Ruggedized apparatus for analysis of nucleic acid and proteins
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biomolecular analyte using electrophoresis, the apparatus comprising:
- a test module comprising at least one microfluidic channel disposed within a member formed of a transparent material, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel is configured for electrical communication with an anode and a cathode, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel comprises a separation portion, a waste arm in fluid communication with a waste arm opening, and a sample arm in fluid communication with a sample arm opening, wherein the waste arm opening is in fluid communication with a single separation portion;
a holder configured to support the test module;
an electrophoresis device connected to the holder, comprising an anode and a cathode, which, when in use, applies one or more biasing configurations to the test module;
a light source which, when in use, emits a light beam that is transmitted to the test module and excites fluorescence in the sample of biomolecular analyte;
a light detector configured to detect the fluorescence;
a plurality of optical devices configured to transmit the light beam emitted by the light source to the test module and the fluorescence from the test module to the light detector; and
a base plate onto which the light source, the light detector, and the plurality of optical devices are secured, wherein the baseplate is supported by a frame including a dampening device adapted to reduce transmission of vibrations generated below the frame to the base plate.
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Abstract
The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.
45 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biomolecular analyte using electrophoresis, the apparatus comprising:
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a test module comprising at least one microfluidic channel disposed within a member formed of a transparent material, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel is configured for electrical communication with an anode and a cathode, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel comprises a separation portion, a waste arm in fluid communication with a waste arm opening, and a sample arm in fluid communication with a sample arm opening, wherein the waste arm opening is in fluid communication with a single separation portion; a holder configured to support the test module; an electrophoresis device connected to the holder, comprising an anode and a cathode, which, when in use, applies one or more biasing configurations to the test module; a light source which, when in use, emits a light beam that is transmitted to the test module and excites fluorescence in the sample of biomolecular analyte; a light detector configured to detect the fluorescence; a plurality of optical devices configured to transmit the light beam emitted by the light source to the test module and the fluorescence from the test module to the light detector; and a base plate onto which the light source, the light detector, and the plurality of optical devices are secured, wherein the baseplate is supported by a frame including a dampening device adapted to reduce transmission of vibrations generated below the frame to the base plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13)
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7. An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biomolecular analyte, the apparatus comprising:
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a test module comprising at least one microfluidic channel disposed within a member formed of a transparent material, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel is configured for electrical communication with an anode and a cathode, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel comprises a separation portion, a waste arm in fluid communication with a waste arm opening, and a sample arm in fluid communication with a sample arm opening, wherein the waste arm opening is in fluid communication with a single separation portion; a holder configured to support the transparent test module; an electrophoresis device connected to the holder, comprising an anode and a cathode, which, when in use, applies one or more biasing configurations to the test module; a light source which, when in use, emits a light beam that is transmitted to the transparent test module and excites fluorescence in the sample of biomolecular analyte; a light detector that detects the fluorescence; an optical train comprising a plurality of optical devices configured to transmit the light beam emitted by the light source to the test module and the fluorescence from the test module to the light detector; a base plate onto which the light source, the light detector, and the plurality of optical devices are secured, wherein the baseplate is supported by a frame including a dampening device adapted to reduce transmission of vibrations generated below the frame to the base plate; and a lanefinder component for automatically determining a location of each channel. - View Dependent Claims (8, 11, 12, 14, 15)
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Specification