Disposable multi-channel bio-analysis cartridge and capillary electrophoresis system for conducting bio-analysis using same

Abstract

A multi-channel cartridge (60) for the separation of biomolecules comprising a plurality of coupled cartridge elements (60'). Each cartridge element (60') has an individual, separate integrated reagent (i.e., a separation buffer) reservoir (62) dedicated for each separation channel. The multiple separation channels comprise capillary columns (10) held by or within each cartridge element body (80)and may have different characteristics, such as different separation medium of different chemistries, different separation length, different channel sizes and internal coatings. The cartridge elementbodies (80) comprise a detection window (86). Not all channels need to be operative. One or more of the channels in the cartridge may be "dummy channels" that are not operative (e.g., not provided with a capillary tube). A capillary tube (10) may be routed between the reservoir / electrode (66) (anode) of one channel to an electrode (67) (cathode) in another channel, thus allowing a longer length ofcapillary tube to be used to define a longer separation channel to improve resolution. The multi-channel bio-seperation system provides high-throughput capability for faster, higher resolution and better detection sensitivity in DNA / RNA / Protein analysis. The multi-channel system is designed for both PCR Amplification and Electrophoresis / Detection in one instrument.

Description

[0001] All documents discussed below are fully incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to biological analysis, in particular to a cartridge for performing biological analysis and a capillary electrophoresis apparatus using the same. Background technique [0003] Most bioseparation tools currently used in laboratories employ slab gel-based electrophoresis, which has been routinely used for bioanalysis of biomolecules (i.e., DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates) since its introduction more than 20 years ago. However, slab gel electrophoresis for biological analysis is labor-intensive and requires major improvements in resolving power, throughput, and cost per sample. [0004] Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a microfluidic method for gel electrophoresis (a microchannel device that simplifies gel electrophoresis), and its greatest advantage is its wide range of applications. CE technology has been gener...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the current selling price of CE-based LIF systems is much more expensive than traditional slab gel-based bioanalysis systems due to the complex optical detection mechanism

Hence, expensive CE-based systems are nearly out of reach of all but a few well-funded laboratories and appear to be a high-cost barrier to scaling bioanalytical applications / businesses

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