Sample preparation method and apparatus
A method of preparing a nucleic acid sample with target enrichment uses a reaction vessel, within which is added a chelating agent to a sample with heating to about 99° C. to provide a crude lysate. A PNA probe is provided at a concentration sufficient for binding and capture of discernible levels of target nucleic acid. The PNA probe may be attached to beads which are initially embedded in a wax body and are released during the heating so that the y are free to move and come into contact with the PNA probe and target DNA. After binding has occurred, the beads are magnetically attracted back into a pocket along with the wax, which is allowed to solidify before they are removed from the reaction vessel.
1. A sample preparation apparatus comprising:
a reaction vessel in which a biological sample comprising cells is placed,
a heater positioned to provide heat to the vessel sufficient to lyse cells in the sample,
a probe that binds an analyte released from said cells,
a plurality of paramagnetic or magnetic beads embedded in a wax plug within the reaction vessel, wherein said beads have a coating for binding the probe, and
a device for applying a magnetic field for isolation of analyte/probe-bound beads.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic device is moved between a first position and a second position.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a device for analyzing the analyte without removing the analyte.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a loop mediated amplification device.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a capacitive sensor.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an optical sensor.