System for performing automated solid phase extractions

• US 9,095,833 B2
• Filed: 05/31/2013
• Issued: 08/04/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.
• Inventors: Demmitt, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wecker, Jennifer
• Application Number:
  US13/907,520
• Publication Number:
  US 20130323138A1
• Time in Patent Office: 795 Days
• Field of Search: 422/242
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0046 Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays synthesis methods per se C40B50/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0053 Details of the reactor
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00315 Microtiter plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0036 Nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00369 in multiple or parallel arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00376 in multiple or parallel arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00466 in a slurry
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00509 Microcolumns
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00585 Parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00596 Solid-phase processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00691 using robots
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00722 Nucleotides
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00759 Purification of compounds synthesised
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0605 Metering of fluids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0293 for liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/563 Joints or fittings in general F16L; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/523 for multisample carriers, e.g. used for microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/405 by adsorption or absorption
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2030/009 Extraction
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00237 Handling microquantities of analyte, e.g. microvalves, capillary networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/1034 : Transferring microquantities of liquid
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/1039 : Micropipettes, e.g. microcapillary tubes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/028 : having reaction cells in the form of microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/04 : Details of the conveyor system G01N35/021 - G01N35/028 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1011 : Control of the position or alignment of the transfer device
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1016 : Control of the volume dispensed or introduced
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1065 : Multiple transfer devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1074 : arranged in a two-dimensional array

Abstract

The invention provides an improved instrument for automation of solid phase extraction chemistries typically used in biotechnology labs. The instrument includes a mechanism for transferring samples dissolved in a liquid from initial containers to reaction columns that are used to perform solid phase extractions. Samples, reaction columns and collection containers are in microtiter plate format or tubes that are on 18 millimeter centers. The transfer system is automatically cleaned after use in preparation for the next use. A dispense manifold is used to dispense various reagents into the reaction columns. Pressure differential is used to move reagents through reaction columns. A sliding cover is used to divert the reagent exiting reaction columns to waste or allowing collection of sample as it exits outlets of reaction columns. Samples are automatically collected in microtiter plates or in individual tubes or vials.

Claims

1. A system for automated solid phase extraction comprising:

a transfer subsystem including;

an array of pickup tubes;

a spring mounted sample holding container platform configured to allow each of said pickup tubes to be controllably inserted to a selected depth of each well on a sample holding container held on said sample holding container platform;

an array of transfer tubes contiguous with said array of pickup tubes;

an array of transfer nozzles held in an equally spaced arrangement at terminal ends of said transfer tubes;

a pressure controlled chamber enclosing and sealing said array of pickup tubes and said spring mounted sample holding container platform, configured to allow pressure driven fluid flow into said pickup tubes, through said transfer tubes and out said transfer nozzles;

wherein application of pressure from a single source into said chamber is configured to drive fluid through all of said pickup tubes;

a reaction column array shuttle configured to hold an array of equally spaced reaction columns and move said reaction columns from a first location, where said reaction columns are positioned to receive liquid dispensed from said transfer nozzles, to a second location;

a dispense subsystem, separate from said transfer subsystem, including;

a plurality of liquid distribution manifolds in spaced arrangement, each distribution manifold configured to selectably dispense liquid into a plurality of spaced dispense nozzles, wherein when said reaction columns are positioned at said second location, liquid may be dispensed through said reaction columns;

a plurality of valves, each valve regulating fluid flow through one of said distribution manifolds;

a collection plate lift configured to allow a multi well collection plate to be positioned such that liquid flowing through each reaction column is collected in a well of said collection plate;

a waste collection cover positionable between open bottom ends of said spaced reaction columns and said collection plate;

an automated controller configured to control said transfer subsystem and said dispense subsystem; and

a waste collection cover shuttle configured to move said waste collection cover from a position where said waste collection cover is between outlets of said reaction columns when said reaction column array is in said second location, and openings of wells of said muiti well collection plate.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said transfer subsystem includes a guide plate through which said transfer tubes extend, said guide plate mounted on fixed rods, said guide plate maintaining a fixed spacing between said transfer tubes.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said array of transfer nozzles includes an array of angled transfer nozzles, wherein each angle of each transfer nozzle is such that liquid flowing from said transfer nozzle into an associated reaction column is directed onto side walls of each reaction column.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said spring mounted sample holding container platform includes a limit screw.

2. The system of claim one, wherein each pick up tube in said array of pick up tubes has a end that is partly cut away such that each tube has a flat section parallel to said sample holding container platform, and an angle cut such that when said flat section is pressed onto a surface, said angle cut section allows liquid to enter said pickup tube.

3. The system of claim one, wherein each pick up tube in said pick up tube array is made of PEEK.