Fluid processing device for oligonucleotide synthesis and analysis

Abstract

The present teachings provide a fluid processing device adapted to produce different oligomers in a plurality of respective reaction sites. The fluid processing device can comprise a first manifold for delivering reactants to the plurality of reaction sites, and a second manifold for removing waste from, and optionally delivering wash fluid to, the plurality of reaction sites. Surface tension control valves can be disposed in fluid communication with the first manifold and can selectively allow reactants and / or fluids into the reaction sites. A method of making oligonucleotides is also provided.

Description

FIELD [0001] The present teachings relate to fluid processing devices and methods for using the same. BACKGROUND [0002] One of the challenges encountered in fluid processing devices, particularly devices designed for high throughput operations, is how to effectively control fluid flow. It is especially difficult to individually and independently control fluid flow in thousands of micro-channels without resorting to the fabrication of sophisticated valving systems which can make microfluidic devices very expensive. A device and method for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic system is desirable. SUMMARY [0003] According to various embodiments, a fluid processing device is provided that includes a plurality of reaction sites, a first manifold in fluid communication with each of the reaction sites, a second manifold in fluid communication with each of the reaction sites, and at least one surface tension control valve positioned in at least one channel between the first manifold and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] According to various embodiments, a system is provided that can comprise a fluid processing device as described herein, and an electromagnetic radiation source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and directing the radiation toward one or more surface tension control valves in the device. Alternatively or additionally, the system can comprise other valve-actuating devices besides an electromagnetic radiation source. Exemplary actuators can comprise heaters adapted to direct heat toward one or more surface tension control valves, or an electrical source adapted to supply an electrical signal to one or more surface tension control valves. By controlling the one or more surface tension control valves, the systems described herein can be used in directing the flow of reaction components in an order useful for carrying out an oligonucleotide synthesis reaction within one or more of the plurality of reaction sites.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a system is provided that comprises an electromagnetic radiation source or other actuating source, a reflective device, a pump, and a thermocycler. The system can be adapted so that the reflective device can direct electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation source toward the one or more surface tension control valves to selectively open or close the respective one or more surface tension control valves. The pump can be adapted to add or remove materials from the channels and reaction sites. The thermocycler can be adapted to control the temperature of the reaction sites, for example, to promote an isothermal or thermally cycled nucleic acid sequence amplification and/or detection assay. The system can comprise one or more control units to control the actuating source, to control the reflective device, to control the pump, and/or to control the thermocycler.

[0007] A

Problems solved by technology

One of the challenges encountered in fluid processing devices, particularly devices designed for high throughput operations, is how to effectively control fluid flow.

It is especially difficult to individually and independently control fluid flow in thousands of micro-channels without resorting to the fabrication of sophisticated valving systems which can make microfluidic devices very expensive.

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