Methods and devices for performing chemical reactions on a solid support

US8088573B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sequenom, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul Heaney · Solana Beach, US
• Chao Lin · Shandong, CN
• David Opalsky · San Diego, US
• Phillip Bruce, III · San Diego, US
• Charles Griswold · San Diego, US
• Sheila A. Walker · San Diego, US
• Ralf Worl · Neustadt, DE
• Andrzej Maczuszenko · Toronto, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 25, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 19, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2300/1844
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for carrying out biochemical processes directly on a substrate are provided. A substrate assembly includes a cartridge that removably supports a substrate in a fixed position, and a reaction containment member that is removably located on top of the substrate. The reaction containment member includes one or more cavities that form chambers directly above one or more target locations on the surface of the substrate. The chambers can be used to conduct biochemical processes directly over the substrate, as well as to perform thermal cycling of material contained inside the chamber using a heating element disposed directly on the substrate. The substrate assembly is preferably used in combination with a processing machine that dispenses materials into the chambers and that conducts biochemical reactions of materials contained within the chambers, without requiring the substrate assembly to be moved from one location to another location during the processes.