Apparatus and method for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit are disclosed. According to a specific implementation, an apparatus includes a kit including a plurality of side walls and end walls forming a recess. A reagent is disposed within the recess, and a floating cap is disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess. The floating cap covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

Description

[0001] Related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 456,074, filed on March 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Reducing or preventing oxidation of reagents stored / transported in and delivered from a kit can be a challenge. In many processes, reagents are stored / transported in and delivered from a kit that has a lid or sealing foil positioned over a recess containing the reagent to reduce or prevent oxidation of the reagent in the kit. Summary of the invention

[0004] By providing an apparatus, a kit, and a method for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit, advantages and benefits over the prior art as described later in this disclosure can be achieved. Various specific implementations of the apparatus, kit, and method are described below, and the apparatus, kit, and method (including and excluding the additional specific implementations listed below) in any combination (provided that these combinations are not inconsistent) can overcome these disadvantages and achieve the benefits described herein.

[0005] According to a first specific implementation, an apparatus includes a reagent box including a plurality of side walls and end walls forming a groove. A reagent is disposed in the groove, and a floating cover is disposed on the top surface of the reagent in the groove. The floating cover covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0006] According to a second specific implementation, an apparatus includes a reagent box, the reagent box including a plurality of side walls and end walls forming a groove. A reagent is disposed in the groove, and a plurality of plastic pellets are disposed on the top surface of the reagent in the groove. The plurality of plastic pellets cover a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0007] According to a third embodiment, a device includes a reagent box, the reagent box includes a plurality of side walls and end walls forming a groove. A reagent is disposed in the groove, and oil is disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the groove. The oil covers the top surface of the reagent.

[0008] According to a fourth embodiment, the test kit includes a body including an end wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the end wall, the end wall and the plurality of side walls forming a plurality of grooves. An opening extends through the end wall and into one of the plurality of grooves. A floating cover is disposed in one of the plurality of grooves, and a lid is positioned on the body and covers at least a portion of the plurality of grooves.

[0009] According to a fifth specific implementation, a method includes: filling at least a portion of a recess of a reagent kit with a reagent, the reagent kit including a plurality of side walls and end walls forming the recess; and positioning a floating cover on a top surface of the reagent in the recess so that the floating cover covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0010] According to a sixth specific implementation, an apparatus includes a body and a cover. The body includes a plurality of side walls and a bottom surface forming a reagent reservoir. The bottom surface includes a port. The cover is movably disposed in the reagent reservoir and includes a protrusion extending toward the bottom surface. The protrusion engages with the bottom surface to prevent the cover from blocking fluid from flowing through the port.

[0011] According to a seventh embodiment, a device includes a body and a cover. The body includes a plurality of side walls and a bottom surface forming a reagent reservoir. The cover is movably disposed in the reagent reservoir.

[0012] According to an eighth specific implementation, a method for performing nucleic acid sequencing using the device of any one of specific implementations 1 to 4 or 6 to 7 includes: removing a first portion of the reagent from the groove at a first time; and removing a second portion of the reagent from the groove at a second time, the second time being at least 36 hours after the first time, wherein the chemical properties of the reagent are not reduced.

[0013] According to a ninth embodiment, a device includes a reagent kit, the reagent kit including a recess, a reagent disposed in the recess, and a cover disposed in the recess.

[0014] Further according to the aforementioned first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, fourth embodiment, fifth embodiment, sixth embodiment, seventh embodiment, eighth embodiment and / or ninth embodiment, a device, a kit and / or a method may further include or contain any one or more of the following:

[0015] In one implementation, the top surface of the floating cover is convex.

[0016] In another specific implementation, the floating cover includes a first plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a bottom surface of the floating cover.

[0017] In another specific implementation, the floating cover includes a second plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a top surface of the floating cover.

[0018] In another implementation, the first plurality of protrusions are axially aligned with the second plurality of protrusions.

[0019] In another specific implementation, the floating cover includes at least one opening formed through the floating cover and configured to receive at least one of a pipette, a rinse tube, and / or an additional reagent container.

[0020] In another specific implementation, the apparatus includes a post having an outer shape configured to be positioned with a groove substantially parallel to the sidewall, and the floating cover includes a guide opening having a shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the post. The floating cover is disposed in the groove with the post extending through the guide opening.

[0021] In another specific implementation, the apparatus includes a support positioned at an end of the column, the support having at least two legs extending toward and to the respective side walls.

[0022] In another embodiment, the column and the support member form an integral one-piece unit.

[0023] In another specific implementation, each of the plurality of plastic pellets has at least one of a cubic shape, an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, or an ellipsoidal shape.

[0024] In another specific implementation, the plurality of plastic pellets each have a maximum axial length of between about 3.0 mm and about 4.0 mm.

[0025] In another specific implementation, the plurality of plastic pellets each have a maximum axial length of less than about 1.5 mm.

[0026] In another specific implementation, the oil is one of mineral oil or silicone oil.

[0027] In another specific implementation, the method includes positioning a post within the groove generally parallel to the sidewall, the post having an exterior shape; and positioning a floating cover within the groove such that the post extends through a guide opening in the floating cover.

[0028] In another implementation, the device includes a reagent disposed in a reagent reservoir.

[0029] In another specific implementation, the reagent includes a liquid reagent.

[0030] In another specific implementation, the reagent includes a dry reagent.

[0031] In another implementation, each of the protrusions has an outwardly facing surface that engages or interacts with the sidewall.

[0032] In another implementation, the outwardly facing surface corresponds to a side wall.

[0033] In another implementation, the outwardly facing surface has a flat portion.

[0034] In another implementation, the cover includes a second protrusion extending away from the bottom surface.

[0035] In another implementation, each of the second protrusions has an outwardly facing surface that engages the side wall.

[0036] In another implementation, interaction between the second protrusion and the sidewall prevents the cover from rotating within the reagent reservoir.

[0037] In another implementation, the lengths of the protrusion and the second protrusion are similar or identical.

[0038] In another specific implementation, the length of the protrusion is smaller than the length of the second protrusion.

[0039] In another implementation, one or more of the protrusions or the second protrusion has a semicircular cross-section.

[0040] In another specific implementation, the reagent reservoir has an opening, further comprising a liquid-impermeable barrier covering the reagent reservoir opening.

[0041] In another specific implementation, the liquid-impermeable barrier comprises a foil or a thin plastic sheet.

[0042] In another implementation, the device includes a cover covering the liquid-impermeable barrier and coupled to the body.

[0043] In another embodiment, the cover includes an opening to allow the liquid-impermeable barrier to enter through the opening.

[0044] In another specific implementation, the cover enables temperature control of the reagents within the reagent reservoir.

[0045] In another specific implementation, the second time is at least 10 days after the first time.

[0046] In another specific implementation, the second time is at least 15 days after the first time.

[0047] In another specific implementation, the cover includes a floating cover disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the floating cover covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0048] In another specific implementation, the cover includes oil disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the oil covering the top surface of the reagent.

[0049] In another specific implementation, the cover includes a plurality of plastic pellets disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the plurality of plastic pellets covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0050] In another specific implementation, the cover includes a plurality of beads disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the plurality of beads covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

[0051] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein and / or can be combined to achieve particular benefits of particular aspects. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first implementation of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit;

[0053] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the device with the cover removed;

[0054] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 The line AA in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0055] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a floating cover of a device;

[0056] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit;

[0057] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 5 The line BB intercepts Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0058] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the floating cover, columns and supports of the device;

[0059] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a reagent kit;

[0060] Fig. 9 Shown along Figure 8 The line CC intercepts Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0061] Fig.10 Shown along Figure 8 The line DD intercepts Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0062] Fig.11 Shows Figure 8 A perspective view of a floating cover of a device;

[0063] Fig.12 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a reagent kit;

[0064] Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 A perspective view of the device with the cover removed;

[0065] Fig.14 Shows Fig.12 A top perspective view of a floating cover of a device;

[0066] Fig.15 Shows Fig.12 A bottom perspective view of a floating cover of the device;

[0067] Fig.16 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a reagent kit;

[0068] Fig.17 showing a perspective view of the apparatus according to claim 16 with the cover removed;

[0069] Fig.18 Shown along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the device according to claim 16 taken along line EE;

[0070] Fig.19 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for reducing oxidation of reagents in a reagent kit;

[0071] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 A perspective view of the device with the cover removed;

[0072] Fig.21 Shown along Fig.19 The line FF is intercepted Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0073] Fig. 22 A first specific implementation of a method for reducing oxidation of reagents in a kit is shown; and

[0074] Fig.23 A schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a system according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Although the following text discloses a detailed description of a specific implementation of the method, apparatus and / or article, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property rights is defined by the text of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Therefore, the following detailed description should be understood to be merely exemplary and does not describe every possible specific implementation, because it is impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible specific implementation. Many alternative specific implementations can be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is contemplated that such alternative specific implementations will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0076] In many processes, reagents are stored / shipped and delivered in and from a kit that has a lid or sealing foil positioned over the well containing the reagent to reduce or prevent oxidation of the reagent in the kit. However, the ability to reduce or prevent oxidation of the reagent is greatly reduced if the lid is removed, if the lid does not provide an adequate airtight seal, if oxygen is present in the well when the lid is on, or after the sealing foil is punctured.

[0077] In general, the rate at which oxygen diffuses into the reagent is proportional to: the percentage of oxygen in the headspace above the reagent in the recess; the exposed reagent surface area; and the diffusion coefficients of the oxygen and reagent.

[0078] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to equipment, test kit and method for reducing the oxidation of reagent in test kit.In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more engineering control agents (such as floating capping, plastic pellets or oil) are added to the top surface of the reagent in the reagent groove to cover the major part of the reagent.These engineering control agents reduce the speed of oxygen diffusion from the head space in the groove to the reagent by reducing the surface area of ​​the reagent exposed to oxygen.

[0079] Figures 1 to 4The first specific implementation of the device 100 that can be used to reduce the oxidation of reagents in the test kit is shown. In this specific implementation, the device 100 includes a test kit 102, and the test kit has a body 104, and the body has an end wall 108 or a bottom and a plurality of side walls 106 extending from the end wall 108. According to the design and use of the test kit 102, the side wall 106 and the end wall 108 of the body 104 can form a groove 112 or a plurality of grooves. Reagent 114 can be arranged in the groove 112, and an opening 110 can be formed in the end wall 108, is communicated with the groove 112 fluid, and extends through the end wall 108 and enters the groove 112, to extract reagent 114 from the groove 112 during operation. Opening 110 can be referred to as a port. Reagent 114 can be a liquid reagent or a dry reagent. Reagent 114 can be omitted from the groove 112 alternatively and / or added at a later time. A floating cover 120 may also be disposed on the top surface 116 of the reagent 114 in the recess 112 to reduce oxidation of the reagent 114 and, in some cases, aid in temperature control of the reagent 114. For example, the floating cover 120 may allow the reagent 114 to be maintained at a threshold temperature.

[0080] The floating cover 120 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, so that the floating cover 120 will float on the top surface 116 of the reagent 114, covering most of the top surface 116 of the reagent 114, and reducing the gap formed between the edge of the floating cover 120 and the side wall 106. The cover 118 can also be positioned on the body 104 to cover at least a portion of the plurality of recesses, and in some embodiments, to cover all of the plurality of recesses.

[0081] The top surface 124 of floating cover 120 can have a convex arc surface. This allows reagent 114 to be added to groove 112 when floating cover 120 has been positioned in groove 112. When reagent is added to groove 112, reagent will flow to circumference 122 from the convex top surface 124 of floating cover 120, and will enter groove 112 through the gap formed between circumference 122 and sidewall 106. Circumference 122 can be referred to as periphery, outer boundary and / or outer surface. Circumference 122 can have any profile comprising one or more straight surfaces and / or one or more curved surfaces, and / or can form any shape with any number of limits. Reagent can be added to groove 112 from opening 110 additionally or alternatively.

[0082] like Figure 4As best shown, the floating cover 120 can have a first plurality of protrusions 128 located at locations around the circumference 122 and extending downwardly from a bottom surface 126 of the floating cover 120. The first plurality of protrusions 128 can be used to prevent the floating cover 120 from tilting and thus possibly getting stuck in the groove 112, and to prevent the floating cover 120 from contacting and possibly getting stuck on the end wall 108 when the level of the reagent 114 is low. The protrusions 128 can engage the end wall 108 and space the floating cover 120 from the opening 110 and prevent the floating cover 120 from blocking fluid flow through the opening 112. The floating cover 120 may also include a second plurality of protrusions 130 that may be located at the same locations around the circumference 122 as the first plurality of protrusions 128, axially aligned with the first plurality of protrusions 128, or located at other locations around the circumference 122 and extending upward from the top surface 124 of the floating cover 120, opposite the first plurality of protrusions 128. The second plurality of protrusions 130, alone or in conjunction with the first plurality of protrusions 128, may also prevent the floating cover 120 from tilting and potentially getting stuck within the groove 112. The eight pairs of protrusions 128, 130 are arranged to engage and / or interact with different portions and / or surfaces of the groove 112. For example, any other number of protrusions 128 and / or 130 may alternatively be included based on the shape of the groove 112. Alternatively, the first plurality of protrusions 128 and / or the second plurality of protrusions 130 may be circumferential walls extending from the top surface 124 and / or the bottom surface 126 , respectively, of the floating cover 120 , rather than a single protrusion.

[0083] Figures 5 to 7 A second embodiment of an apparatus 200 that can be used to reduce oxidation of a reagent in a reagent kit is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes a reagent kit 202 having a body 204 with an end wall 208 or bottom and a plurality of side walls 206 extending from the end wall 208. Depending on the design and use of the reagent kit 202, the side walls 206 and the end walls 208 of the body 204 can form a recess 212 or a plurality of recesses. A reagent 214 can be disposed in the recess 212, and an opening 210 can be formed in the end wall 208 in fluid communication with the recess 212 and extending through the end wall 208 and into the recess 212 to extract the reagent 214 from the recess 212 during operation. A floating cover 220 can also be disposed on a top surface 216 of the reagent 214 in the recess 212 to reduce oxidation of the reagent 214 and, in some cases, to assist in temperature control of the reagent 214. The floating cover 220 is similar to Figure 1 The floating cover 120. The floating cover 220 has a different shape corresponding to the groove 212 and includes a guide opening 232, as further disclosed below.

[0084] The floating cover 220 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, so that the floating cover 220 will float on the top surface 216 of the reagent 214, covering most of the top surface 216 of the reagent 214, and the gap formed between the edge of the floating cover 220 and the side wall 206 is minimized. The cover 218 can also be positioned on the body 204 to cover at least a portion of the plurality of recesses, and in some embodiments, to cover all of the plurality of recesses. The cover 218 defines holes that allow associated instruments (such as Fig.23 The piercer of system 2100) pierces the liquid-impermeable barrier.

[0085] The top surface 224 of the floating cover 220 can have a convex arc surface. This allows the reagent 214 to be added to the groove 212 when the floating cover 220 is already positioned in the groove 212. When the reagent is added to the groove 212, the reagent will flow from the convex top surface 224 of the floating cover 220 to the circumference 222, and will enter the groove 212 through the gap formed between the circumference 222 and the sidewall 206.

[0086] like Figure 7 As best shown, the floating cover 220 can have a first plurality of protrusions 228 located at locations around the circumference 222 and extending downwardly from a bottom surface 226 of the floating cover 220. The first plurality of protrusions 228 can be used to prevent the floating cover 220 from tilting and thus possibly getting stuck in the groove 212, and to prevent the floating cover 220 from contacting and possibly getting stuck on the end wall 208 when the level of the reagent 214 is low. Although not shown in this specific implementation, the floating cover 220 can also include a second plurality of protrusions (such as the second plurality of protrusions 130 described above), which can be located at the same locations around the circumference 222 as the first plurality of protrusions 228, axially aligned with the first plurality of protrusions 228, or located at other locations around the circumference 222 and extending upwardly from the top surface 224 of the floating cover 220, opposite the first plurality of protrusions 228. The second plurality of protrusions, alone or in conjunction with the first plurality of protrusions 228, may also prevent the floating cover 220 from tilting and possibly getting stuck in the groove 212. Alternatively, the first plurality of protrusions 228 and / or the second plurality of protrusions may be circumferential walls extending from the top surface 224 and / or the bottom surface 226 of the floating cover 220, respectively, rather than a single protrusion.

[0087] The apparatus 200 may also include a guide structure that guides the floating cover 220 in a vertical manner and helps prevent the floating cover 220 from tilting. Figure 6 and Figure 7, the device 200 may also include a column 234 that is configured to be positioned in the groove 212, generally parallel to the side wall 206. The column 234 has an outer shape (a "cross" shape or a "plus sign" shape as shown), and the floating cover 220 has a guide opening 232 that has a shape that is generally the same as the outer shape of the column 234 but slightly larger. The column 234 extends through the guide opening 232 in the floating cover 220, and the column 234 can help guide the floating cover 220 in a vertical direction when the floating cover 220 is set in the groove 212. In addition, in order to maintain the column 234 in a vertical position and parallel to the side wall 206, a support member 236 can be positioned at or near the end of the column 234 and have a leg 238 that extends outward from the column 234 toward the corresponding side wall and reaches the corresponding side wall 206. As shown Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the support member 236 has four legs 238, but any number of legs 238 may be provided for a particular application and a particular recess shape. Generally, at least two legs 238 pointing in generally opposite directions should be used to provide support for the column 234. Each leg 238 may also have a support foot 240 disposed at the end of the leg 238, the support foot extending generally perpendicular to the leg 238 and generally parallel to the corresponding side wall 206 to help support the column 234 and support member 236 between the side walls 206 within the recess 212. As shown, in some implementations, the column 234 and support member 236 may be an integral, one-piece unit, but may also be two separate units fixed, connected, or attached together.

[0088] Figures 8 to 11 A third specific implementation of a device 300 that can be used to reduce the oxidation of reagents in a test kit is shown. In this specific implementation, the device 300 includes a test kit 302 having a body 304 with an end wall 308 or bottom and a plurality of side walls 306 extending from the end wall 308. The test kit 302 can be configured to be pressurized to allow the reagents contained in the test kit 302 to be pushed out of the test kit 302 under positive pressure. Depending on the design and use of the test kit 302, the side walls 306 and end walls 308 of the body 304 can form a groove 312 or a plurality of grooves. A reagent 314 can be disposed in the groove 312, and an opening 310 can be formed in the end wall 308, in fluid communication with the groove 312, and extending through the end wall 308 and into the groove 312, to extract the reagent 314 from the groove 312 during operation. A floating cover 320 may also be disposed on the top surface 316 of the reagent 314 in the recess 312 to reduce oxidation of the reagent 314 and, in some cases, aid in temperature control of the reagent 314 .

[0089] The floating cover 320 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, so that the floating cover 320 will float on the top surface 316 of the reagent 314, covering most of the top surface 316 of the reagent 314, and the gap formed between the edge of the floating cover 320 and the side wall 306 is minimized. A cover 318 can also be positioned on the body 304 to cover at least a portion of the plurality of recesses, and in some implementations, to cover all of the plurality of recesses.

[0090] The top surface 324 of the floating cover 320 can have a convex arcuate surface. This allows the reagent 314 to be added to the groove 312 when the floating cover 320 is already positioned in the groove 312. When the reagent is added to the groove 312, the reagent will flow from the convex top surface 324 of the floating cover 320 to the circumference 322 and will enter the groove 312 through the gap formed between the circumference 322 and the sidewall 306. In addition, the floating cover 320 can have any desired circumferential shape suitable for a given groove. For example, Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the floating cover 320 has generally parallel linear sides and tapered ends to fit within the groove 312 .

[0091] like Fig.11 As best shown, the floating cover 320 can have a first plurality of protrusions 328 located at locations around the circumference 322 and extending downwardly from a bottom surface 326 of the floating cover 320. The first plurality of protrusions 328 can be used to prevent the floating cover 320 from tilting and potentially getting stuck in the groove 312, and to prevent the floating cover 320 from contacting the end wall 308 and potentially getting stuck on the end wall when the level of the reagent 314 is low. The floating cover 320 can also include a second plurality of protrusions 330, which can be located at the same locations around the circumference 322 as the first plurality of protrusions 328, axially aligned with the first plurality of protrusions 328, or located at other locations around the circumference 322, and extending upwardly from the top surface 324 of the floating cover 320, opposite the first plurality of protrusions 328. The second plurality of protrusions 330, alone or in conjunction with the first plurality of protrusions 328, can also prevent the floating cover 320 from tilting and potentially getting stuck in the groove 312. Alternatively, the first plurality of protrusions 328 and / or the second plurality of protrusions 330 may be circumferential walls extending from the top surface 324 and / or the bottom surface 326 , respectively, of the floating cover 320 , rather than a single protrusion.

[0092] Figures 12 to 15A fourth embodiment of a device 400 that can be used to reduce oxidation of reagents in a test kit is shown. In this embodiment, the device 400 includes a test kit 402 having a body 404 with an end wall 408 or bottom and a plurality of side walls 406 extending from the end wall 408. Depending on the design and use of the test kit 402, the side walls 406 and end walls 408 of the body 404 can form a groove 412 or a plurality of grooves. The reagent 414 can be disposed in the groove 412. A floating cover 420 can also be disposed on the top surface 416 of the reagent 414 in the groove 412 to reduce oxidation of the reagent 414 and to help temperature control of the reagent 414 in some cases.

[0093] The floating cover 420 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, so that the floating cover 420 will float on the top surface 416 of the reagent 414, covering most of the top surface 416 of the reagent 414, and the gap formed between the edge of the floating cover 420 and the side wall 406 is minimized. A cover 418 can also be positioned on the body 404 to cover at least a portion of the recess 412 or multiple recesses, and in some specific implementations, if multiple recesses are present, to cover all of the multiple recesses.

[0094] The top surface 424 of the floating cover 420 can have a convex arc surface. This allows the reagent 414 to be added to the groove 412 when the floating cover 420 is already positioned in the groove 412. When the reagent 414 is added to the groove 412, the reagent 414 will flow from the convex top surface 424 of the floating cover 420 to the circumference 422, and will enter the groove 412 through the gap formed between the circumference 422 and the sidewall 406.

[0095] Despite Figures 12 to 15412. Although not shown in the specific implementation of FIG. 414, the floating cover 420 can have a first plurality of protrusions similar to the first plurality of protrusions 128, which are located at positions around the circumference 422 and extend downward from the bottom surface 426 of the floating cover 420. The first plurality of protrusions can be used to prevent the floating cover 420 from tilting and thus possibly getting stuck in the groove 412, and to prevent the floating cover 420 from contacting the end wall 408 and possibly getting stuck on the end wall when the liquid level of the reagent 414 is low. The floating cover 420 can also include a second plurality of protrusions similar to the second plurality of protrusions 130, which can be located at the same position around the circumference 422 as the first plurality of protrusions, axially aligned with the first plurality of protrusions, or located at other positions around the circumference 422, and extend upward from the top surface 424 of the floating cover 420, opposite the first plurality of protrusions. The second plurality of protrusions, alone or in combination with the first plurality of protrusions, can also prevent the floating cover 420 from tilting and possibly getting stuck in the groove 412. Alternatively, the first plurality of protrusions and / or the second plurality of protrusions may be circumferential walls extending from the top surface 424 and / or the bottom surface 426 of the floating cover 420, respectively, rather than a single protrusion.

[0096] The floating cover 420 may also include at least one opening 442 formed through the floating cover 420, which may be configured to receive additional structures, such as a straw, a rinse tube, and / or an additional reagent container. Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the floating cover 420 includes a first opening 442a, a second opening 442b, and a third opening 442c, wherein the first opening is configured to receive a suction tube 444 therethrough, the second opening is configured to receive a flushing tube 446 therethrough, and the third opening is configured to receive an additional reagent container 448 therethrough. Fig.15 As shown, the floating cover 420 may also have a cylindrical or partially cylindrical wall 428 that surrounds or at least partially surrounds at least one of the openings 442 and extends downwardly from a bottom surface 426 of the floating cover 420. The wall 428 may be used to prevent the floating cover 420 from tilting and thus possibly getting stuck in the groove 412, and to prevent the floating cover 420 from contacting the end wall 408 and possibly getting stuck on the end wall when the liquid level of the reagent 414 is low.

[0097] Figures 16 to 18A fifth embodiment of a device 500 that can be used to reduce oxidation of reagents in a test kit is shown. Similar to device 100, in this embodiment, device 500 includes a test kit 502 having a body 504 with an end wall 508 or bottom and a plurality of side walls 506 extending from the end wall 508. Depending on the design and use of the test kit 502, the side walls 506 and end walls 508 of the body 504 can form a groove 512 or a plurality of grooves. Reagents 514 can be disposed in the grooves 512, and openings 510 can be formed in the end walls 508, in fluid communication with the grooves 512, and extending through the end walls 508 and into the grooves 512 to extract reagents 514 from the grooves 512 during operation. A plurality of pellets, plastic pellets 550 can also be disposed on the top surface 516 of the reagents 514 in the grooves 512 to reduce oxidation of the reagents 514. In some implementations, pellets 550 may be made of any suitable material, such as any material that is compatible with the reagent and has a density less than that of the reagent. One or more layers of plastic pellets 550 float on the top surface 516 of the reagent 513 and cover a majority of the top surface 516 of the reagent 514, and each plastic pellet has at least one of a cubic shape, an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, or an ellipsoidal shape. The use of plastic pellets 550 may provide an oxygen barrier effectiveness of approximately 65-80% and produce minimal compatibility risk with the reagent 514. Plastic pellets 550 may be made of Braskem HDPE, but may alternatively be made of any suitable material, such as Bormed LDPE, Marlex HDPE, DT3300 PP, or Profax PD702 PP. Therefore, in some implementations, pellets 550 may not be made of plastic. In addition, in order to provide the sufficient coverage of the top surface 516 of reagent 512 and reduce the volume of the passage between each plastic pellet, plastic pellet 550 can each have the maximum axial length between about 3.0mm to about 4.0mm. If suitable for given application, micro pellets can also be used, in which case, plastic pellets 550 will each have the maximum axial length less than about 1.5mm. Micro pellets occupy much less head space volume, and the higher surface coverage percentage (due to the gap of the reduction between the pellets) of reagent 514 can be provided. Lid 518 can also be positioned on main body 504, to cover at least a portion of a plurality of grooves, and in some specific implementations, cover all of a plurality of grooves.

[0098] To avoid contamination of the reagent 514, the plastic pellet 550 should be cleaned before being placed in the recess 512. This can be done by deionization, washing (e.g., using fluid agitation to remove and filter out contaminants, ultrasonic washing using, for example, a Jayco Ultrasonic Cleaner, ultrasonic agitation, continuous filtration of solvents with particles using a 5 μm filter, etc.), dust removal and washing (e.g., using a Pelletron De-Duster), etc.

[0099] Figures 19 to 21 A sixth specific implementation of a device 600 that can be used to reduce the oxidation of a reagent in a test kit is shown. Similar to device 100, in this specific implementation, device 600 includes a test kit 602 having a body 604 with an end wall 608 or bottom and a plurality of side walls 606 extending from the end wall 608. Depending on the design and use of the test kit 602, the side walls 606 and end walls 608 of the body 604 can form a groove 612 or a plurality of grooves. A reagent 614 can be disposed in the groove 612, and an opening 610 can be formed in the end wall 608, in fluid communication with the groove 612, and extending through the end wall 608 and into the groove 612 to extract the reagent 614 from the groove 612 during operation. An oil 655 can also be disposed on a top surface 616 of the reagent 614 in the groove 612 to reduce the oxidation of the reagent 614. The oil 655 can be one of a mineral oil or a silicone oil, or any other type of oil that can provide an oxygen barrier and will not react with the reagent 614. The use of oil 655 on the top surface 616 of the reagent 614 can provide an oxygen barrier effectiveness of greater than 85% and use only a small additional headspace volume for the oil 655. A cover 618 can also be positioned on the body 604 to cover at least a portion of the plurality of recesses, and in some implementations to cover all of the plurality of recesses.

[0100] refer to Fig. 22 , showing the use of Figures 1 to 15 The first specific implementation of the method for reducing the oxidation of reagent by the equipment shown in and mentioned above. In this specific implementation, at frame 700, a test kit is provided, which comprises an end wall or a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the end wall. The end wall and the plurality of side walls form a groove. At frame 710, at least a portion of the groove is filled with reagent. At frame 720, a floating cap is positioned on the top surface of the reagent in the groove so that the floating cap floats on the top surface of the reagent and covers the major part of the top surface of the reagent.

[0101] In some implementations, the top surface of the floating cover can be convex to allow reagents added to the groove after the floating cover is positioned in the groove to flow out of the floating cover, between the gaps formed by the edges and sidewalls of the floating cover, and into the groove. In these implementations, the floating cover can be positioned within the groove before filling the groove with the reagent.

[0102] In other specific implementations, the floating cover may have a first plurality of protrusions located at positions around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from the bottom surface of the floating cover to prevent the floating cover from tilting and getting stuck in the groove and to keep the floating cover at a distance from the end wall when the liquid level of the reagent is low. If appropriate, the floating cover may also have a second plurality of protrusions that may be axially aligned with the first plurality of protrusions, located at positions around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from the top surface of the floating cover.

[0103] In other embodiments, the floating cover can have at least one opening, and possibly a plurality of openings, formed through the floating cover and configured to receive at least one of a pipette, a rinse tube, and / or an additional reagent container.

[0104] In other embodiments, the post can be positioned with the groove, generally parallel to the sidewall. The post can have an outer shape, and the guide opening in the floating cover can have a shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the post, but slightly larger. The floating cover can then be positioned within the groove so that the post extends through the guide opening in the floating cover. The post can also include a support member, which in some embodiments forms an integral, one-piece unit with the post, and is positioned at or near the end of the post. The support member can have at least two or more legs extending away from the post and toward and to the respective sidewall to support the post within the groove.

[0105] Fig.23 A schematic diagram of an implementation of a system 2100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. The system 2100 can be used to perform analysis, such as nucleic acid sequencing, on one or more samples of interest. The sample can include one or more DNA clusters that have been linearized to form single-stranded DNA (sstDNA). In the illustrated implementation, the system 2100 receives a reagent cartridge 2102 and includes, in part, a drive assembly 2104, a controller 2106, an imaging system 2108, and a waste reservoir 2109. The reagent cartridge 2102 can be comprised of Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Fig.16 In other specific implementations, the reagent kit 2202 may be implemented by any one of the reagent kits 102, 202, and 502. Figure 8 , Fig.12The reagent kit 2102 may be implemented in any one of the reagent kits 302 and 402. However, the reagent kit 2102 may be implemented in different ways.

[0106] The controller 2106 is electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the drive assembly 2104 and the imaging system 2108 and causes the drive assembly 2104 and / or the imaging system 2108 to perform various functions as disclosed herein. In an alternative implementation, the system 2100 may include a pipette assembly that includes a pipette for aspirating reagents from the reagent box 2101. For example, when coupled to Fig.12 When used with the reagent cartridge 402 of the reagent cartridge 402, the system 2100 may include a pipette assembly. The system 2100 may additionally or alternatively include a gas source and a regulator that can pressurize the reagent cartridge 2102 and use positive pressure to push the reagent out of the reagent cartridge 2102.

[0107] The reagent cartridge 2102 carries the sample of interest and may be referred to as a consumable. The drive assembly 2104 may interface with the reagent cartridge 2102 to rehydrate dry reagents and / or flow one or more liquid reagents (e.g., A, T, G, C nucleotides) through the reagent cartridge 2102 to interact with the sample.

[0108] In one embodiment, a reversible terminator is attached to a reagent to allow each cycle to be incorporated into a single nucleotide by sstDNA. In some such embodiments, one or more nucleotides have a unique fluorescent label that emits a color when excited. The color (or the absence of color) is used to detect the corresponding nucleotide. In the embodiment shown, the imaging system 2108 excites one or more identifiable labels in an identifiable label (e.g., a fluorescent label), and then obtains image data for the identifiable label. The label can be excited by incident light and / or laser, and the image data may include one or more colors emitted by the corresponding label in response to the excitation. The system 2100 can analyze image data (e.g., detection data). The imaging system 2108 can be a fluorescence spectrophotometer including an objective lens and / or a solid-state imaging device. The solid-state imaging device can include a charge coupled device (CCD) and / or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0109] After acquiring the image data, the drive assembly 2104 interfaces with the cartridge 2102 to flow another reaction component (e.g., a reagent), which is then received by the waste reservoir 2109 and / or otherwise depleted by the cartridge 2102. The sstDNA is then ready for another cycle.

[0110] With reference to test kit 2102, in the specific implementation shown, test kit 2102 can be received in the box receptacle 2110 of system 2100, and comprises reagent reservoir 2300, main body 2302, one or more valves 2118 and fluid line 2120.Valve 2118 can selectively actuate, to control the fluid flow through fluid line 2120.One or more valves in valve 2118 can be implemented by rotary valve, pinch valve, flat valve, solenoid valve, check valve, piezoelectric valve etc.Main body 2302 can be formed by solid plastic using injection molding technology and / or additive manufacturing technology.In some specific implementations, reagent reservoir 2114 is formed integrally with main body 2302.In other specific implementations, reagent reservoir 2114 is formed separately and is connected to main body 2302. The reagent reservoir 2114 and / or the reagent cartridge 2102 may include polypropylene and / or cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and overmolded Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or another thermoplastic elastomer. Other materials may prove suitable for the reagent reservoir 2114 and / or the reagent cartridge 2102.

[0111] Test kit 2102 is in fluid communication with circulation cell 2142. In the specific implementation shown, circulation cell 2142 is carried by test kit 2102 and is received via circulation cell receptacle 2147. As used herein, "circulation cell" may include a device with a cap, which extends above the reaction structure to form a flow channel communicated with a plurality of reaction sites of the reaction structure therebetween, and may include a detection device for detecting a specified reaction occurring at or near the reaction site. Alternatively, circulation cell 2142 may be integrated into test kit 2102. In such embodiments, circulation cell receptacle 2147 may not be included in test kit 2102, or at least circulation cell 2142 may be irremovably received in the test kit. As another alternative, circulation cell 2142 may be separated from test kit 2102.

[0112] The reagent cartridge 2102 may include a pump 2156 positioned between the flow cell 2142 and the waste reservoir 2109. The waste reservoir 2109 may be selectively received within a waste reservoir receptacle 2158 of the system 2100. The pump 2156 may be implemented by a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, etc. Although the pump 2156 may be positioned between the flow cell 2142 and the waste reservoir 2109, in other implementations, the pump 2156 may be positioned upstream of the flow cell 2142 or omitted entirely.

[0113] The test kit 2102 includes a body 2302, which includes a sidewall 2304 and a bottom surface 2306 that form a reagent reservoir 2308. The reagent reservoir 2308 can be referred to as a groove. The bottom surface 2306 includes a port 2310. In the specific implementation shown, the test kit 2300 also includes a cap 2312 that is movably arranged in the reagent reservoir 2308. The cap 2312 can be referred to as a floating cap or lid. The cap 2312 includes a protrusion 2314 extending toward the bottom surface 2306. The protrusion 2314 can engage with the bottom surface 2306 to prevent the cap 2312 from blocking the fluid from flowing through the port 2310.

[0114] Each of the protrusions 2314 has an outwardly facing surface 2318 that engages or interacts with the sidewall 2304. The outwardly facing surface 2318 of the protrusion 2314 can correspond to the sidewall 2304. For example, the outwardly facing surface 2318 of the protrusion 2314 can have a flat portion and / or have a contour corresponding to the sidewall 2304.

[0115] In the specific implementation shown, capping 2312 also includes a second projection 2320 extending away from bottom surface 2306. Second projection 2320 has a corresponding outwardly facing surface 2322, which is engaged with sidewall 2304. Second projection 2320 can interact with the outwardly facing wall to prevent capping 2312 from rotating in reagent reservoir 2308. Projection 2314 can also prevent capping 2312 from rotating in groove. In the specific implementation shown, the length of projection 2314 is shown as less than the length of second projection 2320. The length of projection 2314 and second projection 2320 can be similar or identical to that shown in other specific implementations disclosed, or projection 2314 can be longer than second projection 2320. Projection 2314 and / or second projection 2320 can be vertical or slightly tilted inwardly, and / or can include rounded or filleted edges. One or more of projection 2314 or second projection 2320 can have a semicircular cross section. However, the protrusion 2314 and / or the second protrusion 2320 may have any cross-section. Alternatively, the second protrusion 2320 may be omitted.

[0116] The reagent kit 2300 shown includes a reagent 2324 disposed in a reagent reservoir 2308. The reagent 2324 can be a liquid reagent and / or a dry reagent. The reagent 2324 can be omitted alternatively. In some specific implementations, the cap 2312 can achieve temperature control of the reagent 2324 in the reagent reservoir 2308. The cap 2312 can be omitted in other examples, and pellets and / or oil can be used to reduce the oxidation rate of the reagent 2324 alternatively.

[0117] Liquid-tight barrier 2324 is shown covering opening 2325 of reagent reservoir 2308. Liquid-tight barrier 2324 may include a foil or a thin plastic sheet. For example, liquid-tight barrier 2324 may be made of a thin metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil) or a thin plastic sheet (e.g., Saran foil). TM )accomplish.

[0118] The cover 2326 is shown covering the liquid-impermeable barrier 2324 and coupled to the body 2302. The cover 2326 includes an opening 2328 to allow access to the liquid-impermeable barrier 2324 through the opening 2328.

[0119] Referring now to the drive assembly 2104, in the illustrated implementation, the drive assembly 2104 includes a pump drive assembly 2160, a valve drive assembly 2162, and an actuator assembly 2164. The pump drive assembly 2160 interfaces with the pump 2156 to pump fluid through the reagent cartridge 2102, and the valve drive assembly 2162 interfaces with the valve 2118 to control the positioning of the valve 2118. The actuator assembly 2164 interfaces with the reagent reservoir 2308 to pierce the liquid-tight barrier 2324. For example, the actuator assembly 2164 includes a rod 2166 having a distal end 2168 that passes through the aperture 2328 and pierces the liquid-tight barrier 2324. The actuator assembly 2164 may include a linear actuator.

[0120] Referring to the controller 2106, in the illustrated implementation, the controller 2106 includes a user interface 2174, a communication interface 2176, one or more processors 2178, and a memory 2180 storing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors 2178 to perform various functions including the disclosed implementation. The user interface 2174, the communication interface 2176, and the memory 2180 are electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 2178.

[0121] In a specific implementation, the user interface 2174 receives input from the user and provides the user with information associated with the operation of the system 2100 and / or the analysis performed. The user interface 2174 may include a touch screen, a display, a keyboard, a speaker, a mouse, a trackball, and / or a voice recognition system. The touch screen and / or the display may display a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0122] In one implementation, the communication interface 2176 enables communication between the system 2100 and a remote system (e.g., a computer) via a network. The network may include an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, etc. Some communications provided to the remote system may be associated with analysis results, imaging data, etc. generated or otherwise obtained by the system 2100. Some communications provided to the system 2100 may be associated with fluid analysis operations, patient records, and / or protocols to be executed by the system 2100.

[0123] The one or more processors 2178 and / or the system 2100 may include one or more of a processor-based system or a microprocessor-based system. In some implementations, the one or more processors 2178 and / or the system 2100 include a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), a logic circuit, and / or another logic-based device that performs various functions including those described herein.

[0124] Memory 2180 may include one or more of a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), cache, and / or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., permanently, temporarily, for an extended period of time, for buffering, for caching).

[0125] Using any of the above-mentioned devices (e.g., devices 100, 200, 300, or 400), a method for nucleic acid sequencing can be performed that allows the reagent to at least substantially maintain its chemical properties, and therefore the device can be used for a longer time. For example, using devices 100, 200, 300, or 400, the first portion of the reagent can be taken out of the groove at a first time, and the second portion of the reagent can be taken out of the groove at a second time, the second time being at least 36 hours after the first time, wherein due to the oxidation of the reagent, the activity of the reagent chemical property has almost no or no substantial reduction. In some specific implementations, the second time can be at least 10 days after the first time, or in other specific implementations, the second time can be at least 15 days after the first time.

[0126] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the subject technology has been described in detail with reference to various drawings and configurations, it should be understood that these drawings and configurations are only for illustrative purposes and should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject technology.

[0127] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly indicated. In addition, reference to "a specific implementation" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional specific implementations that also include the described features. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, a specific implementation that "includes" or "has" one or more elements having a particular property may include additional elements, whether or not they have that property. In addition, the terms "includes," "has," etc. are used interchangeably herein.

[0128] The terms "connected," "connected," "contacted," "coupled," and the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of discrete arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to: (1) the direct engagement of one component with another component without intervening components (i.e., the components are in direct physical contact); and (2) the engagement of one component with another component with one or more components in between, provided that the one component is "connected to" or "contacted with" or "coupled to" the other component to some extent in operational communication (e.g., electrical, fluidic, physical, optical communication, etc.) with the other component (although there are one or more additional components in between). It should be understood that some components that are in direct physical contact with each other may or may not be in electrical and / or fluidic contact with each other. In addition, two components that are electrically connected, electrically coupled, optically connected, optically coupled, fluidically connected, or fluidically coupled may or may not be in direct physical contact, and one or more other components may be disposed between the two components.

[0129] The terms "substantially", "substantially", "approximately" and "about" used throughout this specification are used to describe and illustrate small fluctuations, such as small fluctuations caused by variations in processing. For example, they may refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0130] There may be many other ways to realize the subject technology. Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, the various functions and elements described herein may be divided differently from those shown and elements. Various modifications to these specific implementations may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other specific implementations. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the subject technology, those of ordinary skill in the art may make many changes and modifications to the subject technology. For example, different numbers of given modules or units may be adopted, one or more different types of given modules or units may be adopted, given modules or units may be added or given modules or units may be omitted.

[0131] Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referenced in conjunction with the explanation of the description of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of each specific implementation described throughout the present disclosure that are known or will later be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the subject technology. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0132] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: A kit, the kit comprising a recess; a reagent, wherein the reagent is disposed in the groove; as well as A floating cover is disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the groove, the floating cover covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The top surface of the floating cover is convex.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The floating cover includes a first plurality of protrusions located at locations around a circumference of the floating cover and extending from a bottom surface of the floating cover.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The floating cover includes a second plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a top surface of the floating cover.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first plurality of protrusions are axially aligned with the second plurality of protrusions.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The floating cover includes at least one opening formed therethrough and configured to receive at least one of a pipette, a rinse tube, and / or an additional reagent container.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The kit includes a plurality of side walls and end walls forming the recess, and the apparatus includes: a post having an exterior shape, the post being configured to be positioned with the recess, generally parallel to the sidewall; wherein the floating cover includes a guide opening having a shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the post; and The floating cover is disposed in the groove with the post extending through the guide opening.

8. The device of claim 7, comprising a support positioned at the end of the column, the support having at least two legs extending towards and reaching the respective side wall.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The column and the support form an integral one-piece unit.

10. A device, comprising: A kit, the kit comprising a recess; a reagent, wherein the reagent is disposed in the groove; as well as A plurality of plastic pellets are disposed on the top surface of the reagent in the groove, and the plurality of plastic pellets cover most of the top surface of the reagent.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of plastic pellets has at least one of a cubic shape, an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, or an ellipsoidal shape.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein: The plurality of plastic pellets each have a maximum axial length of between about 3.0 mm and about 4.0 mm.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein: The plurality of plastic pellets each have a maximum axial length of less than about 1.5 mm.

14. A device, comprising: A kit, the kit comprising a recess; a reagent, wherein the reagent is disposed in the groove; as well as Oil is disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the groove, the oil covering the top surface of the reagent.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The oil is one of mineral oil or silicone oil.

16. A kit, comprising: a body, the body comprising an end wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the end wall, the end wall and the plurality of side walls forming a plurality of grooves; an opening extending through the end wall and into one of the plurality of recesses; a floating cover disposed in the one of the plurality of grooves; as well as A cover is positioned on the body and covers at least a portion of the plurality of grooves.

17. The kit of claim 16, comprising a reagent disposed within the one of the plurality of recesses, wherein the floating cover is disposed on a top surface of the reagent and covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

18. The kit according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein The top surface of the floating cover is convex.

19. The kit according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein The floating cover includes a first plurality of protrusions located at locations around a circumference of the floating cover and extending from a bottom surface of the floating cover.

20. The kit according to claim 19, wherein The floating cover includes a second plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a top surface of the floating cover.

21. The kit according to claim 20, wherein The first plurality of protrusions are axially aligned with the second plurality of protrusions.

22. The kit according to any one of claims 16 to 21, comprising: a post having an exterior shape, the post being configured to be positioned with the one of the plurality of recesses, generally parallel to the sidewall; wherein the floating cover includes a guide opening having a shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the post; and The floating cover is disposed in the groove with the post extending through the guide opening.

23. The kit of claim 22, comprising a support positioned at the end of the column, the support having at least two legs extending towards and reaching the respective side wall.

24. The kit according to claim 23, wherein The column and the support form an integral one-piece unit.

25. A method comprising: filling at least a portion of the well of the reagent cartridge with a reagent; as well as A floating cover is positioned on a top surface of the reagent within the recess such that the floating cover covers a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: The top surface of the floating cover is convex.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein: The floating cover includes a first plurality of protrusions located at locations around a circumference of the floating cover and extending from a bottom surface of the floating cover.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein: The floating cover includes a second plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a top surface of the floating cover.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The first plurality of protrusions are axially aligned with the second plurality of protrusions.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein: The floating cover includes at least one opening formed therethrough and configured to receive at least one of a pipette, a rinse tube, and / or an additional reagent container.

31. The method of claim 25, wherein: The kit includes an end wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the end wall and defining the recess, the method comprising: positioning a post within the recess generally parallel to the sidewall, the post having an outer shape; and The floating cover is positioned within the groove such that the post extends through the guide opening in the floating cover.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein: The column includes a support positioned at an end of the column, the support having at least two legs extending toward and to a respective side wall.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The column and the support form an integral one-piece unit.

34. A device, comprising: A subject, the subject comprising: a plurality of side walls and a bottom surface, the plurality of side walls and the bottom surface forming a reagent reservoir, wherein the bottom surface includes a port; and a cover movably disposed in the reagent reservoir and comprising a protrusion extending toward the bottom surface, Wherein the protrusion engages the bottom surface to prevent the cover from blocking fluid flow through the port.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a reagent disposed in the reagent reservoir.

36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein: The reagents include liquid reagents.

37. Apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein: The reagent reservoir has an opening and further includes a liquid-impermeable barrier covering the opening of the reagent reservoir.

38. A method for nucleic acid sequencing using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 34 to 37, the method comprising: removing a first portion of the reagent from the recess at a first time; as well as A second portion of the reagent is removed from the recess at a second time, the second time being at least 36 hours after the first time.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein: The second time is at least 10 days after the first time.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein: The second time is at least 15 days after the first time.

41. A method for nucleic acid sequencing using the kit according to any one of claims 16 to 24, the method comprising: removing a first portion of the reagent from the recess at a first time; as well as A second portion of the reagent is removed from the recess at a second time, the second time being at least 36 hours after the first time.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein: The second time is at least 10 days after the first time.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein: The second time is at least 15 days after the first time.

44. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 34 to 43, wherein: The reagents include dry reagents.

45. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein The reagents include dry reagents.

46. ​​A method according to any one of claims 25 to 33 or 38 to 43, wherein The reagents include dry reagents.

47. A device, comprising: A kit, the kit comprising a recess; a reagent, wherein the reagent is disposed in the groove; as well as A cover is disposed in the groove.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein: The lid includes a floating cover disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the floating cover covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein: The cover includes oil disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the oil covering the top surface of the reagent.

50. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein: The cover includes a plurality of plastic pellets disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the plurality of plastic pellets covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

51. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein: The cover includes a plurality of beads disposed on a top surface of the reagent in the recess, the plurality of beads covering a majority of the top surface of the reagent.

52. The kit according to claim 16, wherein The floating cover includes a first plurality of protrusions located at locations around a circumference of the floating cover and extending from a bottom surface of the floating cover.

53. The kit according to claim 52, wherein The floating cover includes a second plurality of protrusions located at locations around the circumference of the floating cover and extending from a top surface of the floating cover.

54. The kit according to claim 53, wherein The first plurality of protrusions are axially aligned with the second plurality of protrusions.

55. The kit according to claim 16, comprising: a post having an exterior shape, the post being configured to be positioned with the one of the plurality of recesses, generally parallel to the sidewall; wherein the floating cover includes a guide opening having a shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the post; and The floating cover is disposed in the groove with the post extending through the guide opening.

Images