System and method for target material retrieval from microwells
A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).
1 . A method for retrieval and processing of material from a sample, the method comprising:
coupling a first magnet to an adaptor of a separation subsystem, the first magnet supported by a pipette interface, wherein the adaptor comprises an internal cavity comprising first and second regions, wherein the second region includes a vent to atmosphere;
establishing fluid communication between the first region of the adaptor and a capture region of a capture substrate containing material derived from the sample, wherein the capture region comprises a plurality of high-aspect ratio wells, and wherein target material is retained at individual wells of the capture region;
applying a magnetic force to contents of the capture substrate, through the adaptor, by way of the first magnet, thereby transferring a volume of target material from the capture substrate to the adaptor;
with the separation subsystem comprising a gantry, displacing the adaptor from the capture substrate;
transporting the adaptor, with the volume of target material, into a separation reservoir of a process container;
performing a washing operation, within the separation reservoir, thereby separating non-target material from the volume of target material; and
transferring the volume of target material from the separation reservoir to another substrate.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target material is attached to magnetic particles.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target material is derived from single cells.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target material is nucleic acid.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target material is protein.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of high-aspect ratio wells are arranged in hexagonal close packing configuration.
7 . The method of claim 2 , wherein one or more wells of the plurality of wells contain target material bound to magnetic particles.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the separation subsystem comprises a support structure coupled to the gantry for displacing the adaptor from the capture substrate.