, and said method further comprises supplying at least one sealing fluid to said flow-through channel after loading a first sample portion into said first porous sample structure, whereby said sealing fluid seals said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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78. A method as recited in claim 77, wherein said method further comprises curing said sealing fluid after said supplying said sealing fluid to said flow-through channel.
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79. A method as recited in claim 77, wherein said sealing fluid comprises at least one adhesive.
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80. A method as recited in claim 77, wherein said sealing fluid is immiscible with said first sample portion.
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81. A method as recited in claim 77, wherein said sealing fluid displaces part of said first sample portion from said flow-through channel as said sealing fluid enters said flow-through channel.
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82. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein:
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said loading comprises applying centrifugal force, said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface is hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure is hydrophilic, said first porous sample structure is in communication with said flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said fluid sample and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said second affinity being greater than said first affinity, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said sample and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said third affinity being greater than said fourth affinity, and said method further comprises supplying a displacing fluid into said flow-through channel, whereby said displacing fluid displaces first sample portion fluid from said flow-through channel.
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83. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product.
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84. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product, said means for restraining amplification product comprising a patterned layer disposed on at least one of said opposing barriers and at least partially defining each of said plurality of porous sample structures.
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85. A method as recited in claim 84, wherein said opposing barriers are separated by 100 microns or less.
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86. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said first surface and said second surface comprising a first material; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being bounded on at least one side thereof by said first material and being in communication with said flow-through channel, said first porous sample structure having a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said flow-through channel having a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, wherein said first, second, third and fourth affinities are such that said first porous sample structure will retain first sample portion fluid while a displacing fluid displaces first sample portion fluid from said flow-through channel.
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87. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; means for facilitating loading sample portions into said porous sample structures; means for displacing sample away from at least one end of each of said porous sample structures to isolate said first sample portion within said porous sample structures; and means for sealing said at least one end of each of said porous sample structures immediately after displacing first sample portion fluid away from said ends.
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88. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being substantially rigid; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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89. A method as recited in claim 88, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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90. A method as recited in claim 89, wherein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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91. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first porous sample structure is positioned in a microfluidic device which comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being flexible; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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92. A method as recited in claim 91, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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93. A method as recited in claim 92, wherein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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94. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said target nucleic acid comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence of at least one pathogenic organism.
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95. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said first sample portion comprises at least one forensic sample.
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96. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said target nucleic acid is indicative of the likelihood or presence of at least one genetic disorder.
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97. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method for detecting whether at least one molecule of said target nucleic acid is present in said first sample portion is part of a procedure selected from among the group consisting of analyzing mutations in activated oncogenes, molecular cloning, analyzing DNA, and detecting at least one sequence difference.
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98. A method as recited in claim 97, wherein said procedure comprises at least one task selected from among the group consisting of generating specific sequences of DNA for cloning or use as probes, detecting segments of DNA for genetic mapping, detecting expressed sequences by amplification of particular segments of cDNA, analyzing expressed sequences by amplification of particular segments of cDNA, generating libraries of cDNA from small amounts of mRNA, generating large amounts of DNA for sequencing, analyzing mutations, and chromosome crawling.
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99. A method as recited in claim 97, wherein said sequence difference is selected from among insertions, deletions and changes.
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100. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method for detecting whether at least one molecule of said target nucleic acid is present in said first sample portion is part of a procedure selected from among the group consisting of fertility procedures, immunology procedures, cytology procedures, gas analysis procedures and pharmaceutical screening procedures.
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2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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101. A microfluidic device comprising:
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a first porous sample structure; and a first sample portion, said first sample portion being positioned in said first porous sample structure, whereby if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of a target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single round of amplification. - View Dependent Claims (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174)
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102. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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103. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein at least one of said first porous sample structure and said first sample portion comprises constituents for enabling amplification of a target nucleic acid.
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104. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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105. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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106. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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107. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a hydrophilic interior.
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108. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophobic.
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109. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophobic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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110. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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111. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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112. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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113. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 112, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said first porous sample structure.
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114. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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115. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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116. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 picoliters.
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117. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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118. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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119. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first sample portion has a volume in the range of from about 100 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.
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120. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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121. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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122. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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123. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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124. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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125. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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126. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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127. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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128. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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129. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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130. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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131. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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132. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures contains at least one amplification targeting reagent.
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133. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein at least said first porous sample structure contains at least a first amplification targeting reagent, and at least a second porous sample structure contains at least a second amplification targeting reagent, said first amplification targeting reagent differing from said second amplification targeting reagent.
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134. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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135. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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136. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 135, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures.
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137. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein said porous sample structures have been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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138. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures being hydrophobic.
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139. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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140. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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141. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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142. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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143. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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144. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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145. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 127, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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146. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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147. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said first porous sample structure contains at least one amplification targeting reagent.
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148. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures, and said microfluidic device comprises at least one means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion.
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149. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 148, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one physical restraint on diffusion.
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150. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 148, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one chemical restraint on diffusion.
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151. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 148, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a sealing device positioned on at least a first surface of each of said porous sample structures.
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152. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 151, wherein said sealing device is selected from the group consisting of microscope slide coverslips, tapes, films, silicon films, silicon devices, and devices comprising an array of reactants.
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153. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises at least one means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion.
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154. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 153, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one physical restraint on diffusion.
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155. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 153, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one chemical restraint on diffusion.
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156. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a sealing device positioned on at least a first surface of said first porous sample structure.
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157. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 156, wherein said sealing device is selected from the group consisting of microscope slide coverslips, tapes, films, silicon films, silicon devices, and devices comprising an array of reactants.
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158. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface being hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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159. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 158, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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160. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein:
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said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said second affinity is greater than said first affinity, and said third affinity is greater than said fourth affinity.
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161. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein:
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said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface is hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure is hydrophilic, said first porous sample structure is in communication with said flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said fluid sample and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said second affinity being greater than said first affinity, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said sample and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said third affinity being greater than said fourth affinity.
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162. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product.
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163. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product, said means for restraining amplification product comprising a patterned layer disposed on at least one of said opposing barriers and at least partially defining each of said plurality of porous sample structures.
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164. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 163, wherein said opposing barriers are separated by 100 microns or less.
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165. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said first surface and said second surface comprising a first material; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being bounded on at least one side thereof by said first material and being in communication with said flow-through channel, said first porous sample structure having a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said flow-through channel having a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, wherein said first, second, third and fourth affinities are such that said first porous sample structure will retain first sample portion fluid while a displacing fluid displaces first sample portion fluid from said flow-through channel.
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166. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; means for facilitating loading sample portions into said porous sample structures; means for displacing sample away from ends of said porous sample structures to isolate said first sample portion within said porous sample structures; and means for sealing said ends of said porous sample structures immediately after displacing first sample portion fluid away from said ends.
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167. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being substantially rigid; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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168. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 167, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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169. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 168, wherein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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170. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
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a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being flexible; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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171. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 170, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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172. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 171, wherein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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173. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one cured displacing fluid which seals said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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174. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one cured adhesive which seals said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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102. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 101, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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175. A microfluidic device comprising:
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a first porous sample structure; and at least one amplification targeting reagent positioned in said first porous sample structure, whereby if a sample portion which comprises at least a single molecule of a target nucleic acid is positioned in said first porous sample structure, said sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single round of amplification. - View Dependent Claims (176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252)
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176. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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177. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure further comprises constituents for enabling amplification of said target nucleic acid.
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178. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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179. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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180. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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181. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a hydrophilic interior.
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182. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophobic.
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183. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophobic, and an exposed surface of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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184. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and an exposed surface of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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185. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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186. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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187. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 186, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said first porous sample structure.
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188. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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189. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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190. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 picoliters.
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191. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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192. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first sample portion has a volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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193. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first sample portion has a volume in the range of from about 100 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.
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194. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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195. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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196. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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197. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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198. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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199. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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200. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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201. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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202. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being open.
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203. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of each of said pores being open.
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204. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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205. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said pores being hydrophobic.
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206. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures contains at least one amplification targeting reagent.
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207. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein at least said first porous sample structure contains at least a first amplification targeting reagent, and at least a second porous sample structure contains at least a second amplification targeting reagent, said first amplification targeting reagent differing from said second amplification targeting reagent.
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208. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of microchannel arrays, structures having pores formed therein, metal screens, plastic screens, glass screens, ceramic screens, cellulosic screens, polymeric screens, metal sieves, plastic sieves, glass sieves, ceramic sieves, cellulosic sieves and polymeric sieves.
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209. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises at least one affinity material which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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210. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 209, wherein said affinity material is coated on exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures.
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211. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein said porous sample structures have been subjected to at least one affinity treatment which provides an affinity to said first sample portion.
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212. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures comprises a plurality of pores, an interior of each of said pores being hydrophilic, and exposed surfaces of said porous sample structures being hydrophobic.
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213. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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214. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 10 picoliters.
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215. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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216. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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217. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said first sample portions has a volume in the range of from about 100 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.
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218. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 picoliter or less.
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219. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume in the range of from about 1 picoliter to about 1 microliter.
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220. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 nanoliter or less.
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221. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 10 nanoliters or less.
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222. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 100 nanoliters or less.
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223. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 microliter or less.
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224. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 201, wherein each of said porous sample structures has an internal volume of about 1 micron.
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225. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said first porous sample structure comprises a plurality of pores, each of said pores being formed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ablating, molding, etching and drilling.
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226. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures, and said microfluidic device comprises at least one means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion.
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227. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 226, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one physical restraint on diffusion.
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228. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 226, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one chemical restraint on diffusion.
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229. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 226, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a sealing device positioned on at least a first surface of each of said porous sample structures.
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230. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 229, wherein said sealing device is selected from the group consisting of microscope slide coverslips, tapes, films, silicon films, silicon devices, and devices comprising an array of reactants.
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231. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises at least one means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion.
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232. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 231, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one physical restraint on diffusion.
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233. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 231, wherein said means for minimizing diffusion of said first sample portion comprises at least one chemical restraint on diffusion.
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234. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a sealing device positioned on at least a first surface of said first porous sample structure.
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235. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 234, wherein said sealing device is selected from the group consisting of microscope slide coverslips, tapes, films, silicon films, silicon devices, and devices comprising an array of reactants.
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236. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface being hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure being hydrophilic.
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237. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 236, wherein said microfluidic device comprises a plurality of porous sample structures.
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238. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein:
-
said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said second affinity is greater than said first affinity, and said third affinity is greater than said fourth affinity.
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239. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein:
-
said microfluidic device comprises at least one flow-through surface defining at least one flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface is hydrophobic, at least a portion of said first porous sample structure is hydrophilic, said first porous sample structure is in communication with said flow-through channel, at least a portion of said at least one flow-through surface has a first affinity to said fluid sample and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said second affinity being greater than said first affinity, said first porous sample structure has a third affinity to said sample and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, said third affinity being greater than said fourth affinity.
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240. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product.
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241. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures, each of said porous sample structures being confined in at least one dimension by opposing barriers separated by about 500 microns or less; means for sealing said plurality of porous sample structures to prevent evaporation and contamination of sample constituents confined within said plurality of porous sample structures; and means for restraining amplification product, said means for restraining amplification product comprising a patterned layer disposed on at least one of said opposing barriers and at least partially defining each of said plurality of porous sample structures.
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242. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 241, wherein said opposing barriers are separated by 100 microns or less.
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243. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said first surface and said second surface comprising a first material; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being bounded on at least one side thereof by said first material and being in communication with said flow-through channel, said first porous sample structure having a first affinity to said first sample portion and a second affinity to a displacing fluid, said flow-through channel having a third affinity to said first sample portion and a fourth affinity to said displacing fluid, wherein said first, second, third and fourth affinities are such that said first porous sample structure will retain first sample portion fluid while a displacing fluid displaces first sample portion fluid from said flow-through channel.
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244. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures; means for facilitating loading sample portions into said porous sample structures; means for displacing sample away from ends of said porous sample structures to isolate said first sample portion within said porous sample structures; and means for sealing said ends of said porous sample structures immediately after displacing first sample portion fluid away from said ends.
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245. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being substantially rigid; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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246. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 245, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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247. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 246 herein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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248. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device comprises:
-
a plurality of porous sample structures; a substrate and a cover, said substrate comprising a first surface, said cover comprising a second surface, said first surface facing and being spaced from said second surface, at least one of said substrate and said cover being flexible; a flow-through channel, said flow-through channel being positioned between said substrate and said cover, said first porous sample structure being in communication with said flow-through channel.
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249. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 248, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one holding element which holds said substrate and said cover together.
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250. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 249, wherein said holding element is selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, clamps, clips and springs.
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251. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one cured displacing fluid which seals said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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252. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises at least one cured adhesive which seals said first sample portion within said first porous sample structure.
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176. A microfluidic device as recited in claim 175, wherein if said first sample portion contains at least a single molecule of said target nucleic acid, said first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of said target nucleic acid within a portion of said first porous sample structure after a single amplification step.
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Specification
- Resources
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Current AssigneeUnited States Department Of Health And Human Services (Government of the United States of America), Applied Biosystems LLC (Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated)
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Original AssigneeCytonix, The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
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InventorsSilver, Jonathan E., BROWN, James F.
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Application NumberUS11/837,559Publication NumberTime in Patent OfficeDaysField of SearchUS Class Current435/6CPC Class CodesB01J 2219/00317 Microwell devices, i.e. hav...B01J 2219/00621 by physical means, e.g. tre...B01J 2219/00637 by coating it with another ...B01J 2219/00644 the porous medium being pre...B01J 2219/00659 Two-dimensional arraysB01J 2219/00677 Ex-situ synthesis followed ...B01J 2219/00722 NucleotidesB01L 2200/06 Fluid handling related prob...B01L 2200/0642 Filling fluids into wells b...B01L 2200/10 Integrating sample preparat...B01L 2200/16 Reagents, handling or stori...B01L 2300/0636 Integrated biosensor, micro...B01L 2300/0819 Microarrays; BiochipsB01L 2400/0409 centrifugal forcesB01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic ...B01L 3/5085 for multiple samples, e.g. ...B01L 3/50851 specially adapted for heati...B01L 3/5088 confining liquids at a loca...C07H 21/00 Compounds containing two or...C12Q 1/6806 Preparing nucleic acids for...C12Q 1/6844 : Nucleic acid amplification ...C12Q 1/686 : Polymerase chain reaction [...C40B 60/14 : for creating librariesY10S 436/805 : Optical propertyY10S 436/809 : Multifield plates or multic...Y10T 436/2575 : Volumetric liquid transfer