Device for lysing cells, spores, or microorganisms

US6878540B2 · 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
• Christel A. Lee · Palo Alto, US
• Gregory T. Kovacs · Palo Alto, US
• Northrup M. Allen · Berkeley, US
• Petersen E. Kurt · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2005
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2022

Classification

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

Abstract

A device for use with an ultrasonic transducer to lyse components of a fluid sample comprises a cartridge having a lysing chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the lysing chamber, and an outlet port for exit of the sample from the lysing chamber. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned to permit flow of the sample through the lysing chamber, and the chamber contains at least one solid phase for capturing the sample components to be lysed as the sample flows through the chamber. The lysing chamber is defined by at least one wall having an external surface for contacting the transducer to effect the transfer of ultrasonic energy to the chamber.