Apparatus and method for avoiding cross-contamination due to pendent drops of fluid hanging from discharge conduits
US6783732B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes. Further, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that adequately support discrete filter elements disposed in the wells without creating substantial preferential flow. Additi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.