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Droplet-based assay system

  • US 9,156,010 B2
  • Filed: 09/23/2009
  • Issued: 10/13/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for sample analysis, comprising:

  • a plurality of droplet generators that form a plurality of separate emulsions including droplets of partitioned samples, each droplet generator including a channel intersection at which one of the emulsions is formed from at least one carrier fluid stream and a sample stream, the samples being prepared as reaction mixtures for amplification of at least one nucleic acid target;

    containers defining cavities to hold the emulsions;

    a transport structure to transfer the emulsions from the droplet generators to the containers;

    a heating and cooling device to heat the emulsions in the cavities, with the emulsions held in an array, to induce nucleic acid amplification in droplets of the emulsions;

    a detection assembly to detect signals from intact droplets of the emulsions;

    a controller in communication with the detection assembly and programmed to estimate a presence, if any, of the nucleic acid target in the samples based on signals detected from the intact droplets;

    at least one pressure source that drives flow of the at least one carrier fluid stream and the sample stream to the channel intersection of each droplet generator; and

    a transport structure to transfer droplets of the emulsions from the containers to the detection assembly.

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