Droplet-based assay system
First Claim
Patent Images
28. A system for sample analysis, comprising:
- at least one droplet generator that forms a plurality of emulsions including droplets that each contain a sample partition prepared as a reaction mixture for amplification of a nucleic acid target;
a plate defining an array of cavities to hold the emulsions;
a heating and cooling device to heat the emulsions disposed in the cavities to induce nucleic acid amplification in droplets;
a detection assembly to detect signals from intact droplets of the emulsions; and
a controller in communication with the detection assembly and programmed to estimate a presence, if any, of the nucleic acid target in a sample based on signals detected from the intact droplets.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.
-
Citations
62 Claims
-
28. A system for sample analysis, comprising:
-
at least one droplet generator that forms a plurality of emulsions including droplets that each contain a sample partition prepared as a reaction mixture for amplification of a nucleic acid target; a plate defining an array of cavities to hold the emulsions; a heating and cooling device to heat the emulsions disposed in the cavities to induce nucleic acid amplification in droplets; a detection assembly to detect signals from intact droplets of the emulsions; and a controller in communication with the detection assembly and programmed to estimate a presence, if any, of the nucleic acid target in a sample based on signals detected from the intact droplets. - View Dependent Claims (1, 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, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
-
-
40-1. The system of claim 28, wherein the detection assembly includes confocal optics.
-
48. A system for sample analysis, comprising:
-
a droplet generator including an oil reservoir, a sample reservoir, a cavity, and a channel intersection that receives a sample from the sample reservoir and a carrier fluid from the oil reservoir and generates droplets that flow to the cavity as an emulsion; and a heating device to heat the droplet generator to induce nucleic acid amplification in droplets of the emulsion in the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62)
-
Specification