Integrated multiplex target analysis
This invention provides biochip cartridges and instrument devices for the detection and/or analysis of target analytes from patient samples.
1. A biochip cartridge for detecting a target analyte, the biochip cartridge comprising:
A) a bottom substrate
B) a top plate;
C) a liquid reagent module comprising a plurality of blisters; and
D) an external housing having open areas over at least one of the plurality of blisters.
2. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said top plate comprises a conductive surface.
3. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said top plate comprises at least one fluid hole spatially corresponding to said bottom substrate.
4. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said bottom substrate comprises a dried assay reagent.
5. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said liquid reagent module further comprises an aliquot of magnetic capture beads.
6. A biochip cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of said fluid holes is configured to dispense a fluid assay reagent at a location remote from a blister comprising said reagent.
7. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said external housing is asymmetrically shaped.
8. A biochip cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein said dried assay reagent is selected from the group consisting of: dNTPs, PCR primers, a nucleic acid polymerase, an exonuclease, labelled signaling probes, and a combination thereof.
9. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said external housing further comprises a cartridge identification tag.
10. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of blisters comprise fluid assay reagents selected from the group consisting of: water, an immiscible fluid, a lysis buffer, a binding buffer, an elution buffer, and a reconstitution buffer.
11. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein all or part of the top plate is coated with a hydrophilic, oleophobic material.
12. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said top plate comprises one or more entry ports configured to allow fluid flow into said reaction chamber.
13. A biochip cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said top plate further comprises one or more vents configured to reduce air bubble formation within the reaction chamber and/or remove any air bubbles that do form within the reaction chamber.
14. A biochip cartridge for detecting a target analyte, the biochip cartridge comprising:
a) a liquid reagent module comprising a blister connected to a sphere blister by a channel;
b) a top plate; and
c) a bottom substrate comprising a printed circuit board.
15. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the sphere blister comprises a steel ball bearing.
16. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the sphere blister comprises a septum.
17. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the blister is connected to the sphere blister by the channel blocked by a breakable seal.
18. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the liquid reagent module further comprises magnetic capture beads.
19. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the liquid reagent module further comprises a waste chamber.
20. A biochip cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the liquid reagent module further comprises a porous filter.