Systems and methods for fluorescence detection with a movable detection module
First Claim
1. A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler, the apparatus comprising:
- a thermal cycler having a lid and a plurality of sample wells;
a support structure mounted inside the lid of the thermal cycler;
a shuttle movably mounted on the support structure; and
a detection module attached to the shuttle, the detection module including;
a housing having an opening that is oriented toward the plurality of wells when the lid of the thermal cycler is closed;
an excitation light generator disposed entirely within the housing;
an emission light detector disposed entirely within the housing; and
a plurality of optical components defining an excitation optical path for light of an excitation wavelength from the excitation light generator to the opening of the housing and a detection optical path for light of a detection wavelength from the opening of the housing to the emission light detector,wherein all optical components of the excitation optical path and the emission optical path are disposed within the housing of the detection module, andwherein, when the lid is closed, the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different wells of the plurality of wells while the thermal cycler is operating.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler, the apparatus comprising:
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a thermal cycler having a lid and a plurality of sample wells; a support structure mounted inside the lid of the thermal cycler; a shuttle movably mounted on the support structure; and a detection module attached to the shuttle, the detection module including; a housing having an opening that is oriented toward the plurality of wells when the lid of the thermal cycler is closed; an excitation light generator disposed entirely within the housing; an emission light detector disposed entirely within the housing; and a plurality of optical components defining an excitation optical path for light of an excitation wavelength from the excitation light generator to the opening of the housing and a detection optical path for light of a detection wavelength from the opening of the housing to the emission light detector, wherein all optical components of the excitation optical path and the emission optical path are disposed within the housing of the detection module, and wherein, when the lid is closed, the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different wells of the plurality of wells while the thermal cycler is operating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A fluorescence detection module for use in an apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler, the detection module comprising:
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a housing having an opening at one end thereof; a fitting on an exterior surface of the housing, the fitting adapted to attach the detection module to a movable shuttle built into the lid of a thermal cycler, wherein the fitting provides only electrical and mechanical connections to the interior of the housing; an excitation light generator mounted inside the housing such that an excitation optical path from the excitation light generator to the opening has a constant length; and an emission light detector mounted inside the housing such that a detection optical path from the opening to the emission light detector has a constant length, wherein when the detection module is attached to the movable shuttle, the opening is oriented toward the plurality of wells and the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different wells of the plurality of wells while the thermal cycler is operating. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A method for detecting the presence of a target molecule in a solution, the method comprising:
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preparing a plurality of samples, each containing a fluorescent probe adapted to bind to a target molecule; placing each sample in a respective one of a plurality of sample wells of a thermal cycler instrument having a lid, the thermal cycler instrument having a detection module attached to a movable shuttle built into the lid of the thermal cycler instrument, the detection module including a housing having an opening oriented toward the plurality of wells, an excitation light generator disposed entirely within the housing such that an excitation optical path from the excitation light generator to the opening has a constant length and an emission light detector disposed entirely within the housing such that a detection optical path from the opening to the emission light detector has a constant length and wherein all optical components of the optical path are disposed within the housing of the detection module; stimulating a reaction using the thermal cycler instrument; and scanning the plurality of sample wells to detect a fluorescent response by moving the detection module and activating the excitation/detection channel while the thermal cycler is operating, wherein during the step of scanning, the detection module is moved such that the opening is sequentially positioned in optical communication with each of the plurality of sample wells. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification