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 - 14 . (canceled)
15 . A device for multiple biochip analysis comprising at least two stations each configured to receive a biochip cartridge.
16 . The device according to claim 15 comprising means for independently communicating with said at least two stations or biochip cartridges contained therein.
17 . The device of claim 15 that comprises a memory chip or barcode reader for reading a memory chip or barcode on said biochip cartridge.
18 . The device of claim 15 that comprises an encryption system for encrypting data received from said biochip cartridge.
19 . The device of claim 15 that comprises one or more pumps for pumping liquid sample in said cartridge or cartridges.
20 . The device of claim 15 comprising means for filtering background noise and/or amplifying signal received from said cartridge or cartridges.
21 . The device of claim 20 wherein said means comprises a digital lock-in technique.
22 . The device of claim 21 wherein said means comprises a digital filtering technique selected from the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering.
23 . The device of claim 21 wherein said means comprises one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data obtained from said cartridge or cartridges.
24 . The device of claim 15 that measures an electronic response from said cartridge or cartridges selected from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, or faradaic impedance.
25 . The device of claim 21 wherein said means comprises use and analysis of both AC and DC components.
26 . The device of claim 21 wherein said means comprises use of harmonic square wave AC voltammetry or sinusoidal harmonic AC voltammetry.
27 . The device of claim 21 wherein said means comprises use of harmonics to amplify signal and/or filter noise.
28 . The device of claim 15 that is an electrochemical detection device.
29 . The device of claim 15 configured to independently address different regions on said cartridges.
30 . The device of claim 29 wherein said different regions comprise one or more electrodes.
31 . The device of claim 15 comprising temperature control means for manipulating the temperature of said cartridge or cartridges in said stations.
32 . An electrochemical detection device comprising processing means for amplifying signal relative to background, said means comprising the use of higher order harmonics.
33 . The device of claim 32 further comprising digital lock-in capability.
34 . The device of claim 33 that further comprises a digital filtering means selected from the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering.
35 . The device of claim 33 wherein said means comprises use of one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data.
36 . The device of claim 33 that measures an electronic response selected from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, and faradaic impedance.
37 . The device of claim 33 wherein said means comprises use and analysis of both AC and DC signals.
38 . The device of claim 33 further comprising means for conducting harmonic square wave AC voltammetry or sinusoidal harmonic AC voltammetry.
39 . A method of increasing signal to background in an electrochemical detection scheme comprising using higher order harmonics to process electronic signals.
40 . The method of claim 39 wherein said electronic signals comprise both an AC and DC signal component.
41 . The method of claim 39 further comprising analyzing one or more electronic signal responses from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, and faradaic impedance.
42 . The method of claim 39 further comprising using digital lock-in.
43 . The method of claim 39 that further comprises using a digital filtering means selected from one or more of the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering to filter signal.
44 . The method of claim 39 that comprises use of one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data.