DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE FOR REAGENT STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING THE SAME

Abstract

In general, the present application is directed to cartridge assemblies which can be used for reagent storage and systems and methods using the same. Aspects of the present disclosure can include disposable cartridge assemblies that are intended for single-use only. For instance, example cartridge assemblies can include interlocking features that can couple to a to an assay system (e.g., a chip assembly) in an irreversible manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under Article 8 PCT of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/093,640 filed Oct. 19, 2020 and entitled “Point of Collection qPCR System.” This application is also related to PCT applications entitled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Fluid Volumes to Achieve Separation and PCR Amplification,” “Fluidic Detection and Control Algorithm for PCR Analysis,” and “Apparatuses with Fluidic Channel Geometries for Sample to Answer PCR Analysis and Methods of Using Same,” and a U.S. Design Application No. 29/812,034 entitled “Fluidic Channel Geometries of a Chip,” all filed concurrently on Oct. 19, 2021 and listing the same Applicant, Formulatrix, Inc. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entireties.

FIELD

The present application is directed reagent storage systems. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to storage systems that can be used in assays such as polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND

Various applications require systems for reagent storage. Several examples of these systems can be found in commercial applications such as the Roche Cobas Liat platform. This system utilizes a small disposable transfer pipette to pipette a sample solution from a storage buffer into reagent storage consumable. The reagents required to run the assay are sealed in a tube with separate sections. During the course of the assay, specific sections are ruptured to introduce the appropriate reagents at the correct times in the correct sequence. This is convenient but requires complicated and manual sample handling that occurs before the system can be used.

An alternative approach uses electrowetting with two-phase fluidics, such as oil and water/aqueous. This approach was commercialized by NuGen (Mondrian), Advanced Liquid Logic, Illumina (NeoPrep) to keep reagents specifically for NGS library prep separate and introduce them with prescribed electrowetting sequences.

Both of these approaches are suited to specific applications and have drawbacks that prevent more general applicability. Still needed are systems that can be used in automated applications with greater ease of use and lower costs.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present application is directed to cartridge assemblies which can be used for reagent storage and systems and methods using the same. Aspects of the present disclosure can include disposable cartridge assemblies that are intended for single-use only. For instance, example cartridge assemblies can include interlocking features that can couple to a to an assay system (e.g., a chip assembly) in an irreversible manner. Herein, irreversible is intended to indicate that the system includes features that would need to be damaged, broken, or malfunction to result in the cartridge being removed from the assay system.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is a system for conducting an assay. Example systems can include a cartridge assembly and a chip assembly. The cartridge assembly can include a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface. The chip assembly can include: a microfluidic channel, and one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is a method for conducting an assay, the method including providing a biological sample to a cartridge assembly, engaging the cartridge assembly with a chip assembly to transfer the biological sample to the chip assembly, moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel, and exposing the biological sample to a temperature.

A further example aspect of the present disclosure is a cartridge assembly for storing wet reagents, the cartridge assembly including: a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a polymerase.

In particular, example cartridge assemblies, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can be used in applications such as real time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) assays to identify the presence and/or absence of viral RNA to determine the infection status of a patient based on his or her biological sample

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. In the drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system including a cartridge assembly and chip assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates an upper perspective view of an example chip assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates lower perspective view of an example chip assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an example chip assembly including a microfluidic channel according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates an upper perspective view of an example cartridge assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a lower perspective view of an example cartridge assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an example cartridge assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of an example system for conducting an assay before the chip assembly is engaged with the cartridge assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of an example system for conducting an assay after the chip assembly is engaged with the cartridge assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates an upper perspective view of an example chip assembly according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-section of an example piercing element according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description and examples and their previous and following descriptions. Elements, apparatus and methods described herein, however, are not limited to the specific embodiments presented in the detailed description and examples. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

One example embodiment of the present disclosure can include a system for conducting an assay. Example systems can include a cartridge assembly and a chip assembly having aspects according to examples herein. For instance, aspects of the cartridge assembly can include a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and at least one of the one or more reservoirs containing a wet reagent. Aspects of the chip assembly can include: a microfluidic channel, and one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

Aspects of the first seal can include layers of various materials. For instance, in some implementations the first seal can include a non-reactive layer enclosing the one or more reservoirs, and a flexible layer in contact with the non-reactive layer.

Aspects of the second seal can also include layers of various materials. For instance, in some implementations the second seal can include an inert layer enclosing the cone or more reservoirs, and a compressible layer in contact with the inert layer.

Aspects of the one or more puncture elements can include a hollow structure. For instance, in some implementations, the puncture elements can have a needle structure, the needle structure allowing fluid from the reservoir to flow though the hollow interior of the needle to reach the microfluidic channel.

According to certain implementations the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly may be oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal the microfluidic channel. For example, the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly may include aligning feature so that the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are oriented so that the puncture elements on the chip assembly are aligned with the reservoirs. In this manner, upon engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly, the puncture elements pierce the second seal at the reservoirs to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

Additionally, in some implementations, engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly can compress the assemblies together to fluidically seal the microfluidic channel. As an example for illustration, the compressible layer may be configured to deform upon engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly to produce a water-tight or substantially water-tight seal. More particularly, the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly can be oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal a top of the microfluidic channel.

One example aspect of the chip assembly can include an optically transparent seal. For instance, certain chip assemblies can include an optically transparent seal which forms a bottom to the microfluidic channel. This optically transparent seal can allow optical detection of material flowing through the microfluidic channel. Thus according to some example implementations, after the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are engaged, the microfluidic channel can be fluidically sealed to allow the passage of fluid (e.g., a sample) through the microfluidic channel.

In some example systems, the cartridge assembly may further include a mechanism configured to prevent the cartridge assembly from engaging the chip assembly until the mechanism is activated. For instance, the mechanism can include a deformable structure which holds the chip assembly and the cartridge assembly a distance apart. Upon applying a pressure or other force, the deformable structure may bend or otherwise reduce the distance so that the chip assembly and the cartridge assembly are brought into contact.

Another aspect of example systems can include a sample port for providing a biological sample. In these implementations, the sample port can be included on the cartridge assembly, the chip assembly, or both.

In certain implementations, the chip assembly can also include a plurality of metal beads configured to interact with RNA present in the biological sample. One aspect of the plurality of metal beads can include a magnetic property. The magnetic property can include an attraction of the plurality of metal beads to a magnetic field (e.g., the field of a fixed magnet). For instance, in some implementations, the plurality of metal beads can include beads containing iron such as steel beads.

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations the cartridge assembly can further include one or more one-way clips that are configured to engage portions of the chip. In this manner, engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly can have a predefined pressure and/or distance so that the one way clips can engage the portions of the chip. This aspect can provide one example option for producing a fluidically sealed microfluidic channel. Further, in some implementations, the one-way clips can include features to irreversibly engage portions of the chip so that one the system is engaged, the fluidically sealed microfluidic cannel cannot be disrupted without breaking the system.

Aspects of example systems of the present disclosure can include assays such as hand-held tests for sample collection that can subsequently be analyzed with the use of different readers. In some implementations of the present disclosure, the type of assay can include a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For example, in certain implementations, the one or more reservoirs can include a first reservoir containing a wash and a second reservoir containing a master mix, wherein the master mix comprises at least one polymerase. As should be understood, various polymerases can be used depending on the type of PCR conducted. In some implementations, the PCR can be a real-time (rtPCR) and the master mix can also include a reverse transcriptase enzyme for converting RNA into complementary DNA.

One example advantage of implementations of the present disclosure is a compact and/or commercially viable design. For example, the microfluidic chip can allow for the use systems including we reagents having a volume in the range of 5 μL to 30 μL, such as 10 μL to 30 μL, 5 μL to 10 μL, or 10 μL, to 20 μL.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method for conducting an assay. Example methods can include providing a biological sample to a cartridge assembly (e.g., a cartridge assembly as described herein). For instance, the cartridge assembly can include: a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and where at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a wet reagent

Example methods can also include engaging the cartridge assembly with a chip assembly (e.g., a chip assembly as described herein) to transfer the biological sample to the chip assembly. For instance, the chip assembly can include: a microfluidic channel, and one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

Example methods can further include moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel.

One aspect of example methods can include engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly to fluidically connect the one or more reservoirs of the cartridge assembly with the microfluidic channel of the chip assembly.

In some methods, moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel may include: applying pressure to one or more regions of the first seal, whereby the pressure is fluidically communicated to the biological sample.

Another aspect of certain methods can include solubilizing the biological sample. As one example for illustration, in some methods, after engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly, the wet reagent mixes with the biological sample to produce a liquid biological sample.

A further aspect of certain methods can include exposing the biological sample to a temperature. For instance, in some methods the microfluidic channel can include a first serpentine region held at a first temperature, a second serpentine region held at a second temperature, and a detection volume positioned between the first serpentine region and the second serpentine region, where the second temperature is different from the first temperature. In these implementations, moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel can include: inducing a fluid flow by applying pressure to at least one region of the first seal, where the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the first serpentine region to the detection volume and the second serpentine region. Additionally, reversing the fluid flow by removing pressure to said at least one region of the first seal, applying pressure to another region of the first seal, or both, said another region of the first seal being different from said at least one region of the first seal, and where reversing the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the second serpentine region to the detection volume and the first serpentine region.

Thus, generally, example methods for performing an assay can include exposing the biological sample to a first temperature, exposing the biological sample to a second temperature, and then repeating the process. This temperature cycling is exemplified in example implementations by flowing fluid containing the biological sample through a first region of the microfluidic channel held at a first temperature to a second region of the microfluidic channel held at a second temperature. Then reversing the direction of flow to cause the fluid to migrate to the first region of the microfluidic channel. This methodology can be performed using example microfluidic channels as disclosed herein. For example, the microfluidic channel can be a continuous channel having a first serpentine region, followed by a detection volume followed by a second serpentine region, where both the first and second serpentine regions are separately located on the chip assembly, and the detection volume separates the location of the first and second serpentine regions.

For certain example methods of the disclosure, performing the assay can also include iteratively repeating inducing the fluid flow and reversing the fluid flow over a number of cycles. The process of repeatedly exposing the biological sample to a first temperature and a second temperature can also be referred to as temperature cycling which can be used to perform certain assays.

Some implementations of the present disclosure can include detection based assays for qualitative and/or quantitative screenings. For instance, an aspect of certain method can include detecting a signal from the biological sample, wherein detecting the signal is performed while moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel. Some example signals can include emission profiles from fluorescent and/or colored probes.

Aspects of certain implementations of the present disclosure can include methods and/or systems for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In some implementations, the cartridge assembly (e.g., the one or more reservoirs) can include a wet reagent used in PCR such as a master mix which includes at least one polymerase. Other example wet reagents can include washes, buffers, pH modifiers, lysing compositions, or other PCR reagents.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can include a cartridge assembly for storing wet reagents. Example cartridge assemblies can include: a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a polymerase.

Aspects of cartridge assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may include the first seal and the second seal, respectively provide a top and a bottom enclosing the volume defined by the reservoirs.

For implementations of the present disclosure, the first seal can include a non-reactive layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a compressible layer adhered to the non-reactive layer.

Additionally or alternatively, the second seal can include an inert layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a flexible layer in contact with the inert layer.

More particularly, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, the inert layer, the non-reactive layer, or both may include: a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil), a fluorinated polymer (e.g., poly-tetrafluoroethylene), or combinations thereof.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples and embodiments with reference to the foregoing drawings.

EXAMPLES

The present examples illustrate some implementations in accordance with the present disclosure. These examples are not meant to limit embodiments solely to such examples herein, but rather to illustrate some possible implementations.

An example system was produced having a chip assembly and cartridge assembly according to the following design specifications:

• • the chip and cartridge are assembled in an irreversible step.
  • multiple pierce-preventing features are included to prevent the chip prematurely piercing the wet reagent reservoirs,
  • the pierce-preventing features are moved/altered once the cartridge is placed in the assay reader instrument and is ready for an assay to take place,
  • a user-operated port is included for adding a sample swab, and subsequently sealing it,
  • the chip and cartridge are oriented so that an instrument compressing the chip into the cartridge results in pointed features on the chip piercing the bottom of the cartridge in each reservoir to enable a subsequent assay, and
  • the entire consumable remaining sealed for the assay and then can be disposed of after the assay.

The cartridge assembly included the following features: resilient foil seals closest to the wet reagents for chemical compatibility, and a layer of the rubber. On the top of the cartridge, the rubber layer acts as the pressure membrane that stretches and deforms under a pin. On the bottom of the cartridge, the rubber layer acts as gasket material to create a solid seal between the cartridge and the chip once the chip engages with the cartridge.

The chip assembly included the following features: fluidic channels on one side are fluidically connected to the piercing pins on the top of the chip. Once the chip is pressed together into the cartridge, the pins push through the rubber and foil seal. The flexible rubber can form a seal both on the pin as a primary seal. There are raised rings on the chip that also serve to create a secondary seal against the rubber in the event of a bad or incomplete seal on the pin.

Referring to FIG. 1, the illustration depicts the orientation of elements which together form a system including a cartridge assembly and a chip assembly. FIG. 1 includes the elements: a flexible layer (top), a non-reactive layer (2^nd from top), a cartridge (3^rd from top) including reservoirs, a sample port, and a cap for the sample port, an inert layer (4^th from top), and a compressible layer (5^th from top). Together the first 5 elements form an example cartridge assembly. FIG. 1 further includes the elements: a chip (6^th from top) and a bottom seal (bottom) adhering to the chip. Together, the last two elements form an example chip assembly.

In the example depicted, the flexible layer on the top of the chip that adheres to the non-reactive layer (5^th from top) can act as a membrane for moving the contained liquid. Additionally, the compressible layer can serve to seal the cartridge to the chip fluidically once the cartridge assembly and chip assembly are engaged. The fluidic reservoirs on the cartridge itself are open on both ends, with the top of the reservoir being wide enough for the rubber membrane to deform into it being pressed on a pin, and the bottom contains an orifice slightly larger than the puncturing feature on the chip. The orifice in its original state is sealed. Additionally, the sample can be sealable for cartridge assemblies including an attached cap.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the illustration depicts a top perspective view of an example chip assembly illustrating multiple puncture elements which are surrounded by sealing features that can function to reduce loss of transferred from the reservoir after it is punctured. FIG. 2B depicts a bottom perspective view of the example chip assembly of FIG. 2A. The microfluidic channel of FIG. 2B is fluidically connected to the puncture elements of FIG. 2A so that after engaging a cartridge assembly, fluid from the reservoir is transferred from the reservoir, to the microfluidic channel. For instance, the puncture elements can be hollow so that fluid in the reservoir travels through the puncture element to a region of the microfluidic channel below the puncture element.

Referring to FIG. 3, the illustration depicts an example microfluidic channel design. The microfluidic channel can include multiple serpentine regions, multiple points of entry for fluids contained in the reservoirs of the cartridge assembly, at least one filter, at least one burst valve (a channel constriction) and an optical detection region.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the illustration depicts an upper perspective view of an example cartridge assembly. At the top, the cartridge assembly can include a port for inserting a biological sample. The cartridge assembly can also include one or more reservoirs which can include fluids (e.g., solutions) containing assay components. FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example cartridge assembly of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B illustrates bottom features of the reservoirs (depicted as concentric circles). FIG. 4B also depicts one possible design of one-way clips to retain the chip to the cartridge. The lower flexible clips on the cartridge assembly can engage the chip assembly and retain the system together after its initial assembly in the factory until the assay is performed. Retaining clips can be included to hold the chip assembly up against chip-stop features. The chip-stop features can be designed to keep the chip assembly at a distance from the cartridge assembly to prevent the piercing features on the chip from pre-maturely puncturing the bottom seals on the cartridge. Together some or all of these features can be used to maintain an orientation between the chip assembly and the cartridge assembly so that engaging the two assemblies leads to the biological sample being provided to the microfluidic channel.

Referring to FIG. 5, the illustration depicts a top view of an example cartridge assembly. The figure illustrates 4 reservoirs (features shown as two concentric circles), waste exit port (which evacuates waste fluids into a waste area), releases (for unclipping the chip during transition from a first configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, to a second configuration shown in FIG. 6B) and a sample port with a capping feature. Also shown is a handling tab, to allow for a user to easily hold and manipulate the cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the illustration depicts a cross-section of a system including a cartridge assembly oriented above a chip assembly. The positions of the cartridge assembly and chip assembly are held in place by chip-stop features (e.g. upper clip(s), lower clip(s)). FIG. 6B depicts a cross-section of the system of FIG. 6A after the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are engaged. Once the two assemblies are engaged, the piercing features on the chip puncture the seal on the bottom of the reservoir. Gravity or pressure applied to the top seal/membrane of the reservoir can lead to the flow of fluid contained in the reservoir to the microfluidic channel.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the illustration depicts a top perspective view of an alternative chip including numerous puncture elements. FIG. 7B depicts a cross-section of an example puncture element showing a hollow interior structure which allows fluid communication between a reservoir of the cartridge and the channels of the chip. A slight capture tray is provided around each puncture element to catch and retain any fluid leakage.

EMBODIMENTS

Some additional, non-limiting, example embodiments are provided below.

Embodiment 1. A system for conducting an assay comprising:

• • a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises:
  • a first surface having a first seal,
  • a second surface having a second seal, and
  • one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a wet reagent; and
  • a chip assembly, wherein the chip assembly comprises:
  • a microfluidic channel, and
  • one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

Embodiment 2. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the first seal comprises:

• • a non-reactive layer enclosing the one or more reservoirs, and
  • a flexible layer in contact with the non-reactive layer.

Embodiment 3. The system of Embodiment 2, wherein the second seal comprises:

• • an inert layer enclosing the cone or more reservoirs, and
  • a compressible layer in contact with the inert layer.

Embodiment 4. The system of Embodiment 3, wherein the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal the microfluidic channel.

Embodiment 5. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the chip assembly further comprises an optically transparent seal, and wherein the optically transparent seal forms a bottom to the microfluidic channel.

Embodiment 6. The system of Embodiment 5, wherein the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal a top of the microfluidic channel.

Embodiment 7. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge assembly further comprises a mechanism configured to prevent the cartridge assembly from engaging the chip assembly until the mechanism is activated.

Embodiment 8. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge assembly and/or the chip assembly further comprise a sample port for providing a biological sample.

Embodiment 9. The system of Embodiment 8, wherein the chip assembly further comprises a plurality of metal beads configured to interact with RNA present in the biological sample.

Embodiment 10. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge assembly further comprises one or more one-way clips that are configured to irreversibly engage portions of the chip.

Embodiment 11. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more reservoirs comprise: a first reservoir containing a wash and a second reservoir containing a master mix, wherein the master mix comprises at least one polymerase.

Embodiment 12. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the assay comprises polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Embodiment 13. The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the volume is 5 μL to 30 μL.

Embodiment 14. A method for conducting an assay, the method comprising:

• • providing a biological sample to a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises:
  • a first surface having a first seal,
  • a second surface having a second seal, and
  • one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a wet reagent; engaging the cartridge assembly with a chip assembly to transfer the biological sample to the chip assembly, wherein the chip assembly comprises:
  • a microfluidic channel, and
  • one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly; and
  • moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel, wherein
  • after engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly, the one or more reservoirs become fluidically connected to the microfluidic channel.

Embodiment 15. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel comprises:

• • applying pressure to one or more regions of the first seal, whereby the pressure is fluidically communicated to the biological sample.

Embodiment 16. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein after engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly the wet reagent mixes with the biological sample to produce a liquid biological sample.

Embodiment 17. The method of Embodiment 15, wherein the microfluidic channel comprises a first serpentine region held at a first temperature, a second serpentine region held at a second temperature, and a detection volume positioned between the first serpentine region and the second serpentine region, wherein the second temperature is different from the first temperature, and wherein moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel comprises: inducing a fluid flow by applying pressure to at least one region of the first seal, wherein the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the first serpentine region to the detection volume and the second serpentine region; and

• • reversing the fluid flow by removing pressure to said at least one region of the first seal, applying pressure to another region of the first seal, or both, wherein said another region of the first seal is different from said at least one region of the first seal, and wherein reversing the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the second serpentine region to the detection volume and the first serpentine region.

Embodiment 18. The method of Embodiment 17, further comprising iteratively repeating inducing the fluid flow and reversing the fluid flow over a number of cycles.

Embodiment 19. The method of Embodiment 14, further comprising:

• • detecting a signal from the biological sample, wherein detecting the signal is performed while moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel.

Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the one or more reservoirs comprise: a first reservoir containing a wash and a second reservoir containing a master mix, wherein the master mix comprises at least one polymerase.

Embodiment 21. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the assay comprises polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Embodiment 22. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the volume is 5 μL to 30 μL.

Embodiment 23. A cartridge assembly for storing wet reagents, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises:

• • a first surface having a first seal,
  • a second surface having a second seal, and
  • one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a polymerase.

Embodiment 24. The cartridge assembly of Embodiment 23, wherein the first seal and the second seal, respectively provide a top and a bottom enclosing the volume defined by the reservoirs.

Embodiment 25. The cartridge assembly of Embodiment 23, wherein the first seal comprises a non-reactive layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a compressible layer adhered to the non-reactive layer.

Embodiment 26. The cartridge assembly of Embodiment 25, wherein the second seal comprises an inert layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a flexible layer in contact with the inert layer.

Embodiment 27. The cartridge assembly of Embodiment 26, wherein the inert layer, the non-reactive layer, or both comprise: a metal foil, a fluorinated polymer, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 28. The cartridge assembly of Embodiment 27, wherein the fluorinated polymer is polytetrafluoroethylene.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A system for conducting an assay comprising:

a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises: a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a wet reagent; and

a chip assembly, wherein the chip assembly comprises: a microfluidic channel, and one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first seal comprises:

a non-reactive layer enclosing the one or more reservoirs, and

a flexible layer in contact with the non-reactive layer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second seal comprises:

an inert layer enclosing the cone or more reservoirs, and

a compressible layer in contact with the inert layer.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal the microfluidic channel.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the chip assembly further comprises an optically transparent seal, and wherein the optically transparent seal forms a bottom to the microfluidic channel.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly are oriented so that engaging the cartridge assembly and the chip assembly causes the one or more puncture elements to pierce the second seal and the compressible layer to contact the chip assembly to fluidically seal a top of the microfluidic channel.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly further comprises a mechanism configured to prevent the cartridge assembly from engaging the chip assembly until the mechanism is activated.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly and/or the chip assembly further comprise a sample port for providing a biological sample.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the chip assembly further comprises a plurality of metal beads configured to interact with RNA present in the biological sample.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly further comprises one or more one-way clips that are configured to irreversibly engage portions of the chip.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more reservoirs comprise:

a first reservoir containing a wash and a second reservoir containing a master mix, wherein the master mix comprises at least one polymerase.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the assay comprises polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the volume is 5 μL to 30 μL.

14. A method for conducting an assay, the method comprising:

providing a biological sample to a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises: a first surface having a first seal, a second surface having a second seal, and one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a wet reagent;

engaging the cartridge assembly with a chip assembly to transfer the biological sample to the chip assembly, wherein the chip assembly comprises: a microfluidic channel, and one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the second seal to provide the wet reagent to the chip assembly; and

moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel, wherein

after engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly, the one or more reservoirs become fluidically connected to the microfluidic channel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel comprises:

applying pressure to one or more regions of the first seal, whereby the pressure is fluidically communicated to the biological sample.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein after engaging the cartridge assembly with the chip assembly the wet reagent mixes with the biological sample to produce a liquid biological sample.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the microfluidic channel comprises a first serpentine region held at a first temperature, a second serpentine region held at a second temperature, and a detection volume positioned between the first serpentine region and the second serpentine region, wherein the second temperature is different from the first temperature, and wherein moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel comprises:

inducing a fluid flow by applying pressure to at least one region of the first seal, wherein the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the first serpentine region to the detection volume and the second serpentine region; and

reversing the fluid flow by removing pressure to said at least one region of the first seal, applying pressure to another region of the first seal, or both, wherein said another region of the first seal is different from said at least one region of the first seal, and wherein reversing the fluid flow moves the biological sample directionally from the second serpentine region to the detection volume and the first serpentine region.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising iteratively repeating inducing the fluid flow and reversing the fluid flow over a number of cycles.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

detecting a signal from the biological sample, wherein detecting the signal is performed while moving the biological sample through the microfluidic channel.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more reservoirs comprise:

a first reservoir containing a wash and a second reservoir containing a master mix, wherein the master mix comprises at least one polymerase.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the assay comprises polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

22. The method of claim 14, wherein the volume is 5 μL to 30 μL.

23. A cartridge assembly for storing wet reagents, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises:

a first surface having a first seal,

a second surface having a second seal, and

one or more reservoirs positioned between the first surface and the second surface,

the reservoirs defining a volume, and wherein at least one of the one or more reservoirs contains a polymerase.

24. The cartridge assembly of claim 23, wherein the first seal and the second seal, respectively provide a top and a bottom enclosing the volume defined by the reservoirs.

25. The cartridge assembly of claim 23, wherein the first seal comprises a non-reactive layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a compressible layer adhered to the non-reactive layer.

26. The cartridge assembly of claim 25, wherein the second seal comprises an inert layer facing the one or more reservoirs, and a flexible layer in contact with the inert layer.

27. The cartridge assembly of claim 26, wherein the inert layer, the non-reactive layer, or both comprise: a metal foil, a fluorinated polymer, or combinations thereof.

28. The cartridge assembly of claim 27, wherein the fluorinated polymer is polytetrafluoroethylene.