Devices and methods for biochip multiplexing
The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.
1 . A cartridge comprising:
a) a housing which includes:
i) a first side composed of plastic; and
ii) a second side, wherein the first side and second side are configured to seal to each other and form a reaction chamber therebetween, the reaction chamber comprising:
A) a substrate comprising an array of electrodes, each electrode comprising:
1) a self-assembled monolayer; and
2) a capture probe covalently attached to said electrode;
b) interconnects to allow the electrical connection of said electrodes to a processor;
c) an inlet port; and
d) an outlet port.
2 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said capture probe is a nucleic acid capture probe.
3 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said capture probe comprises protein.
4 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said first side comprises polycarbonate.
5 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said second side is plastic.
6 . A cartridge according to claim 1 wherein said reaction chamber further comprises a gasket to retain fluid in contact with said array.
7 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are separated.
8 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet port connects to the outlet port.
9 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are positioned to minimize air bubbles in the reaction chamber upon introduction of reagents.
10 . A cartridge according to claim 7 , further comprising a seal on said inlet port.
11 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said array is on one surface of said substrate.
12 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein two surfaces of said substrate each comprise an array.
13 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a cap, wherein said cap seals at least one of said inlet port and said outlet port.
14 . A cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein said comprises at least one storage well comprising assay reagents.
15 . A cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein said cap is plastic.
16 . A cartridge according to claim 15 , wherein said cap comprises polyethylene.
17 . A cartridge according to claim 16 , wherein said cap is removeable.
18 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a second substrate.
19 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a printed circuit board (PCB) and at least one of the electrodes is on a surface of the PCB.
20 . A cartridge according to claim 19 , wherein said at least one of electrode is fabricated on the PCB.
21 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said inlet port includes a semipermeable membrane filter.
22 . A cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising an assay complex on at least one of said electrodes, said assay complex comprising at least one of said capture binding ligands, a target analyte, and an electron transfer moiety.
23 . A cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein the self-assembled monolayer comprises a conductive oligomer.
24 . A cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises gold.
25 . A cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein the self-assembled monolayer comprises a thiol-containing monolayer forming species.
26 . The cartridge according to claim 1 wherein said covalent attachment of said capture probe is via a linker selected from the group consisting of a conductive oligomer and an insulator.
27 . A method of detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising the steps of:
a) providing a microfluidic device configured to receive a cartridge, said cartridge comprising:
i) a first side composed of plastic; and
ii) a second side adjacent to said first side, said second side configured to seal to said first side to form a reaction chamber therebetween, said reaction chamber comprising:
A) a substrate comprising an array of electrodes, each electrode comprising:
1) a self-assembled monolayer; and
2) a capture probe covalently attached to said electrode;
iii) interconnects to allow electrical connection of said electrodes to a processor;
iv) an inlet port; and
v) an outlet port;
b) loading a sample comprising a target analyte into said cartridge;
c) loading said cartridge into said microfluidic device; and
g) detecting said target analyte.