Cartridge-based thermocycler
Cartridge-based thermocyclers can include cartridges that are configured to move a fluid between distinct chambers. In some cases, the cartridge-based thermocyclers can be used for thermocycling a sample fluid comprising a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) target to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Individual chambers can be heated, cooled, and/or compressed to mix fluid within the chamber or to propel fluid in the chamber into another chamber. The cartridges can have a laminate construction. The cartridges can be configured to enable multiplexed thermocycling and/or detection.
1. A thermocycling apparatus, comprising:
a first chamber, a second chamber and a channel;
the first chamber, the second chamber and the channel formed by a top laminate and a bottom laminate;
the first chamber and the second chamber separated by the channel; the top laminate having a thickness of about 254 pm and comprising
a first top membrane comprising a polyethylene terephthalate or a polyimide and
a second top membrane comprising a silicone adhesive; the bottom laminate having a thickness of about 254 pm and comprising
a first bottom membrane comprising a polyethylene terephthalate or a polyimide and
a second bottom membrane comprising a silicone adhesive;
a first plunger configured to press the first chamber;
a second plunger configured to press the second chamber; and
a heater configured to contact at least one of the top laminate or the bottom laminate.
2. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the channel includes a pathway for a sample to move between the first chamber and the second chamber.
3. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater is configured to heat the first chamber to a first average temperature and the second chamber to a second average temperature, the second average temperature different than the first average temperature such that a sample can be thermally cycled when moved between the first chamber and the second chamber.
4. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the apparatus is configured to move the sample between the first chamber and the second chamber such that a temperature of the sample transitions between the first average temperature and the second average temperature at a rate of 10 μL ° C./second or more.
5. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the apparatus is configured to move the sample between the first chamber and the second chamber such that a temperature of the sample transitions between the first average temperature and the second average temperature at a rate of 25 μL ° C./second or more.
6. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater is a first heater, the apparatus further comprising:
a second heater, the first heater separated from the second heater by an air gap.
7. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first heater and the second heater are each a resistive heater.
8. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising:
a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature associated with at least one of the first heater or the second heater.
9. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the temperature sensor is coupled to a disposable portion of the apparatus.
10. The thermocycling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first chamber has a first volume and the second chamber has a second volume, the first volume being different than the second volume.