Method of denaturing and fragmenting DNA or RNA using ultrasound

1. An apparatus for processing DNA or RNA samples within a disposable sample processing module comprising:

a plurality of sample wells within the disposable sample processing module that contains the DNA or RNA samples, the sample wells each defined by opposing sidewall portions and a bottom portion;

a single valve plate that forms the bottom portion of each of the plurality of sample wells, that is movable with respect to the sample wells between first and second positions and where the valve plate blocks a lower end of the samples wells while the valve plate is in the first position;

means for coupling an external source of ultrasonic energy into a sampling well of the plurality of sampling wells; and

means extending through an upper end of the sample well into the DNA or RNA sample for denaturing and fragmenting the DNA or RNA sample by applying ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic source; wherein the valve plate, while in the first position prevents interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module before denaturing and fragmenting are complete, and while in the second position allows interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module after denaturing and fragmenting are complete.

2. The apparatus for processing a DNA or RNA sample as in claim 1 wherein the means for coupling the external source of ultrasonic energy into the sampling well further comprises an ultrasonic conduit disposed between the source of ultrasonic energy and the sample well.

3. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 2 wherein the ultrasonic conduit further comprises a sample well cap with an ultrasound extension projecting from the sample well cap into the DNA or RNA sample.

4. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 3 wherein the ultrasonic conduit further comprises an ultrasonic transmission fluid.

5. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 4 wherein the ultrasonic transmission fluid further comprises a mineral oil.

6. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 5 further comprising disposing a septum on a distal end of the ultrasonic conduit that accepts an ultrasonic transducer.

7. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 1 further comprising means for measuring a temperature of the DNA or RNA sample.

8. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 7 further comprising means for terminating application of the ultrasonic energy when the DNA or RNA sample reaches a predetermined temperature.

9. An apparatus for processing DNA or RNA samples within a disposable sample processing module comprising:

a plurality of sample wells disposed within the disposable sample processing module that holds the DNA or RNA samples, the sample wells each defined by opposing sidewall portions and a bottom portion;

a single valve plate that forms the bottom portion of each of the sample wells, that is movable with respect to the sample wells between first and second positions and where the valve plate blocks a lower end of the sample chambers while the valve plate is in the first position;

an ultrasonic conduit coupled to a sampling well of the plurality of sampling wells extending through an upper end of the sample well into the DNA or RNA sample; and

an ultrasonic source that denatures and fragments the DNA or RNA sample by applying ultrasonic energy to the DNA or RNA sample through the ultrasonic conduit; wherein the valve plate, while in the first position prevents interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module before denaturing and fragmenting are complete, and while in the second position allows interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module after denaturing and fragmenting are complete.

10. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 9 wherein the ultrasonic conduit further comprises a sample well cap with an ultrasound extension projecting from the sample well cap into the DNA or RNA sample.

11. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 10 wherein the ultrasonic conduit further comprises an ultrasonic transmission fluid.

12. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 11 wherein the ultrasonic transmission fluid further comprises a mineral oil.

13. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 12 further comprising disposing a septum on a distal end of the ultrasonic conduit that accepts an ultrasonic transducer.

14. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 9 further comprising means for measuring a temperature of the DNA or RNA sample.

15. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 14 further comprising means for terminating application of the ultrasonic energy when the DNA or RNA sample reaches a predetermined temperature.

16. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 14 wherein the ultrasonic conduit further comprises an integrated acoustic coupler and cap that seals a top of the sample well and that couples acoustic energy into the DNA or RNA sample within the sample well through the acoustic coupler of the integrated acoustic coupler and cap.

17. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 16 wherein the cap of the acoustic coupler and cap further comprises an acoustic isolator.

18. The apparatus for processing the DNA or RNA sample as in claim 17 wherein the cap of the acoustic coupler and cap further comprises a silicone.