Reagent dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A reagent dispensing apparatus for loading reagents into a microfluidic device having a digital memory for data related to the reagents loaded into the microfluidic device, the reagent dispensing apparatus having a plurality of reagent vials each of the vials having an integrated circuit with memory storing data regarding the reagent in the vial, and a droplet dispenser, a mounting surface for detachably mounting the microfluidic device for movement relative to the vials, and, a control processor for operative control of the vials and the mounting surface, wherein, the control processor is configured to activate the droplet dispenser of the vial selected, move the vial into registration with the microfluidic device and download the data from the integrated circuit to the digital memory of the microfluidic device.

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 reagent dispensing apparatus provides for an automated and volumetrically and positionally precise reagent dispensing technique, simplifying the complexity, increasing the reliability, increasing the security, increasing the safety, and reducing the cost of the automated manufacturing environment.

[0090]The data automation provided by the reagent dispensing apparatus 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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