Apparatus for loading oligonucleotide spotting devices and spotting oligonucleotide probes

Abstract

An apparatus for loading oligonucleotide spotting devices and spotting oligonucleotide probes, the apparatus having a plurality of oligonucleotide vials, each with a droplet dispenser, a mounting surface for detachably mounting an oligonucleotide spotting device, a chuck for detachably mounting the oligonucleotide spotting device adjacent the mounting surface, and, a control processor for operative control of the oligonucleotide vials, the oligonucleotide spotting device when mounted in the chuck and movement of the mounting surface relative to the oligonucleotide vials, and the oligonucleotide spotting device, wherein, the control processor is configured to activate the droplet dispensers, and move the oligonucleotide spotting device into registration with the oligonucleotide vials.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to diagnostic devices that use microsystems technologies (MST). In particular, the invention relates to microfluidic and biochemical processing and analysis for molecular diagnostics.CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS[0002]The following applications have been filed by the Applicant which relate to the present application:GBS001USGBS002USGBS003USGBS005USGBS006USGSR001USGSR002USGAS001USGAS002USGAS003USGAS004USGAS006USGAS007USGAS008USGAS009USGAS010USGAS012USGAS013USGAS014USGAS015USGAS016USGAS017USGAS018USGAS019USGAS020USGAS021USGAS022USGAS023USGAS024USGAS025USGAS026USGAS027USGAS028USGAS030USGAS031USGAS032USGAS033USGAS034USGAS035USGAS036USGAS037USGAS038USGAS039USGAS040USGAS041USGAS042USGAS043USGAS044USGAS045USGAS046USGAS047USGAS048USGAS049USGAS050USGAS054USGAS055USGAS056USGAS057USGAS058USGAS059USGAS060USGAS061USGAS062USGAS063USGAS065USGAS066USGAS067USGAS068USGAS069USGAS070USGAS080USGAS081USGAS082USGAS083USGAS084USGAS085USGAS086USGAS087USGAS...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0089]The easily usable, mass-producible, and inexpensive microfluidic device with integral digital memory accepts an input fluid and processes it. The digital memory is used to store the data and control information required during the functioning of the device and the module incorporating the device. The digital memory being integral to the device, provides for an easily manufacturable, mass-producible, easily usable, and inexpensive microfluidic system with low component-count.

[1458]The data automation provided by the combined apparatus for loading of oligonucleotide spotting devices and oligonucleotide spotting provides for an automated, safe, secure, and inexpensive technique of data monitoring and management in the automated manufacturing environment.

Problems solved by technology

Insufficient stringency can result in a high degree of nonspecific binding.

Excessive stringency can lead to a failure of appropriate binding, which results in diminished sensitivity.

Despite the advantages that molecular diagnostic tests offer, the growth of this type of testing in the clinical laboratory has been slower than expected and remains a minor part of the practice of laboratory medicine.

This is primarily due to the complexity and costs associated with nucleic acid testing compared with tests based on methods not involving nucleic acids.

However, controlling fluid flow through the LOC device, adding reagents, controlling reaction conditions and so on necessitate bulky external plumbing and electronics.

Connecting a LOC device to these external devices effectively restricts the use of LOC devices for molecular diagnostics to the laboratory setting.

The cost of the external equipment and complexity of its operation precludes LOC-based molecular diagnostics as a practical option for point-of-care settings.

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