Cartridge interface module

US10563253B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Michael Edward EGAN · Bothell, US
• Orion N. Scott · Charlottesville, US
• James P. Landers · Charlottesville, US
• Douglas J. South · Rockville, US
• Brian Root · Charlottesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 7, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 18, 2020
• Expiry date: Feb 7, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0694
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A cartridge interface module (CIM), configured to engage with a removable microfluidic cartridge in a nucleic acid analyzer system can include a fluidics component, which is configured to initiate and support a liquid extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample contained in the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assembly component which can be configured to initiate and support amplification of the extracted nucleic acids. The CIM may also include a high voltage electrodes component that is configured to initiate and support separation of the amplified nucleic acids into nucleic acid fragments in a separation channel of the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a detection optics component that can be configured to collect, detect, and direct label nucleic acid fragments. The CIM is configured to integrate with a microfluidic chip architecture of an inserted removable microfluidic cartridge.