Multiple-analyte assay device and system
Provided herein is technology relating to testing biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits for performing multiple, simultaneous real-time assays on a sample in a single-use disposable format. For example, the technology relates to an apparatus that finds use, for example, for point-of-care diagnostics, including use at accident sites, emergency rooms, in surgery, in intensive care units, as well as for non-medical applications.
1. A cartridge for sensing an analyte in a sample, the cartridge comprising:
a) 48 analyte sensors for assaying the sample;
b) six measurement channels electrically coupled to the 48 analyte sensors;
c) an 8-channel shift register electrically coupled to the 48 analyte sensors;
d) a multiplexer electronically connected to the 48 analyte sensors; and
e) a data output electronically connected to the multiplexer.
2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein an analyte sensor is an electrochemical analyte sensor or a light sensor that detects light and outputs an electrical signal.
3. The cartridge of claim 1 further comprising an interface for connecting the cartridge to a reading apparatus, wherein the interface transmits signals between the cartridge and the reading apparatus.
4. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein an output signal from the data output comprises a sampled portion of a data signal from an analyte sensor.
5. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a data signal is sampled during a timeslot for 0.01-10 seconds.
6. The cartridge of claim 1 configured to acquire 2 measurements per second.
7. The cartridge of claim 1 comprising a screen-printed silver/silver chloride electrode.
8. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a printed circuit board comprises the 48 analyte sensors.
9. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the analyte is selected from the group consisting of: a nucleic acid, an antigen, an enzyme, a protein, a toxin, a biochemical metabolite, a biological ion, and a respiratory gas.
10. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the analyte sensors produce a signal that is, or is a combination of, a type selected from the group consisting of: amperometric, conductimetric, and potentiometric.
11. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a sensor of the plurality of analyte sensors comprises a nucleic acid capture element.
12. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a sensor of the plurality of analyte sensors detects an electrogenic species derived from an enzyme reaction associated with nucleotide capture.
13. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the shift register controls the ON/OFF state of each analyte sensor of the 48 analyte sensors.
14. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the shift register simultaneously controls the ON/OFF state of 6 analyte sensors.
15. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the shift register simultaneously controls the ON/OFF state of 6 analyte sensors, one in each measurement channel.
16. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein one measurement channel carries the multiplexed signals from 8 analyte sensors.
17. A system for sensing an analyte in a sample, the system comprising:
a) the cartridge of claim 1 ; and
b) a reading apparatus.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the cartridge comprises:
1) an analyte sensor configured to analyze a sample;
2) a multiplexer configured to receive a data signal and output an output signal; and
3) a first interface component configured to mate with the reading apparatus and communicate with the reading apparatus; and
wherein the reading apparatus comprises:
1) a second interface component configured to mate with the cartridge and communicate with the cartridge; and
2) a microprocessor configured to decode the output signal.
19. A kit comprising the cartridge according to claim 1 .
20. A method for detecting one or more analytes in a sample, comprising: exposing the cartridge of claim 1 to a sample and detecting one or more analytes in said sample.