U.S. patent application number 10/460819 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for multi-well microfiltration apparatus.
Invention is credited to Reed, Mark T..
Application Number | 20030215956 10/460819 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22670739 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030215956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reed, Mark T. |
November 20, 2003 |
Multi-well microfiltration apparatus
Abstract
The present invention provides multi-well plates and column
arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic
acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed.
In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer
structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of
minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete
filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director
plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which
filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a
corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can
flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration
arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that
overcome many of the problems associated with the prior
arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking
across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements
entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes.
Further, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration
arrangements that adequately support discrete filter elements
disposed in the wells without creating substantial preferential
flow. Additionally, the invention provides multi-well
microfiltration arrangements that avoid cross-contamination due to
aerosol formation, pendent drops and/or splattering. Other
disclosed features of the invention provide for the automated
covering or heat-sealing of filtrate samples separately collected
in an array of wells.
Inventors: |
Reed, Mark T.; (Menlo Park,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILYK & BOWERSOX, P.L.L.C.
3603 CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD
SUITE E
FAIRFAX
VA
22030
US
|
Family ID: |
22670739 |
Appl. No.: |
10/460819 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10460819 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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10199743 |
Jul 19, 2002 |
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10199743 |
Jul 19, 2002 |
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09565202 |
May 4, 2000 |
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6506343 |
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09565202 |
May 4, 2000 |
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09182946 |
Oct 29, 1998 |
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6159368 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
436/174 ;
422/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/50255 20130101;
G01N 35/1074 20130101; G01N 2035/00485 20130101; G01N 35/028
20130101; B01D 61/18 20130101; B01L 2400/049 20130101; B01L 3/5025
20130101; G01N 2035/102 20130101; G01N 35/0099 20130101; Y10T
436/25 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
436/174 ;
422/102 |
International
Class: |
B01L 003/00 |
Claims
It is claimed:
1. A method of sealing a heat-sealable sheet over an array of wells
held in a collection tray, each of said wells having an open upper
end, said method comprising: picking up a heat-sealable sheet;
placing the sheet over said open upper ends; and pressing a
conformable heated surface against said sheet, from a side opposite
said collection tray, with sufficient pressure such that said sheet
is heat-sealed to said collection tray over said open upper
ends.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said conformable heated surface
is pressed against said sheet using a plurality of spaced-apart
elongated rods, disposed substantially normal to an upper surface
of said collection plate.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the rods depend from a support
structure positioned above the collection plate.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat-sealable sheet is
optically clear.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a surface of the open upper end
has raised features.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the conformable heated surface,
during the step of pressing the conformable heated surface,
contacts all points on the surface of the open upper end.
7. The method of claim 4, further comprising: prior to said placing
step, loading a plurality of said wells with respective samples
each containing at least one nucleic acid, and, subsequent to said
pressing step, subjecting said samples to conditions suitable to
amplify said at least one nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction
(PCR).
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising measuring the
generation of nucleic-acid products resulting from said PCR in
real-time through said sheet.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein said tray includes an upper
surface, with said wells formed therein and depending therefrom,
and wherein said well upper ends define ridges projecting above
said tray upper surface.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing of heat sealable
sheet occurs in a semi-automated or automated fashion.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the array of wells is a plate
for use in a scientific or laboratory instrument, wherein the plate
has a plurality of wells disposed in the plate.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the open upper end has a
compliant, resilient surface.
13. A system comprising: at least one heat sealable sheet; a bin
adapted to hold a plurality of heat sealable sheets; and an array
of wells, wherein the sealing of heat sealable sheets from the bin
over the array of wells occurs in a semi-automated or automated
fashion.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the heat sealable sheet is
optically clear.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the array of wells is a plate
for use in a scientific or laboratory instrument, wherein the plate
has a plurality of wells disposed in the plate.
16. A system comprising: an array of wells; a heat sealable means
for sealing an array of wells; and a holding means to hold a
plurality of heat sealable means, wherein the heat sealable means
held in the holding means is adapted to be sealed to the array of
wells in semiautomatic or automatic fashion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/199,743, filed Jul. 19, 2002, which in turn
is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,202,
filed May 4, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,343 B1), which in turn
is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/182,946,
filed Oct. 29, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,368), all of which are
hereby incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to multi-well plates and
column arrays in which samples are analyzed or processed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In recent years, microtitration wells have assumed an
important role in many biological and biochemical applications,
such as sample preparation, genome sequencing, and drug discovery
programs. A variety of multi-well arrangements, constructed
according to standardized formats, are now popular. For example, a
tray or plate having ninety-six depressions or cylindrical wells
arranged in a 12.times.8 regular rectangular array is one
particularly popular arrangement.
[0004] In some multi-well constructions, a filter sheet or membrane
is held against the lower ends, or lips, of open-bottomed wells.
Such plates are often manufactured as a multi-layered structure
including a unitary sheet of filter material disposed to cover the
bottom apertures of all the wells, the filtration sheet being
sealed to the outer lip of one or more of the well apertures. The
use of a single sheet of filter material in such a manner, however,
can lead to cross-contamination between adjacent wells due to the
ability of liquid to disperse, e.g., by wicking, across the
sheet.
[0005] In an effort to overcome this problem, it has been proposed
to provide each well with its own discrete filter element or disc.
According to one such design, a pre-cut filter disc is inserted
into an upper, open end of each well and pushed down until it rests
at the bottom of the well. An O-ring is then press-fit down into
each well until it comes to rest against the top of the filter
disc. The O-ring frictionally engages the column inner wall,
thereby retaining the filter in place. While avoiding the
cross-contamination problems of unitary filter sheets, such a
construction is obviously cumbersome to manufacture. Also, the
portion of the disk that gets pinched between the O-ring and the
floor of the well introduces a significant "dead volume," which can
have an adverse impact on sample purification. For example, sample
matrix can become entrapped in these areas along a significant
portion of the peripheral edge of individual filter discs. When
purifying DNA from blood samples, entrapment of small amounts of
hemoglobin (heme) on the edges of a cellulose blot membrane will
eventually contaminate the final product in the last stages of the
purification process. The contaminating heme residue is a strong
inhibitor in PCR and sequencing reaction assays of the DNA
products.
[0006] Another multi-well arrangement, wherein each well has its
own discrete filter element, is formed by positioning a single
sheet of filter material between an upper plate, having a plurality
of mini-columns formed therein, and a lower plate having a
plurality of corresponding "drip directors." Upon bringing the
plates together and forming an ultrasonic bond therebetween, the
filter sheet is die-cut into individual filter discs positioned
below respective mini-columns. Although this construction is easier
to manufacture than the above arrangement, it suffers similar
disadvantages. Specifically, a substantial portion of each filter
disc's peripheral edge becomes pinched between the column plate and
the drip director plate, resulting in a significant dead volume
that can adversely impact sample purification.
[0007] There is, thus, a need for a multi-well microfiltration
arrangement that is relatively simple to manufacture, and that
overcomes the problems associated with the prior arrangements
relating to cross-contamination due to wicking across a common
filter sheet, or individual filter discs entrapping sample
constituents within substantial dead volumes.
[0008] Most of the known multi-well filtration plates, and
particularly those providing an individual filter disc for each
well, lack adequate space below the filter element to permit an
evenly distributed flow of fluid across the filter. In many
arrangements, a drip director, at the bottom of each well, provides
an expansive, flat surface upon which much of the filter element
rests. Preferential flow pathways are thereby created, favoring
those areas of the filter element that are not in contact with, or
in close proximity to, the drip director surface. Such preferential
flow can have an adverse impact on the elution of solutes. For
example, preferential flow pathways can impede the leaching of
retained sample constituents in non-favored regions of the filter
element.
[0009] On the other hand, a lack of adequate support beneath each
filter element can be problematic, as well. The filter media used
in multi-well trays are typically quite thin and exhibit relatively
poor mechanical properties. In certain stressful situations, e.g.,
high-pressure or vacuum filtration, such membranes may not maintain
their integrity. Filter discs that are supported only about their
peripheral edges might sag, particularly along their central
regions, and may even pull loose from the structure holding their
edges. For example, a filter disc might collapse into the cavity of
a drip director. This would affect the porosity of the filter,
trapping certain sample constituents in the filter that would
otherwise elute. Moreover, if a bypass forms along the edges of the
filter, due to the filter disc pulling away from the peripheral
supporting structure, an undesirable loss of sample may result.
[0010] There is, thus, a need for a multi-well microfiltration
arrangement that adequately supports the filter media at each well,
without creating substantial preferential flow.
[0011] A few of the known multi-well microfiltration arrangements
provide a collection plate, for placement beneath a sample-well
plate, having a plurality of closed-bottom collection wells
corresponding to the sample wells. Generally, the collection of
filtrate takes place upon application of a vacuum to pull the
mobile phase through each well. With most of these arrangements,
attempts to separately collect the filtrate from each sample well
have suffered from unreliable results due to cross-contamination
between the wells of the collection plate. A principal cause of
such cross-contamination relates to the production of aerosols as
the filtrate leaves the drip directors. The aerosols can readily
disperse and travel to neighboring collection wells. In addition,
aerosols may expose technicians to potentially pathogenic
microorganisms, and the like, which may be present in the
samples.
[0012] Cross-contamination due to aerosol formation is exacerbated
by the typical flow pattern induced by the vacuum arrangements of
such systems. Usually, the sample-well plate is mounted above the
collection plate, and the collection plate, in turn, sits in a
vacuum chamber. Upon evacuation of the chamber, solution within
each well is drawn down through the filter element toward a
respective collection well. Generally, the vacuum draws along flow
pathways extending from within each mini-column, through a
respective drip director, and horizontally across the top of the
collection plate until reaching one side of the collection plate
whereat the flow pathways turn downward toward an exit port. Except
for those drip directors located directly adjacent the side of the
chamber having the exit port, substances (e.g., entrained aerosols,
gases, etc.) pulled along each vacuum flow pathway from each drip
director must pass by neighboring collection wells as they travel
across the top of the collection plate. Unfortunately, aerosols
from filtrate exiting one drip director can become entrained in the
flow across the collection plate and make its way over into
neighboring wells.
[0013] The potential for cross-contamination is particularly high
when the upper sample-well and drip-director plates are removed
from the collection plate. Pendent drops of filtrate remaining on
the drip directors can inadvertently fall into neighboring wells as
the drip directors are moved over the collection plate. With
standard multi-well plates, a concerted, manual "touch-off" of all
such pendent drops to the inner sides of respective collection
wells is difficult, if not impossible, due to the great number of
wells. Application of a strong vacuum below the drip directors, in
an attempt to pull such pendent drops down and away from the drip
directors, can atomize the pendent drops, resulting in the related
problem of contamination by aerosol formation, discussed above.
[0014] There is, thus, a need for a multi-well microfiltration
arrangement that provides for the separate collection of filtrate
from each well, while avoiding cross-contamination due to aerosol
formation and/or pendent drops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] One aspect of the present invention provides a
microfiltration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid
samples.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the microfiltration apparatus
of the invention includes a first plate having a plurality of
columns and a second plate having a plurality of discharge
conduits. Each of the columns has a first inner bore defining a
lumen within the column and an end region for receiving a filter
medium within the column. The column end region defines a second
inner bore having a diameter greater than that of the first inner
bore and a transition region that joins the second inner bore to
the first inner bore. A filter medium for filtering sample is
positioned within each column end region, adjacent the transition
region. Each discharge conduit has an upstanding upper end region
aligned with and received within a corresponding column end region
so as to form a substantially fluid-tight interface therebetween.
The discharge conduit upper end region has a terminal rim region
for supporting a circumferential region of the filter medium such
that each filter medium is held between a column transition region
and the terminal rim region of a corresponding discharge
conduit.
[0017] In one embodiment, the transition region of each column has
an annular tapered portion. The circumference of the annular
tapered portion decreases in a substantially constant fashion along
a direction from the second inner bore to the first inner bore. In
a related embodiment, a line running along the tapered portion,
longitudinally with respect to the column, forms an acute angle
with a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the column and
intersecting the column through a junction of the transition region
with the second inner bore. The acute angle, in one embodiment, is
within the range of about 30-70 degrees. Preferably, the acute
angle is within the range of about 30-60 degrees. In one particular
embodiment, the acute angle is about 45 degrees.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the terminal rim region of each
discharge conduit contacts no more than about 15%, and preferably
less than about 10%, and more preferably less than about 5% of the
bottom surface area of a respective filter medium.
[0019] One embodiment provides a plurality of fin-like support
buttresses in each of the discharge conduits. In this embodiment,
each of the support buttresses has an elongated, narrow, uppermost
surface that is substantially coplanar with a plane defined by the
terminal rim region of a respective discharge conduit. In a related
embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional area of an upper region
of each support buttress decreases in a direction extending towards
its uppermost surface in a fashion such that the intersection of
the uppermost surface with the plane of the terminal rim region is
substantially tangential in nature, forming a line.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the microfiltration
apparatus is provided with a gas-permeable matrix comprised at
least in part of a porous hydrophilic polymer material. The matrix
is attached to the second plate on a face opposite the first plate.
Also in this embodiment, the matrix circumscribes a plurality of
the discharge conduits.
[0021] A further embodiment provides means for shifting the first
and second plates in either of two directions from a reference
"home" position along a generally horizontally extending axis, and
then returning the plates back to the reference "home" position.
The shifting means can include a stepper motor disposed in
mechanical communication with the plates such that angular rotation
of the stepper motor induces linear motion of the plates.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment, vacuum means are
provided for drawing adherent drops of fluid hanging from the
discharge conduits in a direction away from the collection wells
and up into the discharge conduits.
[0023] In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a
method for forming a plurality of microfiltration wells. In one
embodiment, a sheet of filter medium is positioned between a first
plate containing a plurality of columns and a second plate having a
plurality of discharge conduits. Each of the columns has a first
inner bore defining a lumen within the column and an end region
defining a second inner bore having a diameter greater than that of
the first inner bore and a transition region that joins the second
inner bore to the first inner bore. Each of the discharge conduits
has an upstanding upper end region facing the first plate and
aligned with a corresponding column end region. The plates are
pressed together in a manner effective to punch portions of the
filter medium from the sheet to afford a filter medium plug
situated within the end region of each column in abutment with the
column transition region and a terminal rim region of a
corresponding discharge conduit upper end region.
[0024] The method of the invention also provides for the
compression-fit sealing of each filter element. In one embodiment,
compression of each filter element between the column transition
region and a terminal rim region of a corresponding discharge
conduit upper end region serves to secure and seal the filter
element to an inner sidewall of the column.
[0025] In another embodiment, the method further includes the step
of securing the first plate to the second plate. The securing step
can be effected by forming a bond, such as an ultrasonic weld,
between an inner sidewall of each second inner bore and an outer
circumferential surface of a respective upper end region.
[0026] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
microfiltration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid
samples.
[0027] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first plate
having a plurality of columns. Each of the columns contains, at one
end thereof, a filter element and a fluid discharge conduit beneath
the filter element. A second plate is spaced apart from the first
plate by a cavity. The second plate has a plurality of receiving or
collection wells that are aligned with the columns for receiving
sample fluid from the discharge conduits. The second plate is also
provided with a plurality of vents adjacent the collection wells. A
gas-permeable matrix is positioned in the cavity between the first
plate and the second plate so as to fill the space between the
confronting surfaces of the two plates. The matrix laterally
surrounds the region between at least one discharge conduit and an
aligned collection well. The matrix is effective (i) to permit a
vacuum drawn from beneath the second plate to extend, via the
vents, to a region above the second plate and to the columns,
thereby drawing fluid from the columns into the collection wells
and (ii) to obstruct movement of aerosols across the top of the
second plate, thereby limiting cross-contamination between
wells.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the matrix is a continuous
sheet having a plurality of openings permitting the passage of
filtrate from each discharge conduit to a respective collection
well. Each one of the discharge conduits can extend at least
partially into a respective one of the openings. Further, the
matrix can extend over a plurality of the vents. In one embodiment,
the matrix is comprised of a porous hydrophilic polymer material,
such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or the like.
[0029] In one embodiment, the collection wells are arranged in a
rectangular array having at least eight wells (e.g., 8, 12, 24, 48,
or 384 wells). In one preferred arrangement, the second plate is
provided with at least one vent for every four collection wells,
and the vents are arranged such that a vent is located between each
collection well and at least one adjacent collection well. For
example, a vent may be provided between each collection well and at
least one diagonally adjacent collection well of the array.
[0030] According to one embodiment, each of the columns has a first
inner bore defining a lumen within the column and an end region
defining a second inner bore, having a diameter greater than that
of the first inner bore, and a transition region that joins the
second inner bore to the first inner bore. Each of the discharge
conduits has an upstanding upper end region aligned with and
received by a corresponding column end region so as to form a
substantially fluid-tight interface therebetween. The discharge
conduit upper end region has a terminal rim region for supporting a
circumferential region of the filter element such that each filter
element is held between a column transition region and the terminal
rim region of a corresponding discharge conduit.
[0031] In another embodiment, means are provided for shifting the
first plate in either of two directions from a reference "home"
position along a generally horizontally extending axis, and then
returning the plate back to the reference "home" position. The
shifting means can include a stepper motor disposed in mechanical
communication with the plate such that angular rotation of the
stepper motor induces linear movement of the plate.
[0032] In a further embodiment, vacuum means are provided for
drawing adherent drops of fluid hanging from the discharge conduits
in a direction away from the collection wells and up into the
discharge conduits.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method
for separately collecting filtrate from an array of microfiltration
wells in a corresponding array of closed-bottom collection wells
held by a collection tray situated below the micro-filtration-well
array.
[0034] In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of:
[0035] (A) placing a fluid sample in a plurality of the
microfiltration wells;
[0036] (B) drawing a vacuum along pathways extending from each
microfiltration well downward through a plane defined by an upper
surface of the collection tray at a point at or adjacent a
corresponding collection well to a region beneath the collection
tray, thereby causing a filtrate to flow from each microfiltration
well and to collect in corresponding collection wells; and
[0037] (C) obstructing aerosols formed from the filtrate at any one
microfiltration well from moving across the upper surface of the
collection tray to a non-corresponding collection well, thereby
limiting cross-contamination.
[0038] According to one embodiment, each vacuum pathway passes
through a gas-permeable matrix disposed in a cavity between the
microfiltration-well array and the collection-well array. The
gas-permeable matrix can be comprised of a porous hydrophilic
polymer material, such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or the like. In
one preferred arrangement, the gas-permeable matrix circumscribes
the region between each microfiltration well and a corresponding
collection well.
[0039] In one embodiment, the vacuum pathways pass through the
plane of the collection-tray upper surface by way of vents that
traverse the collection tray proximate each of said collection
wells. Also in this embodiment, the gas-permeable matrix covers the
vents.
[0040] In another embodiment, each of the vacuum pathways extends
from one microfiltration well into a respective collection well
prior to passing through the vents.
[0041] In a further embodiment, wherein a collection tray having
open-bottom wells is used, the vacuum pathways pass through the
plane of the collection-tray upper surface and then down and out of
the open bottoms of the wells.
[0042] The microfiltration wells comprise, according to one
embodiment, a first plate having a plurality of columns and a
second plate having a plurality of discharge conduits. Each column
has a first inner bore defining a lumen within the column and an
end region for receiving a filter medium within the column. The end
region defines a second inner bore having a diameter greater than
that of the first inner bore and a transition region that joins the
second inner bore to the first inner bore. A filter medium for
filtering sample is positioned within each column end region,
adjacent the transition region. Each discharge conduit has an
upstanding upper end region aligned with and received within a
corresponding column end region so as to form a substantially
fluid-tight interface therebetween. The discharge conduit upper end
region has a terminal rim region for supporting a circumferential
region of the filter medium such that each filter medium is held
between a column transition region and the terminal rim region of a
corresponding discharge conduit.
[0043] In one embodiment, the method includes the additional steps
of:
[0044] (i) touching-off, in a substantially simultaneous fashion,
adherent drops of fluid hanging from the bottom of each
microfiltration well to an inner sidewall of a respective
collection well; and
[0045] (ii) drawing adherent drops of fluid hanging from the
discharge conduits in a direction away from the corresponding
collection wells and up into the discharge conduits.
[0046] In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an
apparatus for avoiding cross-contamination due to pendent drops of
fluid hanging from a plurality of discharge conduits disposed in an
array above a corresponding array of collection wells.
[0047] According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes:
[0048] (i) a carriage configured to carry one of the arrays and
adapted for linear reciprocal motion in either of two directions
along a first, generally horizontal, axis from a neutral position
whereat the arrays are substantially axially aligned;
[0049] (ii) a stepper motor;
[0050] (iii) a linkage assembly mechanically communicating the
stepper motor with the carriage such that each rotational step of
the stepper motor induces movement of the carriage a given distance
from the neutral position in one of the two directions depending
upon the direction of angular rotation of the motor, thereby
effecting relative motion between the discharge-conduit array and
the collection-well array such that pendent drops of fluid hanging
from the discharge conduits are simultaneously touched-off to inner
sidewalls of corresponding collection wells; and
[0051] (iv) a compression spring mounted within the linkage
assembly in a manner permitting the spring (a) to provide a
predetermined amount of resistance to movement of the carriage from
the neutral position, and (b) to compensate or absorb some of the
linear overshoot due to excess angular rotation of the motor beyond
the amount required to move the discharge conduits into firm
abutment with the inner sidewalls of the collection wells.
[0052] In one embodiment, a vacuum chamber communicates with the
discharge-conduit array from a side thereof opposite the
collection-well array. Evacuation of the vacuum chamber is
effective to urge pendent drops of fluid hanging from the discharge
conduits in a direction away from the collection wells and into the
discharge conduits.
[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the carriage is configured to
carry the discharge-conduit array, while the collection-well array
remains stationary. A vertical positioning assembly can be disposed
on the carriage to support the discharge-conduit array for linear
movement along a second, generally vertical, axis between a lowered
position whereat the discharge conduits extend down into respective
collection wells and an elevated position whereat the discharge
conduits clear the collection wells.
[0054] Still a further aspect of the present invention provides a
method for avoiding cross-contamination due to pendent drops of
fluid hanging from a plurality of discharge conduits disposed in an
array above a corresponding array of closed-bottom collection
wells.
[0055] In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of
[0056] (i) touching-off, in a substantially simultaneous fashion,
pendent drops of fluid hanging from the discharge conduits to inner
sidewalls of respective collection wells; and
[0057] (ii) drawing pendent drops of fluid hanging from the
discharge conduits in a direction away from the corresponding
collection-well array and into the discharge conduits.
[0058] The touching-off step can be carried out by shifting the
discharge-conduit array along a plane substantially orthogonal to
the longitudinal axes of the collection wells, while the collection
wells are maintained in a substantially fixed position. In one
embodiment, each of the discharge conduits is shifted into contact
with one sidewall portion of a respective collection well, and then
is shifted into contact with another, laterally opposing sidewall
portion of the respective collection well.
[0059] One embodiment provides a stepper motor in mechanical
communication with the discharge-conduit array such that angular
rotation of the stepper motor induces linear motion of the
discharge conduits. In this embodiment, stepping of the stepper
motor causes the discharge-conduit array to shift.
[0060] The step of drawing pendent drops of fluid can be effected
by establishing a reduced pressure (a vacuum) above the discharge
conduits.
[0061] In one embodiment, an upstanding upper end region of each of
the discharge conduits is received within a respective column,
thereby forming an array of microfiltration wells. Each column has
a first inner bore defining a lumen within the column and an end
region defining a second inner bore having a diameter greater than
that of the first inner bore and a transition region that joins the
second inner bore to the first inner bore. A filter element is
disposed in each column, between the transition region of the
column and the upper end region of a respective discharge
conduit.
[0062] In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a
removable cover for isolating a plurality of samples separately
contained in an array of closed-bottom wells supported in a
collection tray.
[0063] According to one embodiment, the cover includes a
substantially rigid, rectangular shell portion having a top
surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential side-edge region. A
plurality of reversibly expandable, tubular sleeves are provided on
the top surface of the shell portion. A resiliently compliant
undersurface is secured to the bottom surface of the shell portion.
A plurality of resiliently deflectable, elongated side arms project
below the bottom surface from opposing side-edge regions of the
shell portion. In its normal (unstressed) state, each side arm is
positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the
bottom surface. An inwardly directed catch is formed at an end of
each side arm, distal from the shell portion. The arms, and
associated catches, are useful for releasably snap-locking the
cover over the wells of a collection tray.
[0064] In one embodiment, the undersurface of the cover includes a
plurality of downwardly convex nodules (half-dome features)
disposed in an array complementary to the collection-well array.
Each nodule is adapted to fit over a corresponding well when the
cover is secured over the collection tray.
[0065] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for
covering an array of open-top wells held in a collection tray.
[0066] According to one embodiment, the method is carried out in a
substantially automated fashion using (i) a support structure
adapted for movement along a generally horizontal plane (x/y
direction) and (ii) a plurality of elongated, parallel rods
depending from the support and adapted for movement along their
respective longitudinal axes (y direction). Initially, the rods,
while disposed in a retracted position adjacent the support, are
positioned over a cover member. Two of the rods are then extended
away from the support (y direction) so that their end regions
become wedged in respective cavities formed along the top of the
cover, while two rods are maintained in the retracted position
(i.e., with free end regions). The cover member is then lifted by
retracting the wedged rods back toward the support. The support is
then moved along the x/y direction so that the cover becomes
positioned over the collection tray. The wedged rods are then
extended away from the support so that the cover is lowered onto
the collection tray, over the well openings. The free ends of two
retracted rods are then extended until they abut an upper region of
the cover, thereby blocking upward movement of the cover, while the
wedged rods are retracted away from the cover so that they are
withdrawn (unwedged) from the cavities. As a result, the cover is
left resting on top of the collection tray over the well
openings.
[0067] From this position, the cover member can be releasably
snap-locked to the collection tray. This can be effected, for
example, by extending at least one of the rods away from the
support and into abutment with an upper region of the cover,
thereby pressing the cover into locking engagement with the
collection tray. Another of the rods can be extended away from the
support and into abutment with another upper region of the cover in
order to prevent the cover from flipping up while being locked.
[0068] The method can be carried out, for example, with a cover
having (i) an upper, substantially rigid shell portion, (ii) a
lower, compliant undersurface secured to the shell portion, and
(iii) means for releasably locking the shell portion to the
collection tray. The undersurface of the cover can include, for
example, a plurality of downwardly convex nodules (half-dome
features), disposed in an array complementary to the well array.
Further, the shell portion can include a plurality of landing sites
along its upper surface configured to receive the lower end regions
of the rods.
[0069] Still a further aspect of the invention provides a device
for holding a plurality of rectangular, heat-sealable sheets.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the device is comprised of a
tray having a substantially rectangular bottom surface, four
upwardly divergent sidewalls extending from the bottom surface, and
an upper circumferential edge region defining a substantially
rectangular open top. A plurality of ribs run along each sidewall,
spanning most of the distance between the bottom surface and the
upper circumferential edge region. Each of the ribs has a
substantially linear surface that (i) faces an opposing sidewall
and (ii) is substantially normal to a plane defined by the bottom
surface of the tray.
[0071] According to one embodiment, a plurality of heat-sealable
sheets, arranged in a vertical stack, is positioned in the tray
such that peripheral side-edge regions of the sheets are disposed
in contact with the substantially linear surface of each rib.
[0072] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of
sealing a rectangular, heat-sealable sheet over an array of wells
held in a collection tray.
[0073] In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (i)
picking up a clear heat-sealable sheet; (ii) placing the sheet over
open upper ends of the wells; and (iii) pressing a conformable
heated surface against the sheet, from a side opposite the
collection tray, with sufficient pressure such that the sheet is
heat-sealed to the collection tray over the open upper ends of the
wells. Further according to this embodiment, the conformable heated
surface is pressed against the sheet using a plurality of
spaced-apart elongated rods, disposed substantially normal to an
upper surface of the collection plate. The rods can depend from a
support structure positioned above the collection plate.
[0074] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become clear from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0075] The structure and manner of operation of the invention,
together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best
be understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which identical
reference numerals identify similar elements, and in which:
[0076] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-well microfiltration
apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0077] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the multi-well microfiltration
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a partial side-sectional view of the multi-well
microfiltration apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows, in enlarged detail, one microfiltration well
from the sectional view of FIG. 3.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a partial side-sectional view showing a
microfiltration well constructed in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a microfiltration well showing
membrane-support structure in the form of three fin-like support
buttresses constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0082] FIG. 7 is an elevational view from one end of a carriage
assembly for effecting relative motion between the drip directors
of a drip-director plate and the collection wells of a collection
plate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded, perspective view showing a
carriage assembly for effecting relative motion between the drip
directors of a drip-director plate and the collection wells of a
collection plate, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0084] FIGS. 9(A)-9(C) are side cross-sectional views showing a
touch-off operation whereby a plurality of drip directors is
laterally shifted to the right and to the left such that the drip
director outlet regions simultaneously abut inner sidewalls of a
plurality of corresponding collection wells.
[0085] FIG. 10(A) is a partially schematic top plan view showing a
spring-loaded touch-off mechanism in its normal, or neutral,
position.
[0086] FIG. 10(B) is a partially schematic top plan view showing
the spring-loaded touch-off mechanism of FIG. 10(A) in a first,
shifted position.
[0087] FIG. 10(C) is a partially schematic top plan view showing
the spring-loaded touch-off mechanism of FIGS. 10(A)-10(B) in a
second, shifted position.
[0088] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cover member, having an
array of resiliently flexible half-dome features on its lower face,
disposed over a multi-well tray, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0089] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the cover member of
FIG. 12, showing a plurality of sites on the cover's upper surface
for receiving the lower end regions of elongated, fluid-handling
fingers of a fluid-handling robot positioned above the tray, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cover of FIGS. 11
and 12 disposed over the openings of a multi-well tray and
releasably snap-locked to the multi-well tray, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0091] FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) are enlarged, perspective and
side-sectional views, respectively, showing a releasable
snap-locking assembly for securing a cover of the invention to a
multi-well tray, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an assembly for
releasably securing a cover of the invention to a multi-well tray,
according to a further embodiment of the invention.
[0093] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an automated
high-throughput sample preparation workstation, including, for
example, a microfiltration apparatus, cross-contamination control
arrangements, collection-well covering and heat-sealing assemblies,
and associated components and reagents, in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an automated station for
applying heat-sealable sheets over the wells of a multi-well tray,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a tray or bin for
holding a stack of heat-sealable sheets, constructed in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] FIGS. 19(A) and 19(B) are enlarged, perspective and
side-sectional views, respectively, showing a releasable
snap-locking assembly for securing a tray or bin, such as shown in
FIG. 18, to a frame assembly situated, for example, at a
heat-sealing station such as shown in FIG. 17, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] FIGS. 20 to 23 are perspective views illustrating various
features, as well as the operation of, the automated heat-sealing
station of FIG. 17, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0098] FIG. 24 is a perspective view, with portions broken away, of
a heatable platen assembly as used, for example, in the
heat-sealing station of FIGS. 17 and 20-23, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0099] The following discussion of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention is merely exemplary in nature. Accordingly, this
discussion is in no way intended to limit the scope of the
invention, application of the invention, or the uses of the
invention.
[0100] FIGS. 1-3 show, in perspective, exploded and partial
side-sectional views, respectively, an embodiment of a multi-well
microfiltration apparatus constructed in accordance with the
present invention. In the assembly stage of manufacture, a filter
sheet or membrane, indicated in FIG. 2 by the reference numeral 8,
is located between a column tray, or plate, 10 having an array of
open-bottom mini-columns, such as 12, and a drip-director tray, or
plate, 14 having an array of drip directors, such as 16,
corresponding to the mini-columns. Upon registering and mating
mini-columns 12 with drip directors 16, an array of microfiltration
wells are formed, denoted generally in FIG. 3 by the reference
numeral 18, each having a discrete filter element or medium (e.g.,
a plug, disc, or the like), such as 8a and 8b, positioned therein.
The inner walls of each mated mini-column/drip-director pair bound
a flow pathway which extends downward through the well 18.
[0101] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each microfiltration well has an
interior region, or lumen, that is substantially circular in
horizontal cross-section. It should be appreciated, however, that
microfiltration wells of any desired geometrical cross-section
(egg., oval, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.) could be used.
Similarly, the wells may be of any desired shape when viewed along
their longitudinal axes, e.g., straight, tapered or other shape. In
one embodiment, the walls of each well have a slight outward taper
(i.e., the well diameter increases) along the direction extending
from the well's upper, loading end toward the filter medium.
[0102] The plates of the microfiltration apparatus may be
constructed of any substantially rigid, water-insoluble,
fluid-impervious material that is substantially chemically
non-reactive with the assay samples. The term "substantially rigid"
as used herein is intended to mean that the material will resist
deformation or warping under a light mechanical or thermal load,
although the material may be somewhat elastic. Suitable materials
include acrylics, polycarbonates, polypropylenes and polysulfones.
Also, it should be noted that the terms "tray" and "plate" are used
synonymously and interchangably herein.
[0103] Optionally, the fluid-contacting surfaces of the drip
directors can be comprised of a material and/or provided with a
coating that renders such surfaces hydrophobic, reducing the
potential for cross-contamination. For example, low surface-energy
materials could be used in forming and/or coating the drip
directors. Of course, such materials should be compatible with the
assay samples.
[0104] The plates may be formed by any conventional means,
injection molding being a particularly convenient technique. One
embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of injection
molded rectangular plastic plates, the length and width of which
conform to the commonly used standard of 5.03".times.3.37" (127.8
mm and 85.5 mm). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the wells are
formed integrally with such a plate, arranged in a 12.times.8
regular rectangular array spaced 0.9 cm center-to-center.
Alternatively, the wells can be formed as discrete units (not
shown) interconnected by plastic webbing to provide an array. In
another embodiment, the wells are provided in the form of strips
(not shown). For example, a plurality of wells could be disposed in
a row with adjacent wells connected to one another by any suitable
means, e.g., frangible plastic webs. A plurality of strips could
then be arranged side-by-side within a frame designed to hold such
strips. For example, twelve 8-well strips could be placed
side-by-side in a rectangular frame to form a 96-well array. In a
further embodiment, each well is formed as a discrete unit
removably positioned within a respective opening formed in a
support plate (not shown). For example, a tray could be provided
with a 12.times.8 array of circular openings in which cylindrical
wells are received and held, in a fashion similar to test-tubes
held in a conventional test-tube rack.
[0105] Although the illustrated embodiments show arrangements
configured in accordance with the popular 96-well format, the
invention also contemplates any other reasonable number of wells
(e.g., 12, 24, 48, 384, etc.) disposed in any suitable
configuration.
[0106] With reference once again to FIGS. 1-3, an upper vacuum
chamber 20 is situated above column plate 10. Upper vacuum chamber
20 is adapted for movement between (i) a mounted position, whereat
four depending circumferential walls, denoted as 20a, form a
substantially airtight seal with an upper, peripheral surface of
column plate 10 via an interposed resilient gasket 21, and (ii) a
retracted position, whereat chamber 20 is spaced apart from column
plate 10. The hollow interior of chamber 20 is pneumatically
connectable to an external vacuum source via a hosecock 23
extending through the top of chamber 23. A reduced pressure can be
established above the sample wells by bringing chamber 20 to its
mounted position atop column plate 10 and then evacuating chamber
20.
[0107] In some situations, it may be desirable to establish an
increased pressure above the sample wells (e.g., to facilitate the
flow of samples through the filter media and out of the wells via
the lower discharge conduits). In such cases, chamber 20 can be
pressurized by way of a suitable pressure source (e.g., a
pump).
[0108] A receiving, or collection, plate 24 is located below drip
director plate 14. Collection plate 24 includes an upper planar
surface, denoted as 25, and an array of closed-bottom wells, such
as 26, depending therefrom. The collection-well array corresponds
to the drip-director array, permitting the separate collection of
filtrate from each sample well. The collection plate is adapted to
fit inside an open reservoir of a lower vacuum chamber, denoted as
29, with the collection wells extending down into the
reservoir.
[0109] Apertures or vents, such as 28, extend through the upper
planar surface 25 of collection plate 24. For reasons that will
become apparent, at least one aperture should be located adjacent
each collection well. The apertures 28 permit fluid communication
between the regions above and below the plate 24. By this
construction, a vacuum drawn from beneath the collection plate will
extend to the regions above the plate and inside the wells.
[0110] Although not shown in the figures, the present invention
also provides a plate like collection plate 24, except having
open-bottom wells as opposed to the closed-bottom wells of plate
24. Otherwise, the plate of open-bottom wells is configured like
collection plate 24. That is, the plate of open-bottom wells
provides structure for effectively carrying out filtrations and/or
washings, while avoiding cross-contamination. However, instead of
separately collecting filtrate in the various wells, the filtrate
passes through the wells and out of the open bottoms. It is
contemplated that the plate of open-bottom wells will be used in a
manner like that described herein for plate 24, except that the
situation will not call for the separate collection of filtrate.
For example, the plate of open-bottom wells is particularly useful
in performing intermediate washings. As used herein, "collection
plate" and "receiving plate" are used synonymously and
interchangably, with either term referring to a plate, intended for
placement beneath a drip-director array, having either open-bottom
wells or closed-bottom wells, as appropriate for the task at hand.
Where the separate collection of filtrate is to take place, it is
understood that the wells are of a closed-bottom type. Optionally,
a collection plate having open-bottom wells may be formed without
vent features (such as 28), as the vacuum can flow directly down
and out through the bottom of each well.
[0111] A cross-flow restrictor (also referred to as an aerosol
guard), denoted as 30, which is generally pervious to gases but
substantially impervious to aerosols, is interposed between the
upper surface of collection plate 24 and the lower surface of
drip-director plate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, cross-flow
restrictor 30 has a plurality of passages, such as 32, arranged in
an array complementing the collection-well and drip-director
arrays. Passages 32 permit filtrate to pass from each drip director
16 to a corresponding collection well 26. In the illustrated
arrangement, each drip director 16 extends through a respective
passage. Except for such passages, cross-flow restrictor 30
substantially fills the area between the confronting faces of the
drip-director and collection-well plates (14, 24).
[0112] Preferably, means are provided for supporting the assembled
mini-column and drip-director plate arrangement, and assisting in
the formation of an airtight seal between this arrangement and the
lower vacuum chamber 29. In the illustrated embodiment, a
rectangular carriage frame, denoted as 38, is configured to support
the mini-column and drip-director plate assembly. Clamps 34, 36 are
pivotally mounted about generally vertically extending axes at
opposing ends of frame 38. Clamps 34, 36 are operable to engage and
hold the column and drip-director assembly on frame 38, with a
lower peripheral edge 40 of the column and drip-director plate
assembly pressed against a gasket 42 disposed on the upper surface
of frame 38 about the frame's central opening.
[0113] A spring-loaded centering pin, such as 37 and 39, may extend
through each clamp 34, 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, centering
pin 37 has a shank that is urged by a spring 41 to sit within a
complementary recess or depression 43 formed in a sidewall of
column plate 10. In another embodiment (not shown), three
spring-loaded centering pins are employed, with two pins located at
positions on a long side of the arrangement and one pin located at
a position on a short side, together operable to push the tray
against a corner. In this way, the components can be readily
centered (on axis).
[0114] A stepped gasket, indicated generally at 44, is disposed
adjacent a lower surface of frame 38 about the frame's central
opening. Gasket 44 has (i) an upper, inwardly projecting flap
portion, denoted as 44a, having a lower surface adapted to engage
an upwardly projecting ridge 48 disposed about the periphery of
collection plate 24, and (ii) a lower flap portion, denoted as 44b,
that extends diagonally downward and outward for engaging an upper
surface 50 surrounding the open reservoir of lower vacuum chamber
29. A central plateau region of stepped gasket 44, denoted as 44c,
is secured to frame 38 by any suitable means. For example, central
plateau region 44c can be attached using an adhesive and/or
fasteners. In one embodiment, gasket 44 is interposed between frame
38 and a rectangular clamping frame (not shown). In this
embodiment, the rectangular clamping frame is disposed adjacent the
plateau region 44c of gasket 44, on a side of gasket 44 opposite
frame 38. The clamping frame is then snugly secured to frame 38
using threaded fasteners that pass through aligned passages (not
shown) formed in the clamping frame and gasket, and are received in
internally threaded bores extending partially into frame 38 from
the frame's lower surface. Together, upper gasket 42 and lower
gasket 44 assist in forming substantially airtight seals between
(i) the upper microfiltration well assembly and the carriage frame,
and (ii) the carriage frame and the lower vacuum chamber assembly,
respectively.
[0115] The gaskets (21, 42, and 44) may be formed of any
deformable, resilient, substantially inert material capable of
forming a seal. Examples of such materials are silicone, rubber,
polyurethane elastomer and polyvinyl chloride. The thickness of
each gasket is not critical, provided only that it is sufficient to
form a seal. Typical gasket thicknesses will range from about 1 mm
to about 5 mm.
[0116] Once appropriate airtight seals are formed, evacuation of
lower vacuum chamber 29 establishes a substantially uniform
pressure drop over all of the sample wells 18, permitting a
plurality of individual samples (e.g., up to ninety-six in the
illustrated embodiment) to be processed simultaneously on the
membrane of choice.
[0117] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the choice of
filter medium will depend on the intended use of the well. For
example, the filter medium might serve as a size exclusion filter,
or it could serve as a solid phase interacting with a species in
the liquid phase to immobilize such species upon contact, such as
an immunological interaction or any other type of affinity
interaction. Examples of suitable filters include, but are not
limited to, those of nitrocellulose, regenerated cellulose, nylon,
polysulfone, glass fiber, blown microfibers, and paper. Suitable
filters are available from a variety of sources, e.g., Schleicher
& Schuell, Inc. (Keene, N.H.) and Millipore Corp. (Bedford,
Mass.).
[0118] Additional examples of suitable filters include microfiber
filters of ultra-pure quartz (SiO.sub.2), e.g., as manufactured by
Whatman, Inc. (Tewksbury, Mass.) and sold under the trademarks QM-A
and QM-B. QM-A filters are about 0.45 mm thick and retain particles
of about 0.6 .mu.m. QM-B filters are of the same composition as
QM-A, but are two times thicker and therefore provide a longer
tortuous path to flow. In one embodiment, a quartz or glass filter
element is fired (e.g., at about 400.degree. C.) prior to placement
in a microfiltration well in order to reduce particle generation,
thereby reducing the potential for clogging of the drip
directors.
[0119] In another embodiment the filter medium is a porous element
that acts as a frit, serving to contain a column packing material
(e.g., reversed-phase or size-exclusion packings).
[0120] Certain aspects of the invention that address the
aforementioned problems pertaining to (i) cross-contamination due
to wicking across a common filter sheet and (ii) individual filter
elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead
volumes will now be described in greater detail.
[0121] One microfiltration well from the sectional view of FIG. 3
is shown in enlarged detail in FIG. 4. Mini-column 12 and drip
director 16 are axially aligned and mated, with an upwardly
protruding portion of drip director 16 snugly received within the
lower region of the mini-column lumen to form a substantially
fluid-tight well 18.
[0122] Means are provided for holding the drip director and
mini-column together. In one embodiment, ultrasonic welds or bonds
(not shown) formed along an annular region of contact, as
designated in FIG. 4 by the reference numeral 48, hold mini-column
12 and drip director 16 together. It should be appreciated that
such a weld or bond helps to ensure a fluid-tight interface between
these elements. In another embodiment, the mini-column 12 and drip
director 16 are held together by a tongue-in-groove arrangement
(not shown) formed along confronting surfaces of plates 10 and 14.
For example, the column plate could be formed with deep scoring or
grooves along its lower surface, circumscribing each well. The
upper surface of the drip-director plate could be provided with
upwardly projecting ridges, disposed in a pattern complementary to
the groove pattern of the column plate and configured to snap-fit
within the grooves. Alternatively, the mating of the drip directors
with the mini-columns may be sufficiently snug as to hold the
plates together solely by frictional engagement.
[0123] Means are provided for holding each individual filter
element within a respective assembled microfiltration well. In this
regard, each filter element is disposed within the mini-column
lumen so that a portion of its peripheral edge is held between (i)
a constricted-diameter region within the lower portion of the
mini-column and (ii) an upper portion of the drip director. The
central region of the filter element extends fully across the
mini-column lumen.
[0124] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, mini-column 12 is formed with a
bore 12a and a counterbore 12b, the latter extending upwardly from
the mini-column's lower end or lip 12c. Between the bore 12a and
counterbore 12b, lies a transition region. The transition region
provides a constricted-diameter region, or shoulder, within the
mini-column lumen capable of cooperating with an upper portion of a
corresponding drip director to maintain the filter element in
place. The junctions of the transition region with the bore and
counterbore may be of any suitable shape. For example, such
junctions could take the shape of a hard angle or corner, or
alternatively, they could take the shape of a smooth curve.
Further, the transition region itself, between such junctions, may
be of any shape, e.g., flat, curved, stepped, or any combination
thereof, provided only that a suitable constricted-diameter region
is provided in the mini-column lumen for contacting an upper edge
region of the filter element.
[0125] In one preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 4, the
transition region between bore 12a and counterbore 12b defines an
internal, annular shoulder, denoted as 12d. In this embodiment,
each of the junctions of shoulder 12d with bore 12a and counterbore
12b defines a hard angle or corner. Between such junctions, the
shoulder 12d takes the form of an annular wall having a
substantially constant taper, with a decreasing circumference along
the direction from counterbore 12b to bore 12a. Longitudinally, the
surface of shoulder 12d is oblique to the surfaces of bore 12a and
counterbore 12b. Preferably, the surface of shoulder 12d forms an
acute angle with a plane perpendicular to the mini-column's central
axis and extending through the junction of shoulder 12d with
counterbore 12b. In one embodiment, this angle, denoted as a in
FIG. 4, falls within the range of about 30-85 degrees; and is
preferably within the range of about 60-85 degrees.
[0126] Drip-director 16 is configured to facilitate elution of a
mobile phase from the well by funneling it toward a lower opening.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, drip director 16 includes (i) an
annular edge or rim 16a disposed above the plane of the upper
surface of drip-director plate 14, (ii) depending convergent
sidewalls 16b, and (iii) a downspout or outlet port 16c disposed
below the plane of the lower surface of drip-director plate 14. The
downwardly sloping, inner surface of the convergent sidewalls 16b,
between rim 16a and outlet port 16c, defines a conical and/or
horn-shaped cavity at the lower region of the well lumen.
[0127] As previously mentioned, an upper portion of drip director
16 provides supporting structure adapted to abut a lower peripheral
edge region of the filter element. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,
such structure takes the form of upper, annular rim 16a. The
surface area of the uppermost region of rim 16a (i.e., the portion
of rim 16a that directly confronts, and is available to support,
the lower peripheral edge region of the filter element) may vary.
In one preferred embodiment, the uppermost region of rim 16a
defines a narrow circular line. In this embodiment, the contact
between rim 16a and filter element 8a is tangential in nature. That
is, the region of contact between rim 16a and filter element 8a
defines a very thin, circular line. Rim 16a contacts no more than
about 15%, and preferably less than about 10%, and more preferably
less than about 5% of the bottom surface area of the filter element
8a.
[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral edge region of
filter element 8a is preferably pinched or compressed between
shoulder 12d and rim 16a in a manner effective to secure the filter
element in place and to press its circumferential side-edge against
the inner surface of the column lumen. This arrangement discourages
upward or downward movement of the filter element and prevents
leakage around its edges.
[0129] FIG. 5 is a partial side-sectional view showing a
microfiltration well constructed in accordance with one preferred
embodiment of the invention. Filter element 8a is compressed
between drip-director rim 16a and mini-column shoulder 12d such
that the membrane is securely held in place. Further, the
compression fit causes the outer circumferential side-edge region
of the filter element to press against the inner wall of the column
lumen in a manner effective to avoid any bypassing of fluid around
the edges of the filter element. Shoulder 12d extends into the
mini-column lumen at an angle .alpha. of about 45 degrees. Further,
the uppermost surface area of rim 16a is minimal, approaching that
of a circular line, so that only the outermost perimeter of the
filter element's lower surface is in contact therewith.
[0130] With continued reference to FIG. 5, both the compression and
the dead volume have been estimated for a filter element in one
such microfiltration well using the computer-aided engineering
package "Pro/ENGINEER" (Release 18), by Parametric Technology
Corporation (Waltham, Mass.). The membrane compression for a 950
.mu.m thick QM-B (Whatman, Inc., Tewksbury, Mass.) filter element
having a diameter of 6.88 mm is estimated to be only about 2.6
.mu.l (area 52 in FIG. 5), and the dead volume for such a filter
element is estimated to be only about 3 .mu.l (area 54 in FIG.
5).
[0131] Beneath the filter element 8a, the inner surface of the
convergent sidewalls 16b of drip director 16 define a cavity. The
cavity is configured to expose the great majority of the filter
element's lower surface to open, or free, space. By providing such
free space below the filter element 8a (i.e., volume between the
drip director's convergent sidewalls 16b and the lower surface of
the filter element), preferential flow pathways are avoided.
[0132] In another embodiment, to prevent sagging or dislodgement of
the filter element into the cavity, the invention provides
structure for supporting central points or regions of each filter
element. For example, a support buttress may be disposed within the
cavity of drip director 16 to provide a resting point, edge or
surface for one or more centrally located regions of the filter
element's lower surface. Here, the term "central" refers to those
portions of the filter element that are located radially inward of
the filter element's peripheral edges; and particularly to those
portions that are not held or pinched between a
constricted-diameter region in a mini-column and an uppermost rim
of a drip director. In a preferred embodiment, the uppermost region
of such supportive structure is substantially co-planar with the
uppermost portion of the drip-director rim. It should be
appreciated that such structure prevents downward sagging or
dislodgment of the filter element into the cavity. This is
particularly advantageous in connection with filter elements
lacking in substantial mechanical strength and/or rigidity.
[0133] In one preferred embodiment, shown in the exploded view of
FIG. 6, such supportive structure takes the form of three fin-like
support buttresses, denoted as 58a-58c, positioned radially and
spaced equidistantly within the cavity of drip-director 16 about
central outlet port 16c. It should be appreciated that any other
reasonable number of support buttresses, e.g., 4 or 6, may be
employed instead. Small portions of the lower surface of filter
element 8a rest on top of elongated, narrow, uppermost surfaces or
edges of the support buttresses 58a-58c. Preferably, the support
buttresses 58a-58c are configured to support the filter element
without introducing substantial dead volume or preferential flow in
the system. In this regard, the top of each support buttress,
proximate the filter element, may be curved, arched, or angled so
that the region of contact between the filter element 8a and each
buttress is substantially along a line (i.e., tangential in
nature). Further, the profile of each support buttress is narrow
and streamlined along the direction of fluid flow.
[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the support buttresses
58a-58c are formed integrally with the drip director 16.
Alternatively, a plurality of discrete support-buttress
arrangements (not shown), formed independently of the flow
directors, may be removably positioned or permanently affixed
within respective drip directors.
[0135] Advantageously, the invention also provides a very efficient
and cost-effective method for manufacturing the apparatus described
herein. According to one embodiment, a sheet of filter material is
positioned between a first plate, having a mini-column formed
therein into which a sample can be placed, and a second plate
having a discharge conduit, or drip director, with an outlet
through which sample may egress. The plates are positioned so that
the mini-column is axially aligned with the drip director. The
plates are then pressed together so that an upwardly protruding
portion of the drip director is snugly received within the lower
region of the mini-column lumen. During the latter operation, a
flow pathway is formed, extending from within the mini-column to
the outlet of the drip director. Also during the compression step,
a piece of filter media is cut from the sheet and positioned across
a section of the flow pathway within the mini-column.
[0136] The method of the invention is particularly advantageous for
constructing a multi-well microfiltration apparatus as detailed
above. Therefore, the method of the invention will now be described
with reference to the illustrated apparatus. Filter sheet 8 is
interposed between the confronting surfaces of column plate 10 and
drip-director plate 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The plates 10, 14 are
arranged so that each mini-column 12 is in axial alignment with a
corresponding drip director 16. The plates 10, 14 are then pressed
together to achieve a configuration substantially as shown in FIG.
3. During the compression step, an upper annular rim 16a of each
drip director 16 acts as a die to punch out a piece of filter media
8a (e.g., in the form of a disc) from the filter sheet.
Furthermore, compressing the drip director 16 against the
mini-column 12 secures the filter element in place within the
mini-column lumen. As a result, an outer, peripheral edge portion
of filter element 8a is pinched between an upper, annular rim 16a
of drip director 16 and an internal, annular shoulder 12d of
mini-column 12. The drip director 16 and mini-column 12 are then
secured together by any suitable means. For example, an ultrasonic
weld or a tongue-in-groove arrangement can hold the mini-columns 12
and drip directors 16 together, as discussed above.
[0137] A further aspect of the present invention pertains to a
multi-well microfiltration arrangement that provides for the flow
of filtrate out of each well, while avoiding cross-contamination
due to aerosols or splattering.
[0138] As previously described, the collection-well array
corresponds to the drip-director array, with each drip director
disposed directly over a receiving or collection well. The
collection-well plate, in turn, is adapted to fit within an open
reservoir of a lower vacuum chamber, with the collection wells
extending down into the reservoir. Upon establishing a suitable
vacuum in the lower chamber, filtrate will flow from each
microfiltration well and into corresponding collection wells. In
accordance with this aspect of the invention, means are provided
for discouraging filtrate-associated aerosols and residues present
at any one well from traveling to, and potentially contaminating
neighboring wells. Such means can include, for example, a
cross-flow restrictor, also referred to as an aerosol guard,
comprised of a substantially aerosol-impervious material,
interposed in the region between the upper surface of collection
plate and the lower surface of drip-director plate. While limiting
the passage of aerosols and filtrate-associated residues, the
cross-flow restrictor is adapted to permit a vacuum to be drawn
therethrough.
[0139] With particular reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and
3, a sheet-like cross-flow restrictor 30 is provided with an array
of passages 32 complementary to the collection-well and
drip-director arrays that permit filtrate to pass from each
microfiltration well 18 to a corresponding collection well 26.
Except for such passages, cross-flow restrictor 30 substantially
fills the area between the confronting faces of the drip-director
and collection-well plates (14, 24). In this way, well-to-well
movement of aerosols over the collection plate 24 is substantially
blocked. Consequently, the risk of cross-contamination presented by
aerosol movement is substantially reduced. Additionally, aerosols
formed at any one collection well that inadvertently pass through
the cross-flow restrictor (i.e., those that are not effectively
blocked or trapped) will be pulled by the vacuum source through an
adjacent aperture 28 down to the region below plate 24 without
passing over the openings of neighboring collection wells, as
described more fully below.
[0140] Embodiments of the present invention contemplate attachment
of the cross-flow restrictor to the upper face of the
collection-well plate 24 or to the lower face of the drip-director
plate 14. Such attachment may be made by any suitable means, e.g.,
using fasteners, welds and/or one or more adhesives, such as tapes,
gums, cements, pastes, or glues. Instead of attaching the aerosol
guard to a plate, the aerosol guard may simply be sandwiched
between the confronting surfaces of the plates and maintained in
place, for example, by frictional and/or compressive forces.
[0141] The aerosol guard may be formed as a single sheet, e.g.,
about 0.10" to 0.15" thick, or, alternatively, it may be formed of
two or more sheets, e.g., each about 0.060" to 0.065" thick,
arranged in layers. In one preferred embodiment, a single-layer
aerosol guard made of a porous hydrophilic polymer having compliant
characteristics, such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or the like, is
attached to the lower face of the drip-director plate using a
pressure sensitive adhesive. Another embodiment contemplates a
multi-layered construction, including: (i) a conformant layer
comprising a foam pad, about 0.062" thick and having a pressure
sensitive adhesive on both faces, and (ii) a porous, UHMW
(ultra-high molecular weight) polymer layer, about 0.062" thick,
that is permeable to air but substantially impermeable to aerosols.
In this latter embodiment, the conformant layer is attached to the
lower face of the drip-director plate and then the UHMW polymer
layer is attached to the conformant layer.
[0142] Other materials (i.e., hydrophobic, non-polymeric, etc.) may
be used in forming the compliant aerosol guard of the present
invention, provided only that the material(s) effectively limits
the passage of aerosols, while permitting the drawing of a vacuum
therethrough.
[0143] In another embodiment, the means for avoiding
cross-contamination due to the well-to-well movement of aerosols
includes vents or apertures 28 extending through the surface of
collection plate 24. In one preferred embodiment, at least one such
aperture is disposed near each collection well. It should be
appreciated that a reduced pressure applied from below the plate
will extend through the apertures to the microfiltration wells.
[0144] Any number and spatial configuration of apertures may be
utilized, provided only that the region between each drip-director
outlet and corresponding collection well is disposed in fluid
communication (i.e., permissive of a vacuum) with the region below
the collection plate along a pathway that does not pass over the
openings of neighboring wells. For example, an aperture may be
provided centrally within a group of four wells, with the wells
being disposed about the corners of a quadrilateral. By providing
24 of such 4-well groupings, each well of a standard 96-well
arrangement could be provided with a vent or aperture adjacent
thereto. Alternatively, the number of apertures may equal or exceed
the number of collection wells, with each well having one or more
closely associated apertures proximate thereto. For example, a
96-well collection plate could be provided with at least 96
apertures arranged so that each well has at least one
closely-associated aperture. In this regard, the apertures may be
laid out, for example, in a 12.times.8, or 13.times.9, regular
rectangular array.
[0145] As previously noted, apertures 28 permit fluid communication
between the regions above and below the collection-well plate 24.
Upon evacuating lower vacuum chamber 29, a vacuum will be
established reaching from exit port 51 to the region between each
microfiltration well and a corresponding collection well.
Particularly, the vacuum will pull along flow pathways extending
from each microfiltration well 18 into the interface region between
the confronting surfaces of drip-director plate 14 and
collection-well plate 24. The vacuum flow pathways then will cross
downward through the collection plate's surface 25, by way of
respective vents 28, to the open reservoir of chamber 29. Here, the
vacuum flow pathways will extend along the lower chamber until
reaching exit port 51. Large, blackened arrows illustrate exemplary
vacuum flow pathways in FIG. 3. Advantageously, aerosols and
filtrate residues that become entrained in the vacuum flow are
largely directed away from each collection well area and out of the
system without passing over neighboring collection wells. Also, it
should be appreciated that the vacuum pathways are directed in such
a manner as to encourage a flow that is largely downward and
laminar in nature. Cross-flow, and thus turbulence, is greatly
minimized compared to most conventional arrangements.
[0146] The illustrated embodiments show a cross-flow restrictor 30
used in combination with a vented collection-well plate 24, as just
described. Notably, the cross-flow restrictor 30 covers the
apertures 28, so that a vacuum pathway extending from the region
between each microfiltration well 18 and corresponding collection
well 26 to the region below the collection-well plate 24, via a
nearby aperture 28, must pass through the cross-flow restrictor 30.
Since the cross-flow restrictor 30 allows a vacuum to be drawn
therethrough, but discourages the passage of aerosols,
filtrate-associated aerosols are substantially separated (i.e.,
filtered out by the cross-flow restrictor) from the drawn vacuum
and, thus, the potential for well-to-well movement of aerosols over
the collection plate's surface 25 is even further reduced.
[0147] Instead of utilizing a unitary cross-flow restrictor for a
plurality of drip directors and collection wells (e.g., a sheet
having a plurality of circular perforations extending
therethrough), as described above and shown in the accompanying
drawings, an alternative embodiment contemplates a plurality of
individual collar or skirt-like cross-flow restrictors. In
horizontal cross-section, such individual cross-flow restictors can
be of any suitable shape, e.g., annular, elliptical, oblong, etc.
In one embodiment, each individual cross-flow restrictor co-axially
and laterally surrounds the region between one drip director and a
corresponding collection well. Such cross-flow restrictors can be
formed of a substantially rigid material, e.g., like that of the
drip-director plate, or they can be formed of a compliant, porous
hydrophilic material, e.g., a polymer such as ethyl vinyl acetate
(EVA) or the like. In one embodiment, a plurality of substantially
rigid, annular or elliptical cross-flow restrictors are integrally
molded with one of the trays, e.g., depending from the lower
surface of the drip-director plate and extending down toward the
collection-well plate, about respective drip directors. Further,
each such rigid cross-flow restrictor is configured to allow a
vacuum drawn from beneath a collection plate, situated under the
drip-director plate, to extend to the region proximate the
encircled drip director. In this regard, each cross-flow restrictor
can be configured to encompass, in addition to a corresponding
collection well, an adjacent aperture leading to the region below
the collection plate. That is, the cross-flow restrictor can extend
around both a corresponding collection well and an adjacent
aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-flow restrictor
extends only around its corresponding collection well. That is, the
cross-flow restrictor does not additionally encompass an adjacent
aperture. Rather, in this embodiment, a small through-hole formed
in the cross-flow restrictor, proximate the aperture, permits fluid
communication between the aperture and the region proximate the
drip director. It should be appreciated that, like the
previously-described sheet-like cross-flow restrictor 30, the
individual cross-flow restrictors shield against filtrate
spattering and undesirable lateral movement of aerosols across the
upper surface of the collection-well plate that can result in
cross-contamination.
[0148] As previously mentioned, it is noteworthy that the vacuum
flow pathways established between the regions above and below the
collection-well plate, in all of the embodiments described herein,
are routed in a manner that encourages a largely laminar and
downward flow (including any entrained gases and/or aerosols).
Compared to most conventional arrangements, horizontal flow over
the upper surface of the collection-well plate is greatly
minimized. Not only is this the case in the regions proximate the
microfiltration and collection wells, but it is also the case for
the peripheral-edge regions of the plates. In this regard, and with
particular reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the contact
between the inwardly extending flap 44a of stepped gasket 44 and
the top of ridge 48 of the collection-well plate 24 is such that
airflow therebetween is obstructed or baffled. Thus, upon
evacuating the lower vacuum chamber 29, gases located above the
stepped gasket 44, in the region denoted by arrow 46, will be drawn
into the lower vacuum chamber via vent 28. Gases in the space under
the lower surface of stepped gasket 44, denoted generally by the
arrow 47, on the other hand, will be drawn into the lower vacuum
chamber via a gap 49 provided between the collection-well plate and
the surface 50 about vacuum chamber 29. By limiting the extent of
horizontal airflow across the collection-well plate in this way,
turbulence resulting from cross flow along the periphery of the
arrangement is minimized.
[0149] An additional means for avoiding cross-contamination due to
well-to-well movement of aerosols, as well as filtrate splattering,
relates to the positioning of each drip director's lower opening
relative to the upper rim, or lip, of a corresponding collection
well. According to this feature, the outlet port 16c of each drip
director 16 extends downwardly from the drip-director plate 14 so
as to enter into a corresponding collection well 26. In this
regard, the lower portion of each drip director 16 has a diameter
that enables it to register with the open top of a corresponding
collection well 26 in the collection plate 24. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 3, the outlet port 16c of each drip director 16
is situated below the upper rim or lip of a corresponding
collection well 26. By placing the outlet port 16c at a region that
is laterally surrounded by the inner sidewalls of the collection
well 26, much of the aerosol generated during filtration will
impact upon the collection-well walls, as opposed moving laterally
over toward a neighboring collection well. As an additional
advantage, such placement of the drip-director outlets helps to
reduce filtrate splattering.
[0150] In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method
for avoiding cross-contamination due to well-to-well movement of
aerosols in a multi-well microfiltration system. According to one
embodiment, the method includes the steps of:
[0151] (i) providing an array of microfiltration wells (containing
fluid samples) over a collection-well tray supporting a
corresponding array of collection wells;
[0152] (ii) drawing a vacuum along flow pathways extending (a) from
each microfiltration well (b) downward through a plane defined by
an upper surface of the collection tray at a point at, or adjacent,
a corresponding collection well (c) to a region beneath the
collection tray, thereby causing a filtrate to flow from each
microfiltration well and into corresponding collection wells;
and
[0153] (iii) obstructing aerosols formed from the filtrate at any
one microfiltration well from moving across the upper surface of
the collection tray to a non-corresponding collection well, thereby
limiting cross-contamination.
[0154] It should be appreciated that the apparatus described above
is particularly well suited for carrying out this method. For
example, a vacuum chamber, such as lower chamber 29 shown in FIG.
3, may be connected to a low pressure source, such as a vacuum pump
(not shown), for establishing a pressure differential across filter
elements 8a, 8b disposed in microfiltration wells 18. The reduced
pressure, then, will cause filtrate to emanate from drip directors
16. Aerosol guard 30 provides a means to limit filtrate-associated
aerosols formed from the filtrate at any one microfiltration well
18 from moving across the upper surface 25 of collection-well plate
24 to a neighboring collection well. Apertures 28, extending
through the surface 25 of collection plate 24, permit the vacuum to
extend between each microfiltration well and the region below the
collection-well plate 24 without having to pass over the openings
of neighboring collection wells.
[0155] When evacuating the lower chamber, it is advantageous to
slowly change (ramp) the pressure to a desired value, combined with
the utilization of very low pressures (e.g., less than about 2 psi,
and preferably less than about 1 psi), in to further reduce the
potential for cross-contamination, as by aerosols. For example, in
going from ambient pressure to a value within the range of about
0.75 to about 2 psi, a ramp period of about 2-3 seconds is
employed.
[0156] Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a
multi-well microfiltration arrangement that provides for the flow
of filtrate from each well, while avoiding cross-contamination due
to pendent drops which may adhere to the drip directors of the
various microfiltration wells. As previously mentioned, such
pendent drops can fall into neighboring collection wells when
moving the drip-director plate over the collection-well plate.
[0157] According to one embodiment, a microfiltration well is
evacuated in the direction of its upper opening, thereby pulling
any pendent drops of fluid hanging from its drip director back up
into the well. To accomplish the evacuation, a pressure control
source, e.g., a vacuum pump, in communication with an upper region
of the mini-column is operable to evacuate the mini-column in the
direction extending from the drip director to the upper
opening.
[0158] Another embodiment provides for "touching off" the tips of
the drip directors to remove pendent drops of filtrate that might
hang off of the drip directors. In this regard, the drip director
outlets of all the microfiltration wells are simultaneously brought
into contact with the inner sidewalls of corresponding collection
wells.
[0159] Means are provided for effecting relative motion between the
drip-director plate and the collection-well plate for
simultaneously moving the discharge conduits into and out of
contact with inner walls of respective collection wells. In one
embodiment, such means are operable to shift the collection-well
plate along a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal
axes of the microfiltration wells, while the microfiltration wells
themselves are maintained in a substantially fixed position. In
another embodiment, the means for effecting relative motion are
operable to shift the microfiltration wells along a plane
substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of the collection
wells, while the collection wells are maintained in a substantially
fixed position.
[0160] An exemplary arrangement for effecting relative motion is
depicted in FIGS. 7 through 10. With initial reference to FIGS. 7
and 8, an L-shaped carriage, as denoted by the reference numeral
60, is provided with a central opening 62 configured to receive and
support a multi-well microfiltration assembly, indicated generally
as 6, from above. Below carriage 60, a collection plate 24 having
an array of collection wells 26 is supported in a lower vacuum
chamber (not shown).
[0161] Carriage 60 is mounted on a pair of parallel longitudinal
carrier rails for reciprocal linear motion along a first,
substantially horizontal, axis. In the illustrated embodiment, one
of the carrier rails is a linear bearing rail, denoted as 64, which
supports the carriage 60 via an interposed linear bearing member 65
attached to the lower surface of the carriage 60 toward one lateral
edge. The other carrier rail is a U-shaped bearing guide, denoted
as 66, that receives a bearing wheel 68, extending laterally
outward from the other edge of the carriage 60, in an elongated
track or slot 66a.
[0162] Carriage 60 is moved along the rails 64, 66 by a belt
assembly comprised of a flexible belt 70 having its ends attached
at each longitudinal end of a U-shaped bracket 74 forming a part of
a spring-loaded motion-control mechanism 72, described more fully
below. Belt 70 is passed around a driven 76 roller and an idler
roller 78, disposed proximate longitudinally opposing ends of the
carrier rail arrangement. To prevent against slippage, the belt may
be provided with teeth 70a adapted for mating engagement with
complementary sets of teeth 76a, 78a on the rollers.
[0163] Driven roller 76 is in mechanical communication with a
motor, such as 82, through a power train assembly, as indicated
generally by the reference numeral 84. When motor 82 is energized,
belt 70 will move, causing carriage 60 to slide along the carrier
rails 64, 66, with the direction of movement depending on the
rotation of the drive shaft 86 extending from motor 82. Motor 82
may be of any suitable, known type, e.g., a stepper motor, servo
motor, or similar device.
[0164] One preferred embodiment of the present invention
contemplates the use of a stepper motor to move belt. By way of
background, a stepper motor is a specialized type of motor that
moves in individual steps. Unlike servo motors, the position of a
stepper can be determined without the need for expensive encoders
to check its position. Stepper motors are much more cost-effective
than servo systems due to their simplified control and drive
circuitry. There are no brushes to replace in a stepper motor,
reducing the frequency for maintenance. Owing to their ease of use
and relatively low cost, steppers are often preferred over servo
motors for many modern computerized motion control systems.
[0165] According to this embodiment of the invention, a control
system is provided to operate the stepper motor in a desired
fashion. For example, a microcontroller, such as a Motorola 68332,
may be utilized to control the motor using conventional
techniques.
[0166] As previously noted, stepping the motor 82 causes belt 70 to
move around rollers 76, 78, with the direction of movement
dependent upon the direction of rotation of the motor's shaft 86.
Movement of belt 70, in turn, causes carriage 60 to slide along
guide rails 64, 66, thereby shifting the drip director array 16
laterally with the respect to the collection well array 26. If the
drip directors 16 are positioned so that they extend into
respective collection wells 26, sufficient stepping in a given
direction will cause the drip directors 16 to engage the upper,
inner surfaces of the collection wells 26, as shown in the
sectional views of FIGS. 9(A)-9(C). In this way, pendent drops of
filtrate hanging from the drip directors 16 are "touched off" to
the inner surfaces of respective collection wells 26. Similarly,
upon reversing the stepping direction, the drip directors 16 can be
moved to engage the upper, inner surfaces on the opposing side of
the collection wells 26 to further ensure effective touching off of
pendent drops.
[0167] As previously mentioned, alternative embodiments of the
invention contemplate the use of a servo motor to move the belt. In
one such embodiment, a means for providing positional feedback,
such as an encoder (not shown), is provided in order to track the
position of the servo motor.
[0168] Carriage additionally supports means for moving and
positioning the microfiltration arrangement 6 along a second,
generally vertical, axis. With particular reference to the
embodiment of FIG. 7, a vertical-positioning mechanism is disposed
on the upper surface of carriage along each lateral side of the
microfiltration arrangment. Each vertical-positioning mechanism
includes (i) lift springs, such as 92, that provide a continuous,
upwardly-directed force tending to raise the microfiltration
arrangement 6 to an elevated position whereat the drip directors 16
fully clear the upper lips of the collection wells 26, and (ii)
fluid cylinders, such as 94, that are operable to lower the
microfiltration arrangement 6, against the force of the lift
springs 92, to a seated position whereat each drip director 16
extends into the upper region of a respective collection well 26.
At its fully seated (lowered) position, the microfiltration
arrangement 6 forms a seal with the lower vacuum chamber (not
shown).
[0169] Both the springs 92 and the fluid cylinders 94 engage, at
their upper ends, handles, denoted as 96, that extend upwardly and
outwardly from each lateral side of the microfiltration
arrangement's supporting frame 38. In one embodiment, the
spring/cylinder arrangements are operable to hold the
microfiltration arrangement at any one of three positions: (i) an
up or travel position, (ii) a touch-off position, and (iii) a down
or seal position.
[0170] The touch-off operation may be carried out with the
microfiltration arrangement 6 disposed at any position along the
second (vertical) axis, provided only that the drip directors 16
extend at least partially down into the collection wells 26. In one
embodiment, touching off of the drip directors 16 to the inner
sidewalls of the collection wells 26 is effected with the
microfiltration arrangement 6 slightly raised above its fully
seated position so that the lowermost regions of the drip directors
16, proximate their outlets 16c, will abut the inner surfaces of
the collection wells 26.
[0171] The region of each drip director 16 proximate its outlet may
be shaped, e.g., angled or chamfered about its lower circumference,
to promote the localization of any pendent drops of filtrate to
certain regions of the drip director 16 and to optimize contact
between such regions with the inner sidewall of a corresponding
collection well 26 during touch off. Similarly, the upper region of
each collection well 26 may also be shaped, e.g., in a manner
complementary to (i.e., matching) a shaped drip director 16, so
that adequate contact is made between these elements during touch
off for substantially ridding the drip director 16 of any pendent
drops of filtrate. In one preferred embodiment, as can be seen in
FIGS. 9A-C, the upper, region of each collection well is formed
with an outwardly angled inner sidewall that matches an inwardly
angled outer surface along the lower region of a corresponding drip
director, thereby providing a substantial abutting surface between
these elements during a touch-off operation.
[0172] As previously described, the discrete quantity of angular
rotation imparted to shaft 86 each time stepper motor 82 is stepped
is ultimately translated into a given length of linear movement by
bracket 74. For example, stepping the motor 82 once may cause
bracket 74 to move 1/4" in a particular direction. It should be
appreciated that the minimum number of steps required of stepper
motor 82 to effect a touch off may cause the drip directors 16 to
move farther than what is necessary. That is, the drip directors 16
might be moved into engagement with the inner walls of the
collection wells 26, with continued pressure to move beyond the
inner walls. As described next, such linear overshoot can be
advantageous, as it can assist in the removal of pendent drops. It
should be appreciated that it is desirable to move the drip
directors to a suitable position against the collection-well
sidewalls (e.g., in firm abutment with the sidewalls) in order to
effectively encourage the removal of pendent drops. By providing a
suitable amount of linear overshoot into the sideward movement of
the drip directors, such positioning can be ensured (i.e., the drip
directors will not fall short of the sidewalls), notwithstanding
various minor positional inaccuracies inherent in the arrangement.
Thus, by providing for a reasonable amount of linear overshoot, the
sidewalls themselves determine the final position of the drip
directors. It is also desirable to keep the torque relatively low,
thereby preventing cogging of the motor. Further, it is desirable
to absorb or compensate for some of the linear overshoot to avoid
overstressing the drip directors 16 and/or the collection wells
26.
[0173] In these regards, one embodiment of the invention
contemplates the use of a spring-loaded motion-control mechanism 72
in the mechanical linkage system between the motor 82 and the
carriage 60. The motion-control mechanism 72 ensures accurate
positioning of the drip directors in abutment with the sidewalls,
while absorbing excess linear motion beyond the amount required to
shift the drip directors 16 into contact with the inner sidewalls
of the collection wells 26. As an additional advantage, the
motion-control mechanism 72 provides a damping resistance to
sliding movement of the carriage 60 along the rails 64, 66.
[0174] In one embodiment, the motion-control mechanism includes a
spring disposed such that movement of the carriage in either
direction along the first axis will put the spring under
compression. With particular reference to the partially schematic
top plan views of FIGS. 10(A)-(C), the U-shaped bracket 74 that
forms a part of the belt assembly is rigidly connected to a housing
101 containing large and small bores, respectively indicated
generally as 102 and 108. Bore 102 has a large-diameter portion
102a and a small-diameter portion 102b, separated by a radial step
102c. A stepped-diameter shaft, indicated generally as 104, having
a large-diameter portion 104a and a small-diameter portion 104b,
separated by a radial step 104c, passes through bore 102 and
rigidly attaches, at its large-diameter end, to an extended-arm
portion 60a of the L-shaped carriage 60. A guide pin 106, which
assists in maintaining the substantially horizontal orientation of
carriage 60, rigidly attaches to the extended arm portion 60a of
carriage 60 at one end and is received in small bore 108 at its
other end. Inside the large-diameter portion 102a of bore 102, a
spring 110 concentrically mounts the small-diameter portion 104b of
shaft 104 between a pair of spaced washers, denoted as 112 and 116.
The two washers 112, 116 are concentrically mounted for sliding
movement along the small-diameter portion 104b of stepped shaft
104. Spring 110 urges the two washers 112, 116 toward opposite,
extreme ends of the small-diameter portion 104b of shaft 104. A
fixed-position washer 114 is seated within a circumferential groove
(not shown) formed in the small-diameter portion 104b of shaft 104
near its free end.
[0175] When belt 70 moves U-shaped bracket 74 in the direction
indicated by the arrow "A," in FIG. 10B, bore 102 slides along
shaft 104 in a direction toward the extended arm 60a of carriage
60. As a result, an annular lip 120 that extends radially inward at
the end of bore 102 acts against an annular, peripheral region of
washer 112, causing the washer 112 to slide along the
small-diameter portion 104b of stepped shaft 104, thereby
compressing spring 110. When the compression force overcomes the
pre-loaded retaining force, carriage 60 will then shift in the same
direction (direction "A").
[0176] When belt 70 moves U-shaped bracket 74 in the direction
indicated by the arrow "B," in FIG. 10C, bore 102 slides along
shaft 104 in a direction away from the extended arm 60a of carriage
60. As a result, the radial step 102c of bore 102 acts against an
annular, peripheral region of washer 116, causing the washer 116 to
slide along the small-diameter portion 104b of stepped shaft 104,
thereby compressing spring 110. When the compression force
overcomes the pre-loaded retaining force, carriage 60 will then
shift in the same direction (i.e., direction "B").
[0177] In one embodiment, spring 110 provides a pre-load force of
about 1 pound. Thus, the force provided by the stepper motor 82
will not be effective to move the carriage 60 until the threshold
of about 1 pound is overcome. Advantageously, the arrangement
provides (i) a constant-hold mode at the center, or neutral,
position, and (ii) a constant-force mode for effecting touch off.
The spring 110 provides compliance in the system, e.g., allowing
touch off to start at 1 pound and end at 1.2 pounds.
[0178] With reference to the apparatus as described above, one
preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the
following steps:
[0179] (i) microfiltration arrangement 6 is loaded onto carriage 60
and clamped in place;
[0180] (ii) carriage 60 is centered over a lower vacuum chamber
29;
[0181] (iii) microfiltration arrangement 6 is lowered to its seated
position (e.g., by retracting fluid cylinders 94) and sealed over
the lower vacuum chamber 29;
[0182] (iv) a robot (not shown) lowers upper vacuum chamber 20
against the top of microfiltration arrangement 6 and, optionally,
applies a downward force, e.g., about 5 pounds, to the stacked
arrangement;
[0183] (v) lower vacuum chamber 29 is evacuated (e.g., at about
0.5-3 psi) to effect elution/purification;
[0184] (vi) carriage 60 is raised slightly from its fully seated
position to a touch-off height whereat only the lowermost regions
of the drip directors 16 extend below the upper lips of the
collection wells 26;
[0185] (vii) motor 82 is stepped in a forward direction to touch
off the drip directors 16 to a sidewall of the collection wells
26;
[0186] (viii) motor 82 is stepped in a reverse direction to touch
off the drip directors 16 to the opposing inner sidewall of the
collection wells 26;
[0187] (ix) forward and reverse stepping of motor 82 is repeated to
perform each of the touch-off steps once more;
[0188] (x) carriage 60 is re-centered over lower vacuum chamber
29;
[0189] (xi) microfiltration arrangement 6 is lowered to its seated
position and sealed over lower vacuum chamber 29;
[0190] (xii) optionally, the robot can apply a downward force,
e.g., about 5 pounds, to the stacked arrangement;
[0191] (xiii) upper vacuum chamber 20 is evacuated to effect a
pull-back of pendent drops (e.g., at about 0.1-0.3 psi);
[0192] (xiv) microfiltration arrangement 6 is raised to its fully
elevated position so that the drip directors 16 fully clear the
collection wells 26; then
[0193] (xv) carriage 60 is moved to next station.
[0194] FIG. 16 shows an automated high-throughput sample
preparation workstation 202, including, for example, a
microfiltration apparatus, cross-contamination control
arrangements, as well as collection-well covering and heat-sealing
assemblies (described below), and associated components and
reagents, in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. As illustrated, several collection trays can be provided
in adjacent vacuum chambers arranged in a side-by-side fashion near
one end of the workstation. For example, a closed-bottom collection
tray, such as tray 24, can sit in each of the two endmost vacuum
chambers, while open-bottom collection trays can sit in the two
center vacuum chambers. Carriage 60 can then carry a
microfiltration arrangement 6 successively from one vacuum chamber
to the next. For instance, an initial collection of filtrate can
take place at the vacuum chamber holding closed-bottom collection
plate 24 near the front of the workstation. Then successive
washings can be carried out at each of the two center vacuum
chambers whereat open-bottom collection plates are placed. Next, a
final collection of filtrate can take place at the vacuum chamber
near the rear of the workstation, whereat another closed-bottom
collection tray is located.
[0195] With regard to spatial orientation, it should be noted at
this point that the various components (e.g., upper chamber,
mini-column plate, filter element, drip-director plate, frame,
cross-flow restrictor, collection-well plate, and lower chamber)
are illustrated and described herein as being stacked in vertical
relationship, with the upper vacuum chamber being the topmost
component. Further, each microfiltration well is described as
having a central axis disposed in a substantially vertical fashion,
with a flow pathway extending downwardly through the well. It
should be noted, however, that these orientations have been adopted
merely for convenience in setting forth the detailed description,
and to facilitate an understanding of the invention. In practice,
the invention contemplates that the components and wells may be
disposed in any orientation.
[0196] In another of its aspects, the present invention provides
for the covering and sealing of multi-well trays containing fluid
samples.
[0197] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11 through 14, a cover
member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 150, includes
an upper shell portion, denoted generally as 154, supporting a
sealing layer or undersurface, indicated generally as 156 (FIG.
11), on its lower face. Upper shell portion 154 is comprised of a
substantially planar expanse 158 (FIGS. 12 and 13) and a depending
circumferential sidewall 160 laterally surrounding undersurface
156. Along the length and width dimensions, undersurface 156 is
configured with generally the same geometry as the upper surface of
multi-well plate 24, permitting it to cover the entire array of
well openings 26a.
[0198] As best seen in FIG. 11, undersurface includes a plurality
of individual nodules, such as 166, arranged in a rectangular array
corresponding to the array of wells 26 of collection tray 24. Each
of the nodules 166 preferably has a downwardly convex, e.g.,
dome-shaped, lower portion, though other shapes may be used. The
nodules 166 are made of a resiliently flexible material held in a
predetermined, spaced relationship from each other by a web or
sheet 168. Web 168 may be integrally formed with nodules 166, as
shown, or it may be formed separately, with the nodules molded or
adhesively attached to the web at appropriate locations.
[0199] Cover 150 is preferably comprised of a substantially rigid
material that, when pressed down at opposing peripheral edge
regions against corresponding regions of ridge 48 along the
periphery of multi-well plate 24, can maintain an annular region of
each nodule 166 in pressing engagement with an upper lip 26b of a
respective well 26. To evenly distribute the downward force across
undersurface 156, integral beams, such as 172 and 174, can extend
laterally and/or longitudinally across the top surface of upper
shell portion 154, providing increased rigidity.
[0200] Undersurface 156 is formed of a resiliently deformable
material that, when compressed over openings 26a, is capable of
forming a seal. Suitable materials for forming undersurface 156
include, for example, synthetic rubber-like polymers such as
silicone, sodium polysulfide, polychloroprene (neoprene),
butadiene-styrene copolymers, and the like. Upper shell portion 154
is formed of a substantially rigid material such as nylon,
polycarbonate, polypropylene, and the like.
[0201] In one preferred embodiment, the cover of the invention is
made by an injection co-molding process wherein an upper shell
portion is first molded, and then a sealing undersurface is
injection molded to the shell portion. A preferred nylon material
useful for forming the upper shell is available commercially as
ZYTEL.RTM. grade 101 (DuPont Co., Wilmington, Del.). To avoid
heat-induced damage to the molded nylon shell portion, preferred
silicone materials have relatively low injection and curing
temperatures (e.g., less than about 180.degree. C.). One
particularly preferred silicone material useful for co-molding the
undersurface is available commercially as COMPU LSR 2630 clear
(Bayer AG, Germany).
[0202] To secure undersurface 156 to upper shell portion 154, a
series of holes (not shown) are formed through the shell's planar
expanse 158. Upon injecting a liquid silicone from the bottom side
of the upper shell portion 154, the silicone penetrates the holes
and forms nodules, such as 180, having a greater diameter than that
of the holes, adjacent the topside of the upper shell portion 154.
Upon curing, the silicone contracts slightly, pulling the nodules
180 and the expansive undersurface 156 toward one another. In this
way, a snug attachment is effected at several locations holding the
undersurface 156 against the lower face of the upper shell portion
154.
[0203] Cover 150 is secured to multi-well tray 24 by a releasable
attachment means. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, the attachment
means includes a plurality of integrally formed, resiliently
deflectable arms, such as 184, depending from opposing lateral
sides of upper shell portion 154. At an end distal from upper shell
portion 154, each arm 184 is provided with a catch or hook 186
adapted to hold on to a circumferential sidewall 24a formed about
multi-well plate 24. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 14, each catch
186 is substantially formed in the shape of a half-arrow, having
(i) a downwardly and outwardly angled cam surface 186a, and (ii) an
upper shoulder or stop portion 186b. Upon moving the cover 150
toward a seated position over the well openings 26a, the cam
surface 186a of each catch 186 slides down over the circumferential
sidewall 24a of collection plate 24, thereby deflecting arms 184
laterally outward. Once the shoulder 186b of each catch 186 clears
the lower edge 24b of circumferential sidewall 24a, arms 184 snap
inward, locking the cover 154 in a closed position, as shown in
FIG. 13.
[0204] To release the snap-locked cover 154 from multi-well tray
24, arms 184 can be pulled outwardly, away from circumferential
sidewall 24a, so that each shoulder 186b clears lower edge 24b.
Cover 154 can then be separated from the tray 24 to reveal the well
openings 26a.
[0205] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 15, the
releasable attachment means includes a plurality of nubs or
protrusions 192 having resiliently deformable terminal bulbs 192a
depending at various points along the periphery of the lower
surface of cover 154. In this embodiment, nubs 192 are receivable
within complementary bores 194 formed along corresponding regions
of the upper surface of multi-well plate 24. Frictional engagement
of each bulb 192a with an inner sidewall of a respective bore 194
holds the cover 154 in place over the multi-well plate 24.
[0206] In one preferred embodiment, best seen in FIG. 12, structure
is provided along the top of upper shell portion 154 that
facilitates automated handling using a robotic fluid-handling
apparatus. An exemplary robotic system is available commercially
under the tradename TECAN.RTM. RSP (Tecan AG; Hombrechtikon,
Switzerland). In the illustrated arrangement, the robotic system,
denoted generally as 198, includes four elongated aspiration and
injection fingers, denoted as 1-4, mounted on a robotic arm 200 at
respective points generally defining a line. Arm 200 can
translocate fingers in the x/y direction along a generally
horizontal plane, throughout which the longitudinal axes of fingers
1-4 are maintained in fixed, spaced relation to each other. The
longitudinal axes of fingers 1-4 are evenly spaced from about 9 mm
to about 36 mm, and preferably about 18 mm, apart from one another.
Each of the fingers 1-4 can be separately translocated in the z
direction along a respective, generally vertical axis. Movement of
arm 200 and fingers 1-4 is preferably carried out under the control
of a programmed computer (not shown) by known techniques.
[0207] The TECAN.RTM. RSP can be used, in a known manner, to
transfer fluids to and from various chambers, e.g., wells of a
microplate 24, vials 206, troughs 208 and the like, disposed on a
working surface, such as the worktable 202 shown in FIG. 16. Other
known uses for the TECAN.RTM. RSP include, for example, reagent
addition, dilution, and mixing.
[0208] As previously mentioned, the present invention provides
structure along the top of upper shell portion 154 that facilitates
automated handling. Advantageously, such structure expands the
capability of the robotic system 198 beyond conventional
fluid-handling tasks to include novel tasks such as picking up
covers, placing covers over multi-well plates, and securing the
covers to the plates, as described below. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 12, such structure can include longitudinally
slotted, resiliently expandable sleeve-like members, such as 211
and 214, each adapted to receive the tip region of one of the
fingers 1-4 such that the finger becomes wedged therein. Such
structure further includes a plurality of landing seats, e.g.,
221-224 and 212-213, defined by rimmed depressions or bores having
a diameter wider than that of fingertips (1a-4a), providing
strategic regions whereat the fingers can abut the upper surface of
the cover with a reduced risk of slippage.
[0209] Generally, frictional engagement of each sleeve 211, 214
with one of fingertips 1a-4a permits the robot to pick up, carry
and/or place cover 150, as desired. Once suitably placed, the cover
can be released by extending one or more free fingers against
corresponding landing seats on the upper surface of the cover,
while retracting the wedged fingertips. In an exemplary operation,
fingers 1, 4 are extended downward in the z direction toward a
cover 150 disposed, for example, on a surface of a workstation 202
so that fingertips 1a, 4a enter and become wedged within respective
expandable sleeves 211, 214. Fingers 1, 4 are then partially
retracted in the z direction, in unison, to lift cover 150 above
the working surface. Next, the lifted cover 150 is translocated by
moving arm 200 along the x/y direction to another area of the
working surface. Fingers 1, 4 are then extended downward, in
unison, in the z direction to lower cover 150 onto a multi-well
tray 24 containing, for example, a plurality of separately
collected fluid samples. Cover 150 is released from the robot 198
by extending free fingers 2, 3 downward against landing seats 212,
213 on the upper surface of cover 150, and retracting fingers 1, 4
from sleeves 211, 214. Finally, all of the fingers (1-4) are raised
toward arm 200 to a fully retracted position.
[0210] Employing a releasable attachment means, cover 150, so
placed, can be snap-locked to the multi-well tray 24 by applying a
downward force from above. In an exemplary operation, fingers 1, 4
are extended downward in the z direction to abut landing seats 221
and 223, respectively, on the top of cover 150. The downward motion
of finger 1 is continued against landing seat 221 so that the
locking arm 184 thereunder is moved into snapping engagement with
circumferential sidewall 24a of multi-well tray 24. In the
meanwhile, finger 4 is held substantially motionless adjacent
landing seat 223 in order to oppose any tendency of the cover to
flip up. An appropriate downward force is then applied at landing
seats over the remaining arms until all of the arms are snap-locked
to the multi-well tray.
[0211] While it should be understood that the covers described
herein can be employed in a wide variety of situations, they are
particularly useful for protecting a plurality of fluid samples
separately contained in an array of closed-bottom collection wells
against evaporation and/or cross-contamination during long-term
storage. For example, fluid filtrate (e.g., containing purified or
concentrated nucleic acids, such as RNA or DNA) can be collected
using the microfiltration apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3. The collection
wells can then be sealed by snap-locking the cover 150 of FIGS.
11-14 thereto, using a TECAN.RTM. RSP fluid-handling robot as just
described. The covered multi-well tray can then be placed in a
freezer for storage. The covers can be reused multiple times, if
desired.
[0212] By utilizing a single robotic fluid-handling arm to carry
out a variety of tasks at the workstation, valuable working space
is conserved. Moreover, equipment and programming expenses are
avoided by obviating the need for additional robotic devices, e.g.,
grippers, for picking up, moving, placing and securing covers.
[0213] The present invention also provides for the sealing of
multi-well trays with heat-sealable covers. Generally, the
heat-sealing apparatus of the invention includes a pick-and-place
assembly adapted to lift an individual, pre-cut, heat-sealable
sheet or film from a bin and place the sheet over a plurality of
well openings of a multi-well tray. A heatable platen is provided
for engaging the sheet, so placed, and heat sealing the sheet to
the upper surface of the multi-well plate, thereby forming a seal
over each well. Advantageously, the operation is carried out in an
automated fashion.
[0214] According to one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 16-24, a first,
substantially planar work surface, generally denoted as 302, is
positioned over a cooler, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 306. A plurality of rectangular cavities, such as cavities
310, are formed through the work surface, each adapted to support a
multi-well tray therein, such as tray 324, with the lower side of
the tray disposed in communication with the temperature-controlled
environment of cooler 306. In a preferred embodiment, four such
cavities are formed through work surface 302. When a multi-well
tray is properly positioned in one of cavities 310, an outer
circumferential edge or lip of the tray rests on a region of the
surface circumscribing the cavity, with the bottom regions of the
wells extending below the surface into the cooler. Cooler 306 is
adapted to maintain the samples at a desired, reduced temperature
(e.g., about 4.degree. C. for fluid samples containing purified or
concentrated nucleic acids, such as RNA).
[0215] Means are provided to ensure proper placement (i.e.,
orientation) of a multi-well tray in a respective cavity. According
to one embodiment, one face of a triangular key feature, indicated
as 322, is rigidly attached to the work surface 302 proximate a
corner of each cavity 310. Further, one corner of each multi-well
tray is angled, as at 324d, to sit on work surface 302 closely
adjacent the edge of key 322 facing the cavity 310, when the tray
is properly (fully) seated. It should be appreciated that only the
angled corner 324d of tray 324 can sit on work surface 302 adjacent
key feature 322. If tray 324 is placed in the cavity in the wrong
orientation, a non-angled corner of tray 324 (i.e., one other than
324d) will land on the upper face of key 322, thereby prohibiting
proper (full) seating of tray 324 in manner that will be apparent
to an operator.
[0216] A second, substantially planar working surface, denoted as
332, is positioned alongside first surface 302, such that the two
surfaces are substantially coplanar. A bin or tray, indicated as
336, for holding individual sheets of heat-sealable covers is held
in a frame, denoted generally as 338, affixed near one end of
second working surface 332. Tray 336 is adapted to hold a plurality
of heat-sealable sheets, denoted generally as 342, vertically
stacked face-to-face, such that the topmost sheet is always
presented for retrieval by a suction picker assembly, denoted as
394, at substantially the same, predetermined vertical height. For
example, tray 336 can rest on a spring-biased bed (not shown)
adapted for vertical motion within frame 338.
[0217] Tray 336 is preferably formed as an integral unit using a
conventional thermoforming process. In one embodiment, tray 336 is
formed of a lightweight plastic material, such as PETG, or other
suitable thermoplastic resinous material. As best seen in FIG. 18,
tray 336 is formed with a bottom 336a, four sidewalls 336b, an
outwardly extending circumferential lip 336c, and an open top. As
is well known in the art of thermoforming, it is generally
necessary to provide a draft for the sidewalls of a thermoformed
tray. Draft is the slight taper provided in a design of a
thermoformed part that permits the part to be removed from the
mold, after curing, without disturbing the part's walls. In the
thermoformed tray of the present invention, the distance between
opposing sidewalls of the tray slightly increases along the
direction from the bottom of the tray to the top of the tray. For
example, the sidewalls can be provided with a lift-out slope in the
range of about 1-10 degrees. In one embodiment, the lift-out slope
is about 5 degrees.
[0218] As a consequence of the draft, the planar area bounded by
the tray's sidewalls 336b, parallel to the tray's bottom 336a, gets
progressively larger moving along a direction from the bottom 336a
to the top of the tray. To prevent shifting of the sheets (not
shown in FIG. 18) held within the tray, particularly at the wider,
upper regions thereof, ribs, such as 337, are provided along each
sidewall 336b. Ribs 337 are configured to provide a substantially
straight surface or edge for continuously contacting a point, and
preferably plural points, on each peripheral side-edge of each
sheet of a stack, throughout each sheet's range of vertical motion.
Thus, ribs 337 serve to guide each sheet as it is moved vertically
through tray 336, and to ensure that each sheet is maintained in a
desired orientation within the tray 336. In the illustrated
embodiment, ribs 337 are provided as integrally molded, opposing
pairs extending along opposing sidewalls of the tray. The ribs
running along each sidewall 336b are sufficiently spaced apart so
as to prevent the sheets held in the tray from becoming skewed. In
this embodiment, each rib 337 provides a vertically extending,
elongated line or surface that is substantially normal to a plane
defined by the bottom 336a of tray 336. Due to the upwardly
divergent nature of the tray's sidewalls 336b, the ribs 337 become
slightly more pronounced (i.e., they extend further outward from
each sidewall's major surface) along the direction from the bottom
336a of tray 336 to the top of tray 336.
[0219] A releasable attachment means is provided to prevent
inadvertent removal of tray 336 from frame 338. In one embodiment,
the attachment means includes resiliently deflectable arms, such as
350, extending upwardly from opposing lateral sides of frame 338.
Each arm 350 is rigidly attached near its lower end, e.g., by way
of fasteners 352, to a lower region of frame 338 proximate work
surface 332. As best seen in FIGS. 19(A)-19(B), the upper region of
each arm 350 is provided with a catch or hook 356 adapted to hold
on to the circumferential lip 336c at the top of tray 336 when the
tray is disposed in a fully seated position. Each catch 350 is
substantially formed in the shape of a half-arrow, having (i) an
upwardly and outwardly angled cam surface 356a, and (ii) a lower
shoulder or stop portion 356b. Upon moving tray 336 toward a seated
position within frame 338, the cam surface 356a of each catch 356
slides over the outer peripheral edge of lip 336c, thereby
deflecting each arm 350 laterally outward. Once the lip passes
below shoulder 356b, the arms snap inward, locking the tray in the
frame, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0220] To release the snap-locked tray 336 from frame 338, arms 350
can be bent outwardly, apart from one another, so that each
shoulder 356b clears the outer edge of lip 336c. Tray 336 can then
be lifted out of frame 338.
[0221] An abutment, denoted as 362, is rigidly secured on the upper
surface of frame 338 near each longitudinal end. Abutments 362
provide substantially vertical, confronting surfaces that guide
tray 336 as it is being placed in frame 338, and that maintain the
tray in a desired position while it is seated.
[0222] Sheets 342 may be made of any substantially chemically inert
material that can form a seal with the upper surface of a
multi-well tray, or appropriate regions thereof (e.g., an
upstanding rim or lip about the opening of each well), when applied
with moderate heat (e.g., 90.degree.-170.degree. C.) under moderate
pressure (e.g., about 10-35 lbs.). For example, sheets 342 may be
formed of a polymeric film, such as a polystyrene, polyester,
polypropylene and/or polyethylene film. Suitable polymeric sheets
are available commercially, for example, from Polyfiltronics, Inc.
(Rockland, Mass.) and Advanced Biotechnologies (Epsom, Surrey
England UK). In one embodiment, each sheet is a substantially clear
polymeric film, about 0.05 millimeters thick, that permits optical
measurement of reactions taking place in the wells of tray 324. For
example, the present invention contemplates real time
fluorescence-based measurements of nucleic acid amplification
products (such as PCR) as described, for example, in PCT
Publication WO 95/30139 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/235,411, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference. Generally, an excitation beam is directed through a
sealing cover sheet into each of a plurality of fluorescent
mixtures separately contained in an array of reaction wells,
wherein the beam has appropriate energy to excite the fluorescent
centers in each mixture. Measurement of the fluorescence intensity
indicates, in real time, the progress of each reaction. For
purposes of permitting such real time monitoring, each sheet in
this embodiment is formed of a heat-sealable material that is
transparent, or at least transparent at the excitation and
measurement wavelength(s). A preferred heat-sealable sheet, in this
regard, is a co-laminate of polypropylene and polyethylene.
[0223] Often, heat-sealable films or sheets are obtained as a web
in the form of a roll. Not surprisingly, such rolls are often bulky
and heavy. Moreover, the equipment required to properly cut them
into a desired shape can be costly and space consuming, as well.
Advantageously, the heat-sealable sheets provided by the present
invention are pre-cut to appropriate dimensions, and stacked inside
tray. As contemplated herein, a tray, such as 336, holding a stack
of sheets 342 is packaged as a pre-assembled unit, which is readily
opened and inserted into frame 338.
[0224] A linear track 370, supporting a carriage assembly 376, is
mounted longitudinally across work surface 332, adjacent to cooler
306. A reversible drive means is adapted to move carriage 376 back
and forth along track 370, as desired. In the illustrated
embodiment, the drive means includes a nylon rail 382 having
upwardly facing teeth 378 formed along its top surface, from one
end to the other. Teeth 378 are adapted to mesh with a circular,
externally-toothed, motor-driven gear (not shown) disposed for
rotation inside the carriage housing. A flexible guide or conduit
386, as can be obtained commercially from KabelSchlepp America,
Inc. (Milwaukee, Wis.), is disposed alongside rail 382 for
containing various cables and wires (not shown) of the
apparatus.
[0225] Carriage 376 supports a pick-and-place assembly, indicated
generally by the reference numeral 388, and a heatable platen
assembly, denoted as 412. Pick-and-place assembly 388 includes an
elongated picker arm 390 supported above the carriage via a
rotatable mount 392 extending through an upper surface of carriage
376. The rotatable mount can be, for example, a driven shaft
coupled to a reversible stepper motor (not shown) held within the
carriage housing. Arm 390 is attached to driven shaft 392 so as to
rotate therewith. Arm 390 is adapted for movement along a generally
horizontal plane between a "home" postion (FIGS. 16 and 23), a
"pick-up" position (FIGS. 17 and 20), and a "dropoff" position
(FIGS. 21 and 22).
[0226] The other end of arm 390 supports a suction picker assembly,
indicated generally by the reference numeral 394, adapted to pick
up a heat-sealable sheet from stack 342 held in tray 336, and to
place the sheet over a multi-well tray held in one of the cavities
at cooler 306. Suction picker assembly 394 includes four elongated
guide rods, denoted as 396a-396d, each supported for reciprocal
sliding movement within a respective linear bearing 398a-398d held
in a bore (not shown) extending vertically through arm 390. Rods
396a-396d are secured, at their lower ends, to the top of a plenum,
denoted as 400.
[0227] Plenum 400 can be moved up and down to a desired vertical
height by way of a linear motion means. The linear motion means can
be a stepper motor, such as 402, mounted on arm centrally of rods
396a-396d. Rotational motion of stepper motor 402 causes a lead
screw 404, passing centrally through motor 402, to move up or down
along its longitudinal axis, dependent upon the direction of
rotation. The lower end of lead screw 404, in turn, is rotatably
journaled to plenum 400. Thus, upon stepping motor 402, plenum 400
will move up or down with linear movement of lead screw 404.
[0228] A plurality of suction legs, such as 406a-406d, depend from
a lower side of plenum 400. In the illustrated embodiment, one such
leg is disposed near each corner of plenum 400. A downwardly facing
suction cup, such as 408a-408d, is attached at the lower end of
each leg 406a-406d. The face region of each suction cup 408a-408d
is disposed in fluid communication with plenum 400 via a channel
(not shown) extending longitudinally through a respective leg
406a-406d. Plenum 400, in turn, communicates with a remote vacuum
source (not shown) via a suitable hose. Upon evacuating plenum 400,
a vacuum is established at the face region of each suction cup
408a-408d.
[0229] With additional reference to FIG. 24, platen 412 is a
multi-layered assembly, including (from top to bottom) (i) a
support plate 414; (ii) a heat-insulating layer 416; (iii) a heater
418; and (iv) a thermally conductive, conformable pad 420; each of
which is described more fully below.
[0230] Support plate 414 is formed of a rigid material that, when
pressed down from above, is capable of transmitting the downward
pressure across the various underlayers 416, 418, 420, so that the
lower surface of the thermally conductive, conformable pad 420 is
pressed against the upper surface of a multi-well tray. Suitable
materials for forming support plate 414 include metals, such as
aluminum and the like. A plurality of depressions or indentations,
such as 425-428, are provided along the upper surface of plate 414,
providing landing sites, or seats, for the fingers of a
fluid-handling robot, such as a four-fingered TECAN.RTM. RSP, to
abut and press down upon the platen 412, as described below.
[0231] The heat-insulating layer 416 thermally isolates the upper
support plate 414, and associated elements, from heat and hot
components thereunder. In one preferred embodiment, the
heat-insulating material is a phenolic block.
[0232] The heater 418 is preferably an electrically resistive
heating element (not shown) disposed within a heat-conductive
metallic plate, such as an aluminum plate or the like. The heating
element can be, for example, a silicone rubber heater. A preferred
silicone rubber heater (80 Watts, 24 Volts) is available
commercially from Minco Products, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minn.).
[0233] The thermally conductive, conformable pad 420 acts as a
thermal interface between the heated metallic plate and the area
along the upper surface of a multi-well plate. A preferred material
for forming the pad is available commercially under the trade name
Gap Pad.TM. from The Bergquist Company; (Edina, Minn.). Gap Pad.TM.
is a highly conformable silicone polymer filled with alumina (See,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,457; expressly incorporated herein by
reference). The pad, attached to the underside of the heated
metallic plate, has a thickness of about 0.10" to 0.20", and
preferably about 0.160". The pad provides a heated surface capable
of conforming to the contours of the upper surface of the
multi-well plate for applying a heat-sealable sheet thereto.
[0234] Platen 412 further includes a frame structure having two
substantially vertical side panels 432, 434 held in fixed spaced
relation by a pair of rectangular crossbar members, such as
crossbar 438. The crossbar members are rigidly attached to the side
panels 432, 434, e.g., by way of fasteners 440, so as to form
narrow, flat floor regions bridging the confronting faces of the
side panels 432, 434, at each longitudinal end thereof (only one of
which is visible in the figures). In an alternative embodiment, the
frame structure is cast as a unitary piece.
[0235] Each end of support plate 414 has an overhang region, such
as 414a and 414b, that projects longitudinally beyond the various
underlayers 416, 418, 420. Each overhang region 414a, 414b is about
the same size, along its length and width dimensions, as one of the
crossbar members. As best seen in FIG. 24, the lower surface of
overhang region 414a faces the upper surface of a crossbar member
438. Although not visible in the figures, it should be noted that
the same arrangement exists on the opposing side of the frame
structure.
[0236] Three elongated, cylindrical rods are disposed substantially
normal to an upper, flat surface of each crossbar member, at spaced
points generally defining a line. For example, FIG. 24 shows rods
450, 452, 454 near one end of platen 412. Similar structure exists
near the other end of platen 412, as well. The lower end of each
rod is rigidly attached to its respective crossbar member, while
the upper (free) end is passed through a respective bore (not
shown) formed vertically through a respective overhang region, 414a
or 414b. The two outer rods on each crossbar member, such as rods
450 and 454, are received in linear bearings, such as bearings 460
and 464, held within such bores, and serve to guide the platen 412
as it moves up and down along a generally vertical direction. The
center rod on each crossbar member, such as rod 452, forms a part
of a biasing means that acts to urge the platen 412 upward. In this
regard, a compression spring, such as spring 468, is concentrically
mounted about the center rod at each end of platen 412, with the
spring pre-compressed between the upper surface of its respective
crossbar member and the lower surface of a confronting overhang
region, 414a or 414b. In its desire to extend, the spring provides
a continuous, upwardly-directed force that, in the absence of an
equal or greater opposing force, is sufficient to position platen
412 in a fully raised position, whereat the support plate 414 is
disposed proximate the top edge regions of side panels 432,
434.
[0237] An E-style retaining ring, such as 470 and 471, is mounted
near the top of each center (spring-bearing) rod, limiting the
upward movement of the support plate 414. In an alternative
embodiment (not shown), the upper edge of each side panel can be
angled inward, e.g., 90 degrees relative to the major surface of
the panel, to form a lip that acts to limit the upward movement of
the support plate.
[0238] As previously indicated, pick-and-place assembly 388 is used
to pick up individual heat-sealable covers from a holding tray 336
and place them on a multi-well tray 324. The heatable platen 412
applies the heat and force necessary for effecting a proper
seal.
[0239] In an exemplary operation, and with reference to FIGS.
16-24, the heat sealing station apparatus begins the sealing
process by rotating picker arm 390 from the home position (FIGS. 16
and 23) to the pick-up position (FIGS. 17 and 20), through an arc
of about 90.degree.. Carriage 376 moves along linear track 370, as
necessary, until suction picker assembly 394 is positioned directly
above a tray 336 holding a stack of polyethylene/polypropylene
covers 342. Here, suction picker assembly 394 is driven down, by
way of stepper motor 402 and lead screw 404, until each suction cup
408a-408d contacts the uppermost sheet of stack 342. Plenum 400 is
then evacuated by a remote vacuum source (not shown) in order to
establish a vacuum, e.g., from about -5 to about -10 psi, at the
face region of each suction cup 408a-408d. Suction picker assembly
394 is then driven up, thereby lifting a heat-sealable cover 342a
from stack 342. Picker arm 390 is then rotated another 90.degree.,
from the pick-up position to a drop-off position (FIGS. 21 and 22).
Here, suction picker assembly 394 is driven down until sheet 342a
rests on a multi-well tray 324, at which point the vacuum is
released. Suction picker assembly 394 is then raised back up, while
suction picker arm 390 is returned to the home position. Next,
carriage 376 is moved forward to position platen 412 directly above
multi-well tray 324. The TECAN.RTM. RSP 198 (FIG. 16) is moved
along the x/y direction to position its four fingers 1-4 above
respective landing sites 425-428 on top of support plate 414. The
TECAN.RTM. RSP then presses down, along the z direction, with each
of fingers 1-4, thereby compressing the bottom surface of platen
412, heated to about 105.degree.-120.degree. C., against the
heat-sealable sheet 342a resting on multi-well tray 324. Heated
platen 412 is held against the multi-well tray for a short period
(e.g., about 10-20 seconds), at a pressure of about 20 lbs.,
thereby sealing the heat-sealable sheet 342a onto tray 324. The
fingers 1-4 of the TECAN.RTM. RSP 198 are then raised, thereby
allowing the heated platen 412 to raise. The above process is
repeated for any other multiwell plates held in a cavity 310 of
work surface 302.
[0240] As previously mentioned, a computer control unit can be
programmed, using known techniques, to automate the above process.
To this end, non-contact sensors, for example infrared
emitter/detector pairs (not shown), and sensor flags, such as flag
476, can be strategically positioned to provide position signals
for monitoring by the computer control unit.
[0241] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of the
invention should not be so limited. Various changes and
modification may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention, as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *