Device incorporating a microfluidic chip for separating analyte from a sample

US6664104B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cepheid · US

Inventors

• Farzad Pourahmadi · Fremont, US
• William A. McMillan · Cupertino, US
• Jesus Ching · Saratoga, US
• Ronald Chang · Redwood City, US
• Lee A. Christel · Palo Alto, US
• Gregory T. Kovacs · Palo Alto, US
• M. Allen Northrup · Berkeley, US
• Kurt E. Petersen · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 16, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 7, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0644
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A device for separating an analyte from a fluid sample comprises a cartridge incorporating a flow-through microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip includes an extraction chamber having an array of microstructures for capturing the analyte and for subsequently releasing the captured analyte into an elution fluid. Each of the microstructures has an aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The cartridge also includes channels and at least one low controller (e.g., one or more valves) for directing the flow of the sample and elution fluid through the microfluidic chip. The cartridge may optionally include a lysing region for lysing sample components (e.g., cells spores, or microorganisms), a waste chamber for storing waste fluid, and reaction or detection chambers for amplifying or detecting the analyte.