Ultra high throughput microfluidic analytical systems and methods

Abstract

Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided. Increased throughput and improved emissions detection is provided by the present invention by simultaneously illuminating multiple parallel microchannels at a non-normal incidence using an excitation beam including multiple excitation frequencies, and simultaneously detecting emissions from the substances in the microchannels in a direction normal to the substrate using a detection module with multiple detectors.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for performing chemical and biological analyses. More particularly, the present invention relates to the design and use of an analyzer system which employs analytical substrates evaluated in a modular interface structure having one or more interchangeable modules with varying functionality for interfacing with an arrangement of analytical and control systems instruments. [0002] Numerous systems and instruments are available for performing chemical, clinical, and environmental analyses of chemical and biological specimens. Conventional systems may employ a variety of detection devices for monitoring a chemical or physical change which is related to the composition or other characteristic of the specimen being tested. Such instruments includes spectrophotometers, fluorometers, light detectors, radioactive counters, magnetometers galvanometers, reflectometers, ultrasonic detectors, tempera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved analytical system and method for performing various analytical and control functions using a modular interface structure for interfacing with a plurality of instrument connectors. The modular interface structure allows for cost-effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular sample or class of samples. The invention also provides an optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels, which increases throughput and emissions detection. The system includes an illumination source, focussing optics, and detection optics for directing the excitation and detection of emitted radiation towards the detection optics. The method includes the steps of detecting an absence of electric current between the first and second terminals, and automatically refilling the fluid reservoir in response to the absence of current. The invention also provides an analytical system with a sample substrate having a plurality of substrate reservoirs and microchannels, and a modular interface for interfacing with a plurality of instrument connectors."

Problems solved by technology

As a result, most analyzers are intended to work only with a single type of sample-receiving substrate and are not readily adaptable to be used with other substrates.

Because of the variety of analytical techniques and potentially complex sample flow patterns that may be incorporated into particular microfluidic test substrates, significant demands may be placed on the analytical units which support the test substrates.

Because of such variety and complexity, many if not most of the test substrates will require specifically configured analyzers in order to perform a particular test.

The need to provide one dedicated analyzer for every substrate and test, however, will significantly reduce the flexibility and cost advantages of the microfluidic systems.

Additionally, for a specifically configured analyzer, test substrates are generally only useful for performing a limited number of assay formats and functions.

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