APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR MEASURING DNA/RNA PRODUCTION IN BIOCHIPS
Microfluidic apparatuses (e.g., systems, devices, etc.) and methods for microfluidic provide detection of polynucleotide concentration. These apparatuses may include removable, single-use or reusable microfluidic members that may include one or more channels, chambers and/or substrates for performing microfluidic maneuvers and are adapted for detection of polynucleotide concentration. For example, the microfluidic member may be a microfluidic cartridge that may be inserted, held and/or seated in a microfluidic driver apparatus that may oversee and control operations within one or more cartridges based in part on the detected concentration of polynucleotide.
1 .- 16 . (canceled)
17 . A method for manufacturing a polynucleotide using a microfluidic driver apparatus operating on a cartridge, the method comprising:
forming, in a cartridge, a therapeutic polynucleotide; and
determining, by the microfluidic driver apparatus, a concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide by:
driving a first blank solution into an ultraviolet (UV) measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a first absorption measurement through the cartridge,
driving a sample solution of the therapeutic polynucleotide into the UV measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a second absorption measurement through the cartridge, and
estimating a concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide from the first and second absorption measurements.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising adjusting, in a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the operation of the microfluidic driver apparatus based on the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide.
19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising comparing, by a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide to a concentration range, and based on this comparison, directing the therapeutic polynucleotide for one of: pooling with one or more additional batches of therapeutic polynucleotide formed in the cartridge, waste, or further analysis.
20 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising diluting, under control of a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the therapeutic polynucleotide to a standard concentration for output.
21 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the formation of the therapeutic polynucleotide by the microfluidic driver apparatus based on the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide.
22 . The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more parameters comprise one or more of: temperature, reagent volume, reagent concentration, time, and mixing.
23 .- 32 . (canceled)
33 . A method for manufacturing a polynucleotide using a microfluidic driver apparatus operating on a cartridge, the method comprising:
forming, in a cartridge, a therapeutic polynucleotide, wherein the therapeutic polynucleotide comprises a therapeutic mRNA;
determining, by the microfluidic driver apparatus, a concentration of the therapeutic mRNA by:
driving a first blank solution into an ultraviolet (UV) measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a first absorption measurement through the cartridge,
driving a sample solution of the therapeutic polynucleotide into the UV measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a second absorption measurement through the cartridge,
driving a second blank solution into the UV measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a third absorption measurement through the cartridge, and
estimating a concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide from the first, second and third absorption measurements; and
adjusting, in a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the operation of the microfluidic driver apparatus based on the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide.
34 .- 50 . (canceled)
51 . A method for manufacturing a polynucleotide using a microfluidic driver apparatus operating on a cartridge, the method comprising:
forming, in a cartridge, a therapeutic polynucleotide; and
determining, by the microfluidic driver apparatus, a concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide by:
driving a first blank solution into a concentration measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a first measurement through the cartridge,
driving a sample solution of the therapeutic polynucleotide into the concentration measurement chamber of the cartridge and taking a second measurement through the cartridge, and
estimating a concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide from the first and second measurements; and
comparing, by a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide to a concentration range, and based on this comparison, directing the therapeutic polynucleotide for one of: pooling with one or more additional batches of therapeutic polynucleotide formed in the cartridge, waste, or further analysis.
52 . The method of claim 51 , the concentration measurement chamber comprising an ultraviolet (UV) measurement chamber, the first measurement comprising a first absorption measurement, the second measurement comprising a second absorption measurement.
53 . The method of claim 52 , wherein estimating the concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide further comprises changing one or more of a sensitivity of a UV detector and an intensity of a UV emitter of the microfluidic driver apparatus in response to the second absorption measurement through the cartridge.
54 . The method of claim 52 , further comprising pretreating the UV measurement chamber with UV light prior to taking the first absorption measurement through the cartridge.
55 . The method of claim 51 , further comprising adjusting, in a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the operation of the microfluidic driver apparatus based on the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide.
56 . The method of claim 51 , further comprising diluting, under control of a processor of the microfluidic driver apparatus, the therapeutic polynucleotide to a standard concentration for output.
57 . The method of claim 51 , further comprising automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the formation of the therapeutic polynucleotide by the microfluidic driver apparatus based on the estimated concentration of the therapeutic polynucleotide.
58 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the one or more parameters comprise one or more of: temperature, reagent volume, reagent concentration, time, and mixing.
59 .- 97 . (canceled)