Dialysis device with multi-layer structure

Abstract

A dialysis device for dialysis of a fluid containing constituents of different sizes, the dialysis device having a first layer of material defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel configured for receiving the fluid which contains constituents of different sizes, a second layer having a plurality of apertures open to the first channel and at least one fluid connection leading from the apertures to the second channel for establishing fluid communication between the first channel and the second channel, wherein, the apertures are sized in accordance with a predetermined size threshold such that the constituents flowing to the second channel are smaller constituents that are smaller than the predetermined size threshold, and the constituents retained in the first channel include larger constituents which are larger than the predetermined size threshold.

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

[0088]The easily usable, mass-producible, and inexpensive microfluidic multichip assembly accepts a biochemical sample, uses a dialysis chip for separating the cells of different dimensions, and separately processes the nucleic acid content of the cells separated based on their dimensions. The dialysis chip functionality extract additional information from the sample and increases the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range of the assay system.

[0089]The microfluidic multichip assembly provides for higher modularity. Surface-micromachined chips in the assembly would each be much smaller and disproportionately cheaper that a monolithic chip capable of providing the total functionality of the assembly. Alternatively a large yet cost-effective dialysis chip can provide a high level of dialysis capacity providing for further increased sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range for the assay system.

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.

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