U.S. patent application number 15/865914 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for device and method for particle complex handling.
The applicant listed for this patent is Intel Corporation. Invention is credited to David J. Liu, Xing Su, Kenneth B. Swartz, Kai Wu, Mineo Yamakawa.
Application Number | 20180372601 15/865914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39584541 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180372601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Su; Xing ; et al. |
December 27, 2018 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PARTICLE COMPLEX HANDLING
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting
an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and
an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a
sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic
network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A
sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte
interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle
through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically
movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic
network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within
a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle
from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is
present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal
particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
Inventors: |
Su; Xing; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Liu; David J.; (Fremont, CA) ; Wu;
Kai; (Mountain View, CA) ; Swartz; Kenneth B.;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Yamakawa; Mineo; (Campbell,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intel Corporation |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39584541 |
Appl. No.: |
15/865914 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14448141 |
Jul 31, 2014 |
9863857 |
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15865914 |
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13430171 |
Mar 26, 2012 |
8795523 |
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14448141 |
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13197918 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
8158008 |
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13430171 |
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11647566 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
7993525 |
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13197918 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 35/08 20130101;
H01F 2007/068 20130101; B01L 2400/0424 20130101; G01N 2015/0038
20130101; B01L 3/502784 20130101; H01F 7/20 20130101; B01L 3/502761
20130101; Y10S 436/806 20130101; Y10T 29/4913 20150115; Y10T
29/49117 20150115; B01L 2200/0647 20130101; G01N 35/0098 20130101;
G01N 2015/0092 20130101; B01L 2400/043 20130101; B01L 2200/0673
20130101; G01N 1/4044 20130101; B01L 2300/0816 20130101; Y10T
436/25 20150115; H01F 7/206 20130101; Y10S 436/805 20130101; B01L
2400/0638 20130101; Y10T 29/49155 20150115; B01L 2400/086
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 1/40 20060101
G01N001/40; B01L 3/00 20060101 B01L003/00; G01N 35/08 20060101
G01N035/08 |
Claims
1. A method comprising providing a device comprising a fluidic
network comprising a magnetic particle in a fluid, generating a
magnetic field coupled to the fluidic network, and transporting the
magnetic particle by the magnetic field in the fluidic network
without fluidic movement of the fluid in the fluidic network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a
magnetic affinity complex bound to an analyte.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a
magnetic affinity complex and a signal affinity complex, both bound
to different bind sites of an analyte.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the analyte is a protein, an
antibody, or a nucleic acid.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a
magnetic affinity complex or a signal affinity complex, bound to an
analyte, wherein the magnetic affinity complex and the signal
affinity complex are configured to bind to a same binding site of
the analyte.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the analyte is a small
molecule.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a
coded magnetic affinity complex.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the coded affinity complex is not
magnetic.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a magnetic field is by
programmably activating magnetic microcoils.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the magnetic microcoils are not
permanently coupled to the fluidic network.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising vibrating the
fluid.
12. The method of claim 5, further comprising detecting an analyte
hound to the magnetic particle.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein transporting the magnetic
particle comprises transporting the magnetic particle through a
diffusion barrier.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein transporting the magnetic
particle comprises transporting the magnetic particle through an
interface between the fluid and another fluid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/430,171, filed Mar. 26, 2012, which will
issue as U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,523 on Aug. 5, 2014, which is a
divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/197,918,
filed Aug. 4, 2011, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,158,008, which
is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/647,566, filed Dec. 29, 2006, now patented as U.S. Pat. No.
7,993,525. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered
part of and is incorporated by reference in the disclosure of this
application.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments of the invention relate to devices for
conducting biomedical assays, methods of making such devices, and
methods of detecting the presence of an analyte using such devices.
More specifically, the embodiments relate to devices and methods
that combine fluidic or fluid handling devices and magnetic
microarrays with an integrated circuitry element that perform
versatile and/or convenient analysis of an analyte with design
flexibility. The invention transcends several scientific
disciplines such as biochemistry and physics, engineering,
microelectronics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS),
analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Chemical analysis and biomedical diagnostics commonly use
absorption, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, UV-Vis and Raman
scattering to detect the presence of an analyte. For example,
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are widely used to
detect an analyte, ELISA assays are typically performed in
microwell plates, and require multiple steps of adding reagents,
washing the reactant plates, and applying a reaction substrate that
is converted to provide a chromogenic (colorimetric) or fluorescent
signal. Furthermore, its detection limit ranges from the micromolar
to picomolar or nanograms to pictograms of protein analyte per
milliliter of a sample. For markers with low copy numbers, more
sensitive detection technology is needed.
[0004] The current methods and devices for detecting the presence
of an analyte in a sample have multiple drawbacks. First, the sizes
of the devices are too big to be used in field applications or at
home environment, such as point-of-care (POC) environment. Second,
the current devices require a large amount of sample, which not
only is infeasible for certain applications, but also hinders
activities such as mixing and heating of the sample required for
many analyses. Third, the current devices have complex structures
for fluidic control and are often not self-contained. Fourth,
current devices are limited by their detection sensitivity. Fifth,
the current devices are often designed for specialized
applications, e.g. protein analysis only, or nucleic acid only.
Thus, there is a need for miniaturized, integrated, and versatile
devices for analysis of a sample suspected of containing an analyte
that can perform on-site, flexible, rapid, sensitive, and/or
efficient analysis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that
comprises a fluidic network having a sample zone and other fluidic
zones, associated with a magnetic microcoil array, a detection
element and an integrated circuitry component,linked to a circuit
hoard.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary top-down view of a magnetic
microcoil array showing the movement of magnetic particles.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view and cross-section view of
the fluidic network.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed top-down view and
cross-section view of the fluidic network.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the fluidic
network showing the movement of the binding complex to the
detection zone.
[0010] FIG. 6A illustrates the use of the fluidic network in moving
magnetic particles. FIG. 6B illustrates the fluorescence of a
mixture of magnetic particles and Qdots, before and after washing.
FIG. 6C quantifies the fluorescence of the samples in the tubes
from FIG. 6B and samples taken from the fluidic network during FIG.
6A. FIG. 6D quantifies on-chip chemiluminescent detection of
PSA.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates the formation of sandwich binding
complexes ("sandwich binding" and "tandem binding") and a
competitive binding complex.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates the use of codes with a magnetic affinity
complex and a magnetic signal affinity complex.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the particle (or
molecule) transport device of the invention, showing major
components which are (1) a fluidic network, e.g., a biochip, (2) an
electromagnetic array, (3) a circuitry board; and (4) computer.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates electromagnetic coils of the array,
showing reversible magnetic polarities, magnetic field gradients
(flux) controlled by current flow directions and strength, and flux
distributions that can be optimized by varying geometry (shapes) of
the heads of the cores.
[0015] FIGS. 11A and B illustrate a power delivery system, showing
an example of ways to minimize the number of power switches.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates an experiment demonstrating magnetic
particle concentrating, transporting by varying magnetic
fields.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a prototype system, showing the coil
(inductor) array, switches and other electronic control elements,
together with a prototype fluidic chip (biochip).
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates the data and specification of a
prototype system, indicating magnetic coil structure and magnetic
field strengths relatively to coil head surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The embodiments of the invention relate to a device for
detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. The device
comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component,
functionally coupled to a magnetic microcoil array, a detection
element, a circuit board, and optionally, a vibration element.
Specifically, the fluidic network comprises a plurality of fluidic
zones, where each zone is connected to the adjacent zone by a
diffusion barrier. Typically one or more of the fluidic zones
contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample
suspected of containing an analyte is introduced into a fluidic
zone. The analyte interacts with a magnetic particle and/or a
signal particle to form a binding complex. The magnetic microcoil
array is activated to generate a magnetic field across at least
portion of a fluidic zone to separate magnetic particles and
binding complexes from uncomplexed signal particles and to move the
binding complexes to a fluidic zone where it can be detected by the
detection element. The device may further comprise servo-mechanical
components and mechanisms to control the locations and movements of
the detection element, the magnetic microcoil array, and
optionally, a flow controller.
[0020] The embodiments of the invention also relate to methods of
detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample using the device
and to methods of making the device. The detection element of the
embodiments of the invention may be part of an integrated device
that also serves as a microarray or macroarray, containing an
integrated circuitry component, or a microfluidic device, a MEMS,
or a combination thereof. Therefore, samples contained or processed
by the device may be also analyzed by the detection element and/or
the detection signals processed for analysis. If necessary, the
signals determined by the detection element may be transmitted to
another device for further analysis.
[0021] The embodiments of the invention relate to a device and
method to transport particle complexes from one solution zone to
another of a self-contained fluidic device without active liquid
movement. It also allows for effective reactions along the fluidic
channel network involving concentrating, dispersing and
transporting particles of micro or nano dimensions. The device
comprises the following major components: a) electromagnetic array,
b) a set of vibrational elements, and c) a circuitry for electronic
control and regulation of the magnetic array, the vibrational
elements and data collection elements.
[0022] The embodiments of the invention address the problem of
molecular or particulate transport in one fluidic zone to another
in a fluidic system without active fluidic movement or using fluid
as the transport carrier. Presently the problem described above is
solved by method in which molecules are physically separated from
one solution phase before being placed in another solution phase;
or the molecules are immobilized on solid surfaces and a new
solution is introduced involving active fluidic movement. The
technical advantage of the embodiments of the invention is that it
allows molecular or particulate transport in one fluidic zone to
another in a fluidic system without active fluidic movement or
using fluid as the molecular transport carrier, which avoids
mechanical structures to generate hydraulic pressure or flow,
enabling simple and reliable biomedical diagnostic devices. The
mixing of reagents from one region with those of another due to
diffusion can be reduced by geometric considerations to the level
where no mechanical valves are needed to avoid unwanted diffusional
mixing, or the hydrophilic reagent solution "droplets" are
physically suspended in hydrophobic liquid such as silicone oils
through hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions.
[0023] The embodiments of the invention relate to a device for
particle complex transport and detection comprising (1) an array of
electromagnetic coils wherein the coil has a magnetizable or high
magnetic permeability metal core, and the current for the coil can
be controlled and varied in time individually, as well as reversed,
to generate a specific magnetic flux distribution and gradient;
there can be a magnetizable or high magnetic permeability coupling
shape at the end of each coil whose geometry is such to create an
optimal magnetic flux, intensity and gradient, in the region of
interest; and the device is functionally coupled to a fluidic
device to concentrate, disperse and transport particle complexes;
(2) A detection system, of optical or electrical nature; for
optical: an optical detection system consisting of a lens system
and photo-diode, phototube or CCD sensing element, optionally, an
optical illumination system consisting of a photo-diode, LED (light
emitting diodes), laser or lamp, and a spectroscopy system which
could contain diachronic mirror or lens; for electrical detection,
the methods can be FET detection, capacitor detection, current and
voltage detection; and (3) a central processing unit (CPU)
functionally coupled to the array and data/signal collection
elements (optical or electrical). The device of the embodiments of
the invention could optionally have the following elements: (1) A
set of magnetizable material shapes which are free to be moved by
the magnetic field generated by the electromagnets and thereby
alter the magnetic field. For example, a set of magnetic high mu
metal or permanent magnetic objects that can be moved by powering
electromagnets. The movement and placement of these objects will
change the field enhancing and depleting it where needed. These
magnetic shapes can be part of the array (coil cores), around the
array (between array and fluidic device) or part of the fluidic
device. (2) A set of vibrational elements, functionally coupled to
a fluidic device to disperse particle complexes, preferably, being
electro-piezo vibration, or ultrasounds, wherein one or more
vibrational elements could be addressable individually. (3) A set
of temperature controlling elements. For example, a set of element
that can change the temperature of the fluidic device. Heating by
inductively driving current in coils the fluidic device using the
inductor array or electronic peltier devices. (4) A programmable
system that can control the electromagnetic array in a set time
sequence as well as vary the sequence depending on input from
sensing elements. Controlling the vibrational or mixing elements,
the temperature controlling elements and optical elements.
Monitoring particle complexes within the fluidic device
magnetically and optically. (5) A system to move the alignment of
the fluidic device relative to the magnetic array and optical and
vibrational or mixing elements.
[0024] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms
"a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "an array" may
include a plurality of arrays unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0025] As used herein, "magnetic particle" refers to a paramagnetic
or superparamagnetic particle having any shape, e.g. it can have
the form of a sphere, a cylinder, a cube, an oval etc., or may have
a variable shape. Different types of magnetic particles which can
be used with the present invention are described, for example, by
Urs Hafeli et al. in "Scientific and Clinical Applications of
Magnetic Carriers", Plenum Press, New York, 1597, ISBN
0-306-45687-7. In one embodiment the magnetic particle comprises a
streptavidin-coated magnetic bead. The magnetic particles can be
quite small, having at least one dimension ranging between 0.1 nm
and 10,000 nm, preferably between 3 nm and 500 nm, and more
preferably between 10 nm and 300 nm. The magnetic particles can
acquire a magnetic moment due to an applied magnetic field (e.g.,
they can be paramagnetic) or they can have a permanent magnetic
moment. The magnetic particles can be a composite, e.g., consist of
one or more small magnetic particles inside or attached to a
non-magnetic material, or a hetero/hybrid nanostructures, such as
dumbbell-shaped magnetic gold nanoparticles, which are composed by
one half of magnetic particle and another half of gold
nanoparticle. As such, the term "magnetic particle" encompasses
magnetic affinity complexes, coded magnetic affinity complexes,
hybrid magnetic complexes, and coded magnetic signal affinity
complexes, among others. In certain embodiments, the sample zone of
the fluidic device comprises the magnetic particle. In other
embodiments, different or the same magnetic particles can be
contained within more than one fluidic zone.
[0026] As used herein, a "magnetic affinity complex" comprises a
magnetic particle functionally coupled to an affinity agent. The
term "affinity agent" generally refers to a molecule that binds to
an analyte for the detection and/or analysis of the analyte and is
described in mote detail below. Non-limiting examples of affinity
agents include example of affinity agents including antibodies,
lectins, streptavidin, oligonucleotides, peptides, and
oligosaccharides. It can be coupled to the magnetic particle using
a functionalized polymer, for example.
[0027] A "coded magnetic affinity complex" comprises a magnetic
particle functionally coupled to an affinity agent and to a code. A
"code" is a recognizable structure/molecule such as a
polynucleotide sequence that correlates to the affinity agent and
thus can be used to identify or quantify the analyte.
[0028] A "coded magnetic signal affinity complex" comprises a
magnetic signal particle functionally coupled to an affinity agent
and to a code. A "magnetic signal particle" is a nanoparticle
having magnetic properties that is detectable by the detection
element of the fluidic device. It can be detected by various means,
including electrical sensing methods (i.e., FET), optical methods
(UV-Vis, IR, Raman, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, evanescence,
surface plasmon), magnetic imaging methods (such as MRI), enzymatic
methods (production of a reaction product due to the interaction of
a catalytic element with a reaction substrate, or alternatively,
the amplification of a polynucleotide by PCR), and non-enzymatic
chemical amplification methods.
[0029] A "signal particle" is a nanoparticle that is detectable by
the detection element of the device, and thus encompasses signal
affinity complexes, signal analyte complexes, and coded magnetic
signal affinity complexes, among others. In certain embodiments the
signal particle is a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
(SERS)-active nanoparticle, a fluorescent nanoparticle, a
nanoparticle coupled to a surface-enhanced fluorescent tag, a
nanoparticle containing contrast reagents, or a core nanoparticle
covalently coupled to a catalytic element. In one embodiment, the
signal particle is a COIN (composite organic-inorganic
nanoparticles) particle. In other embodiments, the signal particle
is a Qdot (quantum dot), or another fluorescent nanoparticle, such
as SET (surface-enhanced fluorescence) nanoparticle or a
FluoDot.TM.. In further embodiments, the signal particle is any
nanoparticle (i.e. gold, silver, CdS, CdSe, copper,
Eu.sup.3+-coated polymer, an organic polymer (homo or hetero),
polymer particles incorporated with organic dyes, an inorganic
compound, or composite compounds, etc.). Additionally, the
SERS-active nanoparticle and fluorescent nanoparticle can also be
functionally coupled to a catalytic element. In certain
embodiments, the sample zone of the fluidic device comprises the
signal particle. Alternatively, the sample particle is contained
within another fluidic zone. In further embodiments, different or
the same signal particles can be contained within more than one
fluidic zone.
[0030] A "signal affinity complex" comprises a signal particle
functionally coupled to an affinity agent. A "signal analyte
complex" refers to a signal particle functionally coupled to an
analyte. An "analyte" refers to a molecule or biological cell of
interest that is to be analyzed or detected using the devices and
methods described herein, and is described further below.
[0031] A "catalytic element" is a compound that serves as an agent
to cause a chemical reaction to occur in a reaction substrate,
where the reaction product is detectable by the detection element.
In certain embodiments, the catalytic element is selected front the
group consisting of alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase,
glucose oxidase, firefly luciferase, Renilla luciferase, bacterial
luciferase, other enzymes or analogs or combinations thereof.
[0032] The catalytic element can be conjugated to the signal
particle through a functionalized polymer. For example, a polymer
with a functional group (i.e. aldehyde, amine, carboxylic acid,
biotin) is used to conjugate the affinity agent and/or catalytic
element to the signal particle. Conjugation or bio-conjugation can
be through non-covalent interactions such as hydrophobic or
electrostatic interactions, or through covalent interactions, such
as amide bond formation.
[0033] The analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or
signal particle to form a binding complex, which includes any
combination of the above-described magnetic particles and signal
particles. Binding complexes include for example, sandwich binding
complexes, magnetic binding complexes, signal binding complexes,
competitive binding complexes, coded magnetic binding complexes,
and coded magnetic signal binding complexes.
[0034] A "sandwich binding complex" comprises a magnetic affinity
complex, a signal affinity complex, and analyte. For example, a
sample suspected of comprising an analyte is introduced into the
sample zone of the fluidic device. The analyte interacts
sequentially or simultaneously with a magnetic affinity complex and
a signal affinity complex to form a sandwich binding complex.
Typically the affinity agent coupled to the magnetic particle is
different than the affinity agent coupled to the signal particle,
although both are complementary to the analyte. The microcoil array
is activated to move the sandwich binding complex to the detection
zone. Uncomplexed signal particles are left behind without being
transported. The signal detected front the sandwich binding complex
indicates the presence of the analyte. Typically this method is
useful for determining the presence of proteins including peptides,
antibodies and autoantibodies) or nucleic acids.
[0035] A "super-binding complex" comprises a magnetic affinity
complex, analyte, a coded affinity complex, and a-signal affinity
complex. For example, a sample suspected of comprising an analyte
is introduced into a fluidic zone and combined with a magnetic
affinity complex to form a magnetic binding complex. The array of
microcoils is activated to move the magnetic binding complex to a
zone of the fluidic network comprising a coded affinity complex,
which in one embodiment, is not magnetic. The magnetic binding
complex and the coded affinity complex form a coded sandwich
binding complex. The array of microcoils is activated to move the
coded sandwich binding complex to a zone of the fluidic network
comprising a signal affinity complex, wherein the coded sandwich
binding complex and signal affinity complex on a super-binding
complex. This transport moves the coded sandwich binding complex
away from the unbound coded affinity complex. The microcoils are
again activated to move the super-binding complex away from unbound
signal affinity complex and to the detection zone, where it is
detected, and where detection of the super-binding complex
indicates the presence of the analyte.
[0036] A "coded affinity complex" comprises a particle functionally
coupled to an affinity agent and a code. It is contemplated that
the particle in such a complex may or may not be magnetic.
[0037] A "magnetic binding complex" comprises a magnetic affinity
complex and an analyte.
[0038] A "signal binding complex" comprises a signal affinity
complex and an analyte.
[0039] A "competitive binding complex" comprises a magnetic
affinity complex and a signal analyte complex. A competitive
binding complex can be formed using the methods and devices of
certain embodiments of the invention. For example, a sample
suspected of comprising an analyte is introduced into the sample
zone of the fluidic device, wherein a magnetic affinity complex
binds to the analyte to form a magnetic binding complex. The
microcoil array is activated to move the magnetic binding complex
from the sample zone to another fluidic zone. The analyte is
displaced from the magnetic binding complex with a signal analyte
complex. The combination of the signal analyte complex and the
magnetic binding complex forms a competitive binding complex. The
signal detected from the signal analyte complex that did not form
the competitive binding complex indicates the presence of the
analyte. Typically this method is useful for determining the
presence of a small molecule, such as, but not limited to, sugars,
drugs, steroids, and vitamins. In an alternative binding scheme: a)
competitive binding complexes are pre-formed with magnetic affinity
complex and analyte-conjugated conjugated signal affinity complex,
b) the competitive binding complexes are directed to sample zone,
where sample analyte displaces analyte-conjugated signal affinity
complexes, c) the magnetic binding complexes are moved away from
the sample zone by activating the microcoil array, and d) displaced
analyte-conjugated signal affinity complex are detected in the
sample zone, wherein the signal strength is proportional to the
amount of sample analyte.
[0040] A "coded magnetic binding complex" comprises a magnetic
affinity complex, an analyte, and a code. A "coded magnetic signal
binding complex" comprises a magnetic signal affinity complex, an
analyte and a code. Both of these binding complexes can be formed
using the methods and devices of certain embodiments of the
invention. Typically, a sample suspected of comprising an analyte
is introduced into the sample zone of the fluidic device, wherein a
coded magnetic affinity complex binds to the analyte to form a
coded magnetic binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to
move the coded magnetic binding complex from the sample zone to a
first affinity surface, where it is bound and immobilized.
Typically the affinity agent on the first affinity surface is
complementary to and binds to the affinity agent on the magnetic
particle. The code is then detached from the coded magnetic binding
complex. The detached code then binds to a magnetic signal affinity
complex to form a coded magnetic signal binding complex. Typically
the affinity agent of the magnetic signal affinity complex is
complementary to the code. In one embodiment, the affinity agent of
the magnetic signal affinity complex is a polynucleotide
complementary to the code polynucleotide. The microcoil array is
activated to move the coded magnetic signal binding complex to one
or multiple detection zones comprising a second affinity surface.
Typically different areas of the detection zone or the different
detection zones contain unique affinity agents to the codes. The
affinity agents of the second affinity surface are complementary to
and bind the code. The detection element then detects the coded
magnetic signal binding complex in the detection zone using
electrical sensing methods, optical sensing methods, or enzymatic
methods, such as amplifying the affinity agent (if it is a
polynucleotide) on the magnetic signal affinity complex.
[0041] It is contemplated that the analyte will bind to the
affinity agent coupled to the magnetic particle, the signal
particle, and/or the affinity surface. "Binds to" refers to the
interaction of the analyte with the affinity agent, which is
typically a non-covalent interaction. The interaction the analyte
with the affinity agent can be characterized in terms of a binding
affinity. Binding affinity can be readily determined using standard
technology. For example, the BIAcore.TM. system (Uppsala, Sweden)
is one method for determining binding affinity. The BIAcore.TM.
system uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR, Welford K. 1991, Opt.
Quant. Elect. 23:1; Morton and Myszka, 1998, Methods in Enzymology
295: 268) to monitor biomolecular interactions in real time.
BIAcore.TM. analysis conveniently generates association rate
constants, dissociation rate constants, equilibrium dissociation
constants, and affinity constants. In certain embodiments, the
affinity agent binds to the analyte with a binding affinity of at
least 10.sup.3 M.sup.-1, more preferably at least 10.sup.5
M.sup.-1, and still more preferably, at least 10.sup.7
M.sup.-1.
[0042] A "substrate" refers to a material or a combination of
materials upon and/or within which other or additional materials
are formed, attached, or otherwise associated with according to a
predetermined fashion. A substrate often provides physical and
functional support to the other or additional materials such that,
together, they form part or whole of a functional device. A
substrate may be a combination of two or more other substrates,
which, due to the combination, have become an identifiable new
substrate. In the embodiments of the invention, the substrate may
comprise metal, silicon, glass, or polymeric materials. In more
specific embodiments, the substrate contains an integrated
circuitry component, and is functionally coupled to a magnetic
microcoil array, a vibration element, a detection element, and/or a
circuit board.
[0043] A "microcoil" is a coil, or one or more connected loops,
having at least one dimension in the micrometer (.mu.m), or less
than 10.sup.-3 meter (mm), scale. A microcoil usually comprises a
thin material wound or gathered around a center or an imaginative
center into spiral, helical or other shapes. A microcoil is defined
by the material itself, the shape of the windings, and the
separation between each windings. Solenoid type microcoils are
multiple spiral wire loops, which may or may not he wrapped around
a metallic core. A Solenoid type microcoil produces a magnetic
field when an electrical current is passed through it and can
create controlled magnetic fields. A Solenoid type microcoil can
produce a uniform magnetic field in a predetermined volume of
space. A "planar" microcoil is a microcoil with its windings
substantially remained in an actual or imaginative plane.
Microcoils can also be fabricated into MEMS devices such as
demonstrated by MEMS magnetic actuators (IEEE Journal of
Solid-State Circuits (2006) 41:1471 and Biosensors and
Bioelectronics (2006) 21:1693.
[0044] The embodiments of the invention contemplate the activation
of one or more microcoils (or to the movement of a permanent
magnet) in order to move magnetic particles and/or binding
complexes. "Activation" or "activating" refers to turning on one or
more microcoils while turning off (or keeping off) one or more
other microcoils, which causes the magnetic particles (and any
component attached to the magnetic particle) to move towards the
microcoil(s) in the on position and away from the microcoil(s) in
the off position.
[0045] As used in the embodiments of the invention, "associated
with" is used interchangeably with "functionally coupled" and means
that two or more objects are so situated that the desired results
or effects are achieved. For example, a microcoil array is
"functionally coupled" with the fluidic device when one or more
microcoils are so situated that they will achieve the desired
effect of generating an magnetic field within at least a portion of
a fluidic zone of the device. Such coupling can be permanent, where
the microcoil array is integrated into the fluidic device, or
temporary, where the microcoil array is adjacent or in proximity to
the device but is not integrated into the device. Similarly a
vibration element is also "functionally coupled" with the fluidic
device when it is so situated that it will achieve the desired
effect of shaking, mixing, or agitating fluid within one or more
fluidic zones of the device. Again, the vibration element can be
integrated into the device, or can be in proximity to the device.
In certain embodiments, the vibrational element agitates the fluid
in one or more fluidic zones to disperse the magnetic particles,
analyte, and/or signal particles so that they can interact to form
a binding complex. In other embodiments, the vibrational element
agitates the fluid in one or more fluidic zones to facilitate
aggregation-disaggregation and removal of unbound signal particles
and/or non-analyte components of the sample from the binding
complex. In another embodiment, the mixing is demonstrated on a
MEMS devices (IEEE Proc. Int. Conf. MEMS'02 (2002), 40-43). The
detection element is "functionally coupled" with the fluidic device
when it will achieve the desired effect of detecting and/or
measuring the presence of the analyte (or binding complex) within
the detection zone of the device. The detection element can he
integrated into the device, or can be in proximity to the device.
The flow controller is "functionally coupled" with the fluidic
device when it will achieve the desired effect of coordinating
liquid flow through the fluidic zones of the device.
[0046] A number of factors will be considered when associating the
microcoil array, the vibration element, the detection element, or
the flow controller with the fluidic device, including the sizes
and shapes of the substrate, the type and size of the microcoil
array, the size and location of the fluidic zones, the number of
the fluidic zones, the desired strengths of the magnetic field and,
and the volume within which the binding complex or signal particle
is to be detected. As disclosed herein, the specific locations of
the magnetic microcoil array, the detection element and the
vibration element with respect to the fluidic device will be
determined based on the specific analysis desired by a person
skilled in the art.
[0047] As used herein, "dimension" or "dimensions" are the
parameters or measurements required to define the shape and/or
size, such as height, width, and length, of an object. As used
herein, the dimension of a two-dimensional object, such as a
rectangle, a polygon, or a circle, is the longest straight-line
distance between any two points on the object. Therefore the
dimension of a circle is its diameter: a rectangle its diagonal,
and a polygon its longest diagonal. The dimension of a
three-dimensional object is the longest straight-line distance
between any two points on the object. The dimensions used herein
are usually measured by centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), and
micrometers (.mu.m), and nanometers (nm).
[0048] A "fluidic device" or "fluidic network" is a device that has
one or more fluidic zones that are capable of containing a liquid.
A fluidic device may be functionally coupled to other components,
such as a magnetic microcoil array, a vibrational element, a
detection element, a circuit board and a circuitry component.
Fluids used in the fluidic devices include bodily fluids such as,
but not limited to, amniotic fluid, aqueous humor, bile, blood and
blood plasma, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen, colostrum,
chyle, chyme, feces, female ejaculate, interstitial fluid,
intracellular fluid, lymph, menses, mucus, pre-ejaculatory fluid,
pleural fluid, pus, saliva, sebum, semen, serum, sweat, synovial
fluid, tears, urine, vaginal lubrication, vitreous humor, and
vomit; bacterial cell suspensions; protein or antibody solutions;
various buffers; saline; and reaction substrates. The sample
introduced into the fluidic device typically comprises a liquid,
gel, solid, gas, or mixture thereof, suspected of containing an
analyte. Fluidic devices can be used to obtain many interesting
measurements, including fluid mechanical properties, cellular and
molecular diffusion coefficients, fluid viscosity, pH values,
chemical and biological binding coefficients and enzyme reaction
kinetics. Other applications for fluidic devices include cell and
molecule detection and separation, capillary electrophoresis,
isoelectric focusing, immunoassays, flow cytometry, sample
injection of proteins for analysis via mass spectrometry, DNA
analysis, cell manipulation, and cell separation. In one embodiment
of the invention, magnetic materials and technologies and/or
nanoparticles are incorporated into the fluidic devices for
applications such as cell and biomolecule detection and/or
separation. As used herein, the term "detecting the presence"
refers to determining the existence, identity, and/or amount of an
analyte in a particular sample.
[0049] A "fluidic zone" is typically a reservoir, channel, groove,
opening, or conduit in the substrate of the fluidic device, which
is configured for containing a liquid and optionally for containing
reagents. Fluidic zones can be straight along their length,
however, they can also contain angles and curves of different
degrees along their length. The fluidic zones can have rectangular
cross-sections, or they may also have other shapes of
cross-sections, such as circular. Typically the fluidic zone has at
least one dimension in the micrometer or millimeter scale.
[0050] The fluidic zones may be suitable for fluidic
communications, such as carrying a biological liquid to an adjacent
fluidic zone. Alternatively, the fluidic zones may be suitable for
non-fluidic communications, such as carrying through molecules or
compounds in the absence of significant active hydraulic fluid
transport or exchange. Such molecules or compounds are typically
magnetic particles, nanoparticles, affinity agents, analytes, and
combinations thereof. The fluidic zones are often part of an
integrated device, such a fluidic device, such that liquid,
molecules or compounds flowing through the fluidic zones occurs in
a controlled pattern and are able to be analyzed as desired.
[0051] The fluidic device typically comprises a plurality of
fluidic zones. In one embodiment, the plurality of fluidic zones
comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and/or a detection zone.
In a further embodiment, it comprises more than one sample zone,
cleaning zone, and/or detection zone. It can comprise additional
fluidic zones for storing reagents, which can be branches of any of
the aforementioned zones. In one embodiment, multiple fluidic zones
are contained in parallel within the same device, thus allowing for
analysis of multiple samples or multiple analytes in parallel. Each
fluidic zone is separated from the adjacent fluidic zone by a
diffusion barrier.
[0052] A "diffusion barrier" is a structure to minimize diffusion
or convectance of the contents of one fluidic zone to the next
fluidic zone, such that the majority of the contents that move from
one zone to the next fluidic zone are moved by directed fluidic
flow and/or by activating the magnetic microcoil array. Diffusion
barriers can be created, for example, by elongating the channel,
groove, opening or conduit ("the path of the fluidic zone"),
narrowing the path, angling the path of the fluidic zone, or any
combination thereof. Diffusion barriers can also comprise a
physical barrier, such as thermally-sensitive barrier. A
"thermally-sensitive barrier" is a physical barrier that becomes
permeable due to the application of heat. For example, a
thermally-sensitive barrier can comprise a gel that melts when
heated and thus allows the contents of one fluidic zone to pass
through to the next zone. Hydrophilic fluid or liquid can be
contained in a shape of droplets surrounded by hydrophobic liquid
such as silicone oils to form strong diffusion barriers through
hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions so that droplets can be
separated and transported without mixing with other fluids as
demonstrated in J. Micromech. Microeng. (2006) 16:1875 and Sensors
and Actuators B (2006) 113:563. A diffusion barrier can be
accomplished by "particle trapping and transport" through DEP
(dielectrophoresis) as demonstrated in Biophysical Journal (1998)
74:1024 and Sensors and Actuators A 121 (2005) 59. In yet another
aspect, the diffusion harrier can be created by a MEMS membrane
valve.
[0053] The sample zone comprises a space for holding a sample, and
is selected from a reservoir, a channel, an opening, a surface, or
a combination thereof. In one embodiment, there is an inlet for
allowing the insertion of a sample into the zone, and a vent to
allow air or gas to exit as the sample is introduced. In a further
embodiment, the vibration element is activated to vibrate the fluid
within the sample zone and deaggregate the magnetic particles,
signal particles, analyte, and/or binding complexes, in order to
facilitate interaction between these components and allow for
separation of unbound components from the binding complexes.
[0054] The cleaning zone is a reservoir, channel, groove, opening,
or conduit connecting the sample zone and the detection zone, which
is preferably separated from the sample zone and detection zone by
diffusion barriers. In one embodiment, an additional reaction
between an analyte and a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle
can occur in this zone. In other embodiments, this zone provides a
region whereby the magnetic particles and binding complexes are
separated from unbound analyte or other components of the sample,
and/or unbound signal particles. In a further embodiment, the
cleaning zone can comprise an affinity surface that is typically
complementary to the affinity agent attached to the magnetic and/or
signal particle, such that the particles are essentially
immobilized in this zone.
[0055] The detection zone is a reservoir, channel, groove, opening,
or conduit in association with a detection element. It may comprise
an array of capture molecules, as described in more detail below.
The detection element can be an optical detection element or an
electrical detection element. In certain embodiments, the optical
detection element is selected from a Raman detector, a photon
multiplier tube, a fluorescent reader, or an electrochemical sensor
and the electrical detection element is selected from a FET
element, a capacity detection element, a current sensor, and a
charge sensor. Typically, the detection of the binding complex or
the signal analyte complex indicates the presence of the
analyte.
[0056] In further embodiments, the detection zone comprises a
reaction substrate. A "reaction substrate" is a material or
substance upon which an enzyme (such as the catalytic element)
acts. The product of the reaction can be fluorogenic,
chemiluminescent, or detectable by UV-visible light (such as by a
color change). Non-limiting examples of reaction substrates include
Lumigen APS-5, Lumigen TMA-6, Lumigen PS-alto, Lumigen PS-3,
H.sub.2O.sub.2 with an oxidizable compound, Amplex Red, 3, 5, 3',
5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), glucose, O.sub.2, ATP, M.sup.2+,
luciferin, inoluciferin, quinolinyl, coelentrazine, aldehyde,
FMNH.sub.2, and analogs and combinations thereof.
[0057] Typically, if the detection zone comprises a reaction
substrate, the magnetic affinity complex and/or the signal affinity
complex comprises a catalytic element. The "catalytic element" is
an external compound that serves as an agent to cause a chemical
reaction to occur in the reaction substrate, which reaction product
is detectable by the detection element. In certain embodiments, the
catalytic element is selected from the group consisting of alkaline
phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, glucose oxidase, luciferase
(from firefly, Renilla, bacteria, or other sources) or analogs or
combinations thereof.
[0058] The catalytic element can be conjugated to the signal
particle through a functionalized polymer. For example, a polymer
with a functional group (i.e. aldehyde, amine, carboxylic acid,
biotin) is used to conjugate the affinity agent and/or catalytic
element to the particle. Conjugation can be through non-covalent
interactions such as hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions, or
through covalent interactions, such as amide bond formation.
[0059] Additionally, the fluidic zones of the device can contain an
appropriate buffer to permit the reaction to occur.
[0060] Examples of non-limiting catalytic element-reaction
substrate combinations and the method for detecting the reaction
product are shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Examples Catalytic element Substrate Signal
Detection 1 Alkaline phosphatase Lumigen APS-5 and others Light
(450 nm). Photo sensor (AP) 2 Horse-radish Lumigen PS-atto, Lumigen
Light Photo sensor peroxidase (HRP) TMA-6, Lumingen PS-3, etc
H.sub.2O.sub.2, oxidizable compound Electron Electrical sensor
Amplex Red (10-acetyl-3,7- Fluorescence from excitation at 530-571
dihydroxyphenoxazine) + resorufin nm, emission at H.sub.2O.sub.2
590-600 nm 3,5,3',5'-tetramethylbenzidine Absorption (450 UV-Vis
(or its analogues) + H2O2 nm) 3 Glucose oxidase Glucose, O.sub.2
Electron Electrical sensor Glucose oxidase a) Glucose, O.sub.2 for
GO Fluorescence from excitation at 530-571 (GO) + Horseradish b)
Amplex Red for HRP resorufin nm, emission at peroxiadase (HRP)
590-600 nm 4 Luciferase (firefly) ATP + MG2+ + O2 + luciferin light
(560 nm) Photo sensor (or its analogues: aminoluciferin, quinolinyl
luciferin) Luciferase (Renilla) Coelentrazine + O2 light (475 nm)
Photo sensor Luciferase (Bacterial) Aldehyde + FMNH2 + O2 light
(490 nm) Photo sensor
[0061] In certain embodiments, a fluorescent tag is attached to the
signal particle. Non-limiting examples of suitable fluorescent tags
include HcRed, green fluorescent protein, modified or enhanced
green fluorescent protein, yellow fluorescent protein, enhanced
yellow fluorescent protein, cyan fluorescent protein, blue
fluorescent protein, red fluorescent protein, soluble-modified
red-shifted green fluorescent protein, soluble-modified blue
fluorescent protein; blue variant of green fluorescent protein;
soluble-modified blue fluorescent protein, or analogs or
combinations thereof.
[0062] In other embodiments, the signal particle is itself
detectable by the detection element in the absence of a catalytic
element and reaction substrate. Typically, in such situation, the
signal particle will comprise a SERS-active nanoparticle or a
fluorescent nanoparticle, which can, for example, comprise a
nanoparticle coupled to a surface-enhanced fluorescent tag. The
SERS-active nanoparticle is detectable by Raman in the detection
zone. The fluorescent nanoparticle can be, for example, a Qdot or
other fluorescent nanoparticles, such as SEF nanoparticles or
FluoDots, which are detectable by examining fluorescence in the
detection zone.
[0063] Alternatively, detection of the analyte can occur by
fluorescence quenching. In one embodiment, the signal particle
comprises a nanoparticle coupled to an affinity agent and an ODN
sequence. The detection zone contains a FRET pair of double
stranded ODNs that contain donor or acceptor on one strand each,
and where one of the single strands is complementary to the ODN
sequence on the nanoparticle. Interaction between the ODN and the
FRET pair results in a decrease in fluorescence, thus indicating
the presence of the analyte.
[0064] In a further embodiment, the analyte is detected by
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). FRET is an energy
transfer mechanism between two fluorescent molecules. A fluorescent
donor is excited at its specific fluorescence excitation
wavelength. By a long-range dipole-dipole coupling mechanism, this
excited state is then nonradiatively transferred to a second
molecule, the acceptor, where it is then released as a photon. In
one embodiment, a sandwich binding complex is formed between a
magnetic particle, an analyte, and a nanoparticle coated with one
partner of a FRET pair in one zone, the sandwich binding complex is
moved to a second zone where another partner of the FRET pair is
present, and FRET is detected.
[0065] In a further embodiment, fluorescence is detected through
the use of complimentary segments of the fluorophore. For example,
a sandwich binding complex is formed between a magnetic particle,
an analyte, and a nanoparticle coated with half of a fluorescent
protein (such as GFP or an analog) in one zone, the sandwich
binding complex is moved to a second zone where the other half of
the fluorescent protein is present, the fluorescent protein
self-assembles, and fluorescence is detected.
[0066] Fluorogenic detection can also be employed. In one
embodiment, a binding complex is formed between a magnetic
particle, an analyte, and an antibody-enzyme fusion protein in one
zone, and it is moved to a second zone containing a fluorogenic
reaction substrate, where the enzyme reacts with the reaction
substrate to produce a detectable reaction product.
[0067] Time-resolved fluorescence can similarly be used in the
invention. In one embodiment, a sandwich binding complex is formed
between a magnetic particle, an analyte, and a nanoparticle encoded
with Eu.sup.3+ or Tb.sup.3+ or another lanthanide in one zone; the
binding complex is moved to another zone and detected by
time-resolved fluorescence.
[0068] Other types of fluorescence can also be used, such as
fluorescence polarization, and fluorescence life time studies.
[0069] Additionally, binding complex formation can be detected by
chemiluminescence. As described above, a sandwich binding complex
can be formed between a magnetic particle, an analyte, and a
nanoparticle coated with a catalytic element in one zone, with
chemiluminescent detection in another fluidic zone. Alternatively,
a binding complex can be formed between a magnetic particle, an
analyte, and an antibody-catalytic element fusion protein in one
zone, with chemiluminescent detection in another zone. In a further
embodiment, a binding complex can be formed between a magnetic
particle, an analyte, and a silver nanoparticle or nanorod coated
with affinity agents (such as antibodies) for recognition of the
analyte and chelating agents for its metal ions (such as Eu.sup.3+)
in one zone, moving the binding complex to another zone where metal
ions such as Eu.sup.3+ are present, and detecting the binding
complex by chemiluminescence.
[0070] Binding complex formation is also detectable via UV-visible
spectroscopy. For example, a binding complex can be formed between
a magnetic particle, an analyte and an antibody-catalytic element
(such as horseradish peroxidase) in one zone and the complex is
moved to another zone where it reacts with one or more HRP
substrates and is detected by UV-visible spectroscopy.
[0071] Reflectance can be used to detect binding complex formation.
For example, a binding complex can be formed between a magnetic
particle, an analyte and a silver nanoparticle or nanorod coated
with affinity agent specific for the analyte in one zone, the
binding complex is moved to another zone, where it is detected by
reflectance.
[0072] Binding complex formation can also be detected electrically,
such as by current measurement (where there is oxidation and
reduction or free electron production), FET or potential
measurement (where there is net or local charge changes), or by
CHEM-FET, surface plasmon resonance, mass spectroscopy,
interferometry, or radioactivity. These methods of detection are
merely non-limiting examples of the many possible methods of
detecting the presence of a binding complex or signal particle in
the detection zone of the fluidic device of the invention.
[0073] The use of fluidic devices to conduct biomedical assays has
many significant advantages. First, because the volume of fluids
within the fluidic zones is very small, usually several
nano-liters, the amount of reagents and analytes required for the
assays is quite small. This is especially significant for expensive
reagents. The fabrications techniques used to construct these
fluidic devices, discussed in more details herein, are relatively
inexpensive and are very amenable both to highly elaborated,
multiplexed devices and also to mass production, such as in an
integrated circuit die. In manners similar to that for
microelectronics, fluidic technologies also enable the fabrication
of highly integrated devices for performing different functions on
the same substrate chip. Embodiments of the invention helps create
integrated, portable clinical diagnostic devices for home and
bedside use, thereby eliminating time consuming laboratory analysis
procedures. Additionally, certain embodiments of the invention are
self-contained such that liquid does not flow through the fluidic
zones, thereby eliminating the need for flow controllers. A
self-contained fluidic network can also comprise pre-stored
reagents, meaning during a test, no addition reagents need to be
added except for the sample, and water or buffer. In such
embodiments, the magnetic particles and any molecules bound to the
magnetic particles are moved through the liquid contained within
the fluidic zones by activating the magnetic microcoils, and are
not moved by the flow of the liquid. Typically in these
embodiments, the fluid is present in the fluidic zones to act as a
suspending agent. Other embodiments of the invention comprise a
flow controller for coordinating liquid flow through the fluidic
zones of the device. In such embodiments, the magnetic particles
and any molecules bound to the magnetic particles are moved through
the fluidic zones by activating the magnetic microcoils and/or also
can be moved by activating the flow controller to move the liquid
itself.
[0074] As used herein, "magnetic," "magnetic effect," and
"magnetism" refer to the phenomena by which one material exert an
attractive or repulsive force on another material. Although
theoretically all materials are influenced to one degree or another
by magnetic effect,those skilled in the art understand that
magnetic effect or magnetism is only recognized for its
detectability under the specific circumstance.
[0075] As used herein, a "permanent magnet" is a material that has
a magnetic field without relying upon outside influences. Due to
their unpaired electron spins, some metals are magnetic when found
in their natural states, as ores. These include iron ore (magnetite
or lodestone) cobalt, and nickel. A "paramagnetic material" refers
to a material that attracts and repels like normal magnets when
subject to a magnetic field. Paramagnetic materials include
aluminum, barium, platinum, and magnesium. A "ferromagnetic
material" is a material that can exhibit a spontaneous
magnetization. Ferromagnetism is one of the strongest forms of
magnetism and is the basis for all permanent magnets. Ferromagnetic
materials include iron, nickel, and cobalt. A "superparamagnetic
material" is a magnetic material that exhibits a behavior similar
to that of a paramagnetic material at temperatures below the Curie
or the Neel temperature.
[0076] An "electromagnet" is a type of magnet in which the magnetic
field is produced by a flow of electric current. The magnetic field
disappears when the current ceases. A simple type of electromagnet
is a coiled piece of wire that is electrically connected. An
advantage of an electromagnet is that the magnetic field can be
rapidly manipulated over a wide range by controlling the electric
current. In the embodiments of the invention, ferromagnetic or
non-magnetic materials are used to form the electromagnets.
[0077] An "array," "macroarray" or "microarray" is an intentionally
created collection of substances, such as molecules, openings,
microcoils, detectors and/or sensors, attached to or fabricated on
a substrate or solid surface, such as glass, plastic, silicon chip
or other material forming an array. The arrays can be used to
measure the expression levels of large numbers, e.g., tens,
thousands or millions, of reactions or combinations simultaneously.
An array may also contain a small number of substances, e.g., one,
a few or a dozen. The substances in the array can be identical or
different from each other. The array can assume a variety of
formats, e.g., libraries of soluble molecules; libraries of
compounds tethered to resin beads, silica chips, or other solid
supports. The array could either be a macroarray or a microarray,
depending on the size of the pads on the array. A macroarray
generally contains pad sizes of about 300 microns or larger and can
be easily imaged by gel and blot scanners. A microarray would
generally contain pad sizes of less than 300 microns.
[0078] An array of magnetic microcoils is a collection of
microcoils fabricated on a substrate, such as silicon, glass, or
polymeric substrate. Each of the microcoils may be associated with
or functionally coupled to the fluidic device containing fluidic
zones, across which the microcoil is capable of generating a
magnetic field as part of a biomedical assay. The fluidic zones may
be a space for holding a liquid sample and/or a surface for
immobilizing certain molecules, such as DNAs and proteins. The
microcoil arrays may be a microarray or a macroarray depending on
the sizes or the microcoils and the associated sample spaces. In
one embodiment, the microcoil array is programmably activatable
such that individual members or groups of the array turn on and off
in a coordinated manner in order to move the magnetic particles
(and any compounds or molecules attached to the magnetic particles)
from one fluidic zone to another fluidic zone. As used herein,
"move" refers to changing the position of the magnetic particle,
and includes concentrating and dispersing the particles as well as
re-locating the particles within a fluidic zone and/or from one
fluidic zone to another fluidic zone.
[0079] A DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots
attached to a solid surface forming an array. DNA microarrays can
be used to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes
simultaneously. In a DNA microarray, the affixed DNA segments are
known as probes, thousands of which can be used in a single DNA
microarray. Measuring gene expression using microarrays is relevant
to many areas of biology and medicine, such as studying treatments,
disease and developmental stages.
[0080] "Solid support" and "support" refer to a material or group
of materials having a rigid or semi-rigid surface or surfaces. In
some aspects, at least one surface of the solid support will be
substantially flat, although in some aspects it may be desirable to
physically separate synthesis regions for different molecules with,
for example, wells, raised regions, pins, etched trenches, or the
like. In certain aspects, the solid support(s) will take the form
of beads, resins, gels, microspheres, or other geometric
configurations.
[0081] The term "molecule" generally refers to a macromolecule or
polymer as described herein. However, channels or arrays comprising
single molecules, as opposed to macromolecules or polymers, are
also within the scope of the embodiments of the invention.
[0082] A "macromolecule" or "polymer" comprises two or more
monomers covalently joined. The monomers may be joined one at a
time or strings of multiple monomers, ordinarily known as
"oligomers." Thus, for example, one monomer and a string of five
monomers may be joined to form a macromolecule or polymer of six
monomers. Similarly, a string of fifty monomers may he joined with
a string of hundred monomers to form a macromolecule or polymer of
one hundred and fifty monomers. The term polymer as used herein
includes, for example, both linear and cyclic polymers of nucleic
acids, polynucleotides, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides,
proteins, polypeptides, peptides, phospholipids and peptide nucleic
acids (PNAs). The peptides include those peptides having either
.alpha.-, .beta.-, or .omega.-amino acids. In addition, polymers
include heteropolymers in which a known drug is covalently bound to
any of the above, polyurethanes, polyesters, polycarbonates,
polyureas, polyamides, polyethyleneimines, polyarylene sulfides,
polysiloxanes, polyimides, polyacetates, or other polymers which
will be apparent upon review of this disclosure.
[0083] The term "biomolecule" refers to any organic molecule that
is part of or from a living organism. Biomolecules include a
nucleotide, a polynucleotide, an oligonucleotide, a peptide, a
protein, a ligand, an antibody, a receptor, among others A "complex
of a biomolecule" refers to a structure made up of two or more
types of biomolecules. Examples of a complex of biomolecule include
a cell or viral particles.
[0084] As used herein, "biological cells" and "cells" are
interchangeable, unless otherwise clearly indicated, and refer to
the structural and functional units of all living organisms,
sometimes called the "building blocks of life." Cells, as used
herein include bacteria, fungi, and animal mammalian cells.
Specifically included are animal blood cells, such as red blood
cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
[0085] The term "analyte" or "analyte molecule" refers to a
molecule or biological cell of interest that is to be analyzed or
detected, e.g., a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, a polynucleotide,
a peptide, a protein, an antibody, or a blood cell. Examples of
analytes that can be investigated by this invention include, but
are not restricted to, agonists and antagonists for cell membrane
receptors, toxins and venoms, viral epitopes, hormones, hormone
receptors, peptides, enzymes, enzyme reaction substrates,
cofactors, drugs (e.g. opiates, steroids, etc.), lectins, sugars,
polynucleotides, nucleic acids, oligosaccharides, proteins,
antibodies, and autoantibodies. The analyte or analyte molecule
could be a small molecule, biomolecule, or nanomaterial such as but
not necessarily limited to a small molecule that is biologically
active, nucleic acids and their sequences, peptides and
polypeptides, as well as nanostructure materials chemically
modified with biomolecules or small molecules capable of binding to
molecular probes such as chemically modified carbon nanotubes,
carbon nanotube bundles, nanowires and nanoparticles. The analyte
in an assay can be a moiety or derivative generated by assay
process, which is the subsequently recognized and detected as
surrogate marker of the analyte contained in the sample. The
analyte may be magnetically tagged, or labeled to facilitate its
detection and separation.
[0086] The term "affinity agent" refers to a molecule that binds to
an analyte for the detection and/or analysis of the analyte. The
affinity agent generally, but not necessarily, has a known
molecular structure or sequence. In one embodiment, the affinity
agent is attached to a solid surface of the fluidic device. When
the affinity agent is attached to a solid surface, it is referred
to as an "affinity surface". In another embodiment, the affinity
agent is attached to a magnetic particle or signal particle. When
the affinity agent is attached to the magnetic particle, it is
referred to as a "magnetic affinity complex". When the affinity
agent is attached to the signal particle, it is referred to as a
"signal affinity complex". In one embodiment of the signal affinity
complex, the affinity agent is the analyte of interest; in such
case, the signal affinity complex is termed a "signal analyte
complex". The affinity agent typically include, but are not limited
to antibodies, autoantibodies, cell membrane receptors, monoclonal
or polyclonal antibodies and antisera reactive with specific
antigenic determinants (such as on viruses, cells or other
materials), drugs, polynucleotides, nucleic acids, peptides,
proteins, cofactors, lectins, sugars, polysaccharides, cells,
cellular membranes, and organelles. Affinity agents are
biomolecules capable of undergoing binding or molecular recognition
events with analytes. An affinity agent can be a capture
molecule.
[0087] The term "capture molecule" refers to a molecule that is
immobilized on a surface. The capture molecule can bind o the
analyte, the magnetic particle, the signal particle, the affinity
agent, or the code. The capture molecule is typically a nucleotide,
an oligonucleotide, a polynucleotide, a peptide, or a protein, but
could also be a small molecule, biomolecule, or nanomaterial such
as but not necessarily limited to a small molecule that is
biologically active, nucleic acids and their sequences, peptides
and polypeptides, as well as nanostructure materials chemically
modified with biomolecules or small molecules capable of binding to
an analyte that is bound to an affinity agent to form a complex of
the capture molecule, analyte and the magnetic affinity complex
and/or the signal affinity complex. The capture molecule may be
magnetically or fluorescently labeled DNA or RNA. In specific
embodiments of the invention, the capture molecule may be
immobilized on the surface of a fluidic zone of the fluidic device.
The capture molecule may or may not be capable of binding to just
the analyte, or just the affinity agent.
[0088] The terms "die," "polymer array chip," "DNA array," "array
chip," "DNA array chip," or "bio-chip" are used interchangeably and
refer to a collection of a large number of probes arranged on a
shared substrate which could be a portion of a silicon wafer, a
nylon strip or a glass slide.
[0089] Certain embodiments of the invention contemplate the use of
coded magnetic particles and signal particles for detecting the
presence of an analyte using the devices described herein.
Typically, a sample suspected of comprising an analyte is
introduced into the sample zone of the fluidic device, wherein a
coded magnetic affinity complex binds to the analyte to form a
coded magnetic binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to
move the coded magnetic binding complex from the sample zone to a
first affinity surface, where it is bound and immobilized.
Typically the affinity agent on the first affinity surface is
complementary to and hinds to the affinity agent on the magnetic
particle. The code is then detached from the coded magnetic binding
complex. The detached code then binds to a magnetic signal affinity
complex to form a coded magnetic signal binding complex. Typically
the affinity agent of the magnetic signal affinity complex is
complementary to the code. In one embodiment, the affinity agent of
the magnetic signal affinity complex is a polynucleotide
complementary to the code polynucleotide. The microcoil array is
activated to move the coded magnetic signal binding complex to one
or multiple detection zones comprising a second affinity surface.
Typically different areas of the detection zone or the different
detection zones contain unique affinity agents to the codes. The
affinity agents of the second affinity surface are complementary to
and bind the code. The detection element then detects the coded
magnetic signal binding complex in the detection zone using
electrical sensing methods, optical sensing methods, or enzymatic
methods, such as amplifying the affinity agent (if it is a
polynucleotide) on the magnetic signal affinity complex.
[0090] "Detach" refers to the separation of the code molecule from
the affinity agent of the magnetic particle. It can be detached
using any method known to those of skill in the art. In one
embodiment, it is detached by heating. In other embodiments, it is
enzymatically detached.
[0091] The term "nucleotide" includes deoxynucleotides,
ribonucleotides and analogs thereof. These analogs are those
molecules having some structural features in common with a
naturally occurring nucleotide such that when incorporated into a
polynucleotide sequence, they allow hybridization with a
complementary polynucleotide in solution. Typically, these analogs
are derived from naturally occurring nucleotides by replacing
and/or modifying the base, the ribose or the phosphodiester moiety.
The changes can be tailor-made to stabilize or destabilize hybrid
formation, or to enhance the specificity of hybridization with a
complementary polynucleotide sequence as desired, or to enhance
stability of the polynucleotide.
[0092] The term "polynucleotide" or "nucleic acid" as used herein
refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either
ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides, that comprise purine and
pyrimidine bases, or other natural, chemically or biochemically
modified, non-natural, or derivatized nucleotide bases.
Polynucleotides of the embodiments of the invention include
sequences of deoxyribopolynucleotide (DNA), ribopolynucleotide
(RNA), or DNA copies of ribopolynucleotide (cDNA) which may be
isolated from natural sources, recombinantly produced, or
artificially synthesized. A further example of a polynucleotide of
the embodiments of the invention may be polyimide polynucleotide
(PNA) or linked polynucleotide (LNA). The polynucleotides and
nucleic acids may exist as single-stranded or double-stranded. The
backbone of the polynucleotide can comprise sugars and phosphate
groups, as may typically be found in RNA or DNA, or modified or
substituted sugar or phosphate groups. A polynucleotide may
comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and
nucleotide analogs. The sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted
by non-nucleotide components. The polymers made of nucleotides such
as nucleic acids, polynucleotides and polynucleotides may also be
referred to herein as "nucleotide polymers.
[0093] When the biomolecule or macromolecule of interest is a
peptide, the amino acids can be any amino acids, including .alpha.,
.beta., or .omega.-amino acids. When the amino acids are
.alpha.-amino acids, either the L-optical isomer or the D-optical
isomer may be used. Additionally, unnatural amino acids, for
example, .beta.-alanine, phenylglycine and homoarginine are also
contemplated by the embodiments of the invention. These amino acids
are well-known in the art.
[0094] A "peptide" is a polymer in which the monomers are amino
acids and which are joined together through amide bonds and
alternatively referred to as a polypeptide. In the context of this
specification it should be appreciated that the amino acids may be
the L-optical isomer or the D-optical isomer. Peptides are two or
more amino acid monomers long, and often more than 20 amino acid
monomers long.
[0095] A "protein" is a long polymer of amino acids linked via
peptide bonds and which may be composed of two or more polypeptide
chains. More specifically, the term "protein" refers to a molecule
composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order;
for example, the order as determined by the base sequence of
nucleotides in the gene coding for the protein. Proteins are
essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's
cells, tissues, and organs, and each protein has unique functions.
Examples are hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
[0096] The term "sequence" refers to the particular ordering of
monomers within a macromolecule and it may be referred to herein as
the sequence of the macromolecule.
[0097] The term "hybridization" refers to the process in which two
single-stranded polynucleotides bind non-covalently to form a
stable double-stranded polynucleotide; triple-stranded
hybridization is also theoretically possible. The resulting
(usually) double-stranded polynucleotide is a "hybrid." The
proportion of the population of polynucleotides that forms stable
hybrids is referred to herein as the "degree of hybridization." For
example, hybridization refers to the formation of hybrids between a
probe polynucleotide (e.g., an affinity agent polynucleotide of the
invention which may include substitutions, deletion, and/or
additions) and a specific analyte polynucleotide wherein the probe
preferentially hybridizes to the specific analyte polynucleotide
and substantially does not hybridize to polynucleotides consisting
of sequences which are not substantially complementary to the
analyte polynucleotide. However, it will be recognized by those of
skill that the minimum length of a polynucleotide desired for
specific hybridization to a target polynucleotide will depend on
several factors: G/C content, positioning of mismatched bases (if
any), degree of uniqueness of the sequence as compared to the
population of analyte polynucleotides, and chemical nature of the
polynucleotide (e.g., methylphosphonate backbone,
phosphorothiolate, etc.), among others.
[0098] Methods for conducting polynucleotide hybridization assays
have been well developed in the art. Hybridization assay procedures
and conditions will vary depending on the application and are
selected in accordance with the general binding methods known in
the art.
[0099] It is appreciated that the ability of two single stranded
polynucleotides to hybridize will depend upon factors such as their
degree of complementarity as well as the stringency of the
hybridization reaction conditions.
[0100] As used herein, "stringency" refers to the conditions of a
hybridization reaction that influence the degree to which
polynucleotides hybridize. Stringent conditions can be selected
that allow polynucleotide duplexes to be distinguished based on
their degree of mismatch. High stringency is correlated with a
lower probability for the formation of a duplex containing
mismatched bases. Thus, the higher the stringency, the greater e
probability that two single-stranded polynucleotides, capable of
forming a mismatched duplex, will remain single-stranded.
Conversely, at lower stringency, the probability of formation of a
mismatched duplex is increased.
[0101] The appropriate stringency that will allow selection of a
perfectly-matched duplex, compared to a duplex containing one or
more mismatches (or that will allow selection of a particular
mismatched duplex compared to a duplex with a higher degree of
mismatch) is generally determined empirically. Means for adjusting
the stringency of a hybridization reaction are well-known to those
of skill in the art.
[0102] The term "chip" or "microchip" refers to a small device or
substrate that comprises components for performing certain
functions. A chip includes substrates made from silicon, glass,
metal, polymer, or combinations and capable of functioning as a
microarray, a macroarray, a fluidic device, and/or an integrated
circuitry component. A chip may be a microelectronic device made of
semiconductor material and having one or more integrated circuits
or one or more devices. A "chip" or "microchip" is typically a
section of a wafer and made by slicing the wafer. A "chip" or
"microchip" may comprise many miniature transistors and other
electronic components on a single thin rectangle of silicon,
sapphire, germanium, silicon nitride, silicon germanium, or of any
other semiconductor material. A microchip can contain dozens,
hundreds, or millions of electronic components. In the embodiments
of the invention, as discussed herein, fluidic zones, magnetic
microcoil arrays, detection elements, and vibration elements can
also be integrated into a microchip.
[0103] "Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)" is the integration
of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a
common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While
the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC)
process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the
micromechanical components could be fabricated using compatible
"micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the
silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical
and electromechanical devices. Microelectronic integrated circuits
can be thought of as the "brains" of a system and MEMS augments
this decision-making capability with "eyes" and "arms", to allow
microsystems to sense and control the environment. Sensors gather
information from the environment through measuring mechanical,
thermal, biological, chemical, optical, and magnetic phenomena. The
electronics then process the information derived from the sensors
and through some decision making capability direct the actuators to
respond by moving, positioning, regulating, pumping, and filtering,
thereby controlling the environment for some desired outcome or
purpose. Because MEMS devices are manufactured using batch
fabrication techniques similar to those used for integrated
circuits, unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and
sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at a
relatively low cost. In the embodiments of the invention, as
discussed herein, MEMS devices can be further integrated with
fluidic zones, diffusion barriers, magnetic microcoil arrays,
detection elements, and/or vibration elements, such that, together,
they perform separation and detection function for
biomolecules.
[0104] An "integrated circuitry component" is a processor on an
integrated circuit (IC) chip. The processor may be one or more
processor on one or more IC chip. The chip is typically a silicon
chip with thousands of electronic components that serves as a
central processing unit (CPU) of a computer or a computing device.
It is typically a readable and writable memory chip, with or
without contact. In certain embodiments, it can store reagent
information, operation instructions and programs, and test results
and data.
[0105] A "nanomaterial" as used herein refers to a structure, a
device or a system having a dimension at the atomic, molecular or
macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1-1000
nanometer (nm) range. Preferably, a nanomaterial has properties and
functions because of the size and can be manipulated and controlled
on the atomic level.
[0106] The term "complementary" refers to e topological
compatibility or matching together of interacting surfaces of an
analyte and its corresponding affinity agent. Thus, the affinity
agent and its analyte can be described as complementary, and
furthermore, the contact surface characteristics are complementary
to each other. With respect to polynucleotides, sequences are
complementary when they are able to hybridize to each other to form
a stabilized duplex.
[0107] One embodiment of the invention relates to a device for
detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample. The
device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry
component which is functionally coupled to a magnetic microcoil
array, a detection element, a circuit board, and optionally, a
vibration element. In the embodiment, the fluidic network comprises
a plurality of fluidic zones, where each zone is connected to the
adjacent zone by a diffusion barrier. One or more of the fluidic
zones contains a magnetic particle and a signal particle. A sample
suspected of containing an analyte is introduced into a fluidic
zone. The analyte interacts with a magnetic particle and the signal
particle to form a binding complex. The magnetic microcoil array is
to generate a magnetic field across at least portion of a fluidic
zone to move the binding complex to a fluidic zone where it can be
detected by the detection element.
[0108] In one embodiment, the fluidic device integrates fluidic
zones and a microcoil for generating a magnetic field within a
portion of a fluidic zone. The fluidic zones and the microcoil may
be supported by or integrated into a substrate. In another
embodiment, the microcoil is placed near the substrate. When
activated, the microcoil generates a magnetic field within a
portion of a fluidic zone.
[0109] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the detection
element of the substrate comprises silicon, glass, a polymeric
material, metal, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the
detection element may either comprise or be connected to an
integrated circuit, a MEMS device, a microarray, a macroarray, a
fluidic device, or a combination thereof. In other words, the
embodiment can be integrated into or connected to a wide range of
materials used in a variety of existing devices.
[0110] Silicon is a suitable material for forming micro-channels
coupled with microelectronics or other microelectromechanical
systems (MEMS). It also has good stiffness, allowing the formation
of fairly rigid microstructures, which can be useful for
dimensional stability. In a specific embodiment of the invention,
the fluidic device or substrate comprises an integrated circuitry
element (IC), a packaged integrated circuit, and/or an integrated
circuit die. For example, the substrate may be a packaged
integrated circuit that comprises a microprocessor, a network
processor, or other processing device. The substrate may be
constructed using, for example, a Controlled Collapse Chip
Connection (or "C4") assembly technique, wherein a plurality of
leads, or bond pads are internally electrically connected by an
array of connection elements (e.g., solder humps, columns).
[0111] Specific materials useful as the substrate also include, but
not limited to, polystyrene, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), glass,
chemically functionalized glass, polymer-coated glass,
nitrocellulose coated glass, uncoated glass, quartz, natural
hydrogel, synthetic hydrogel, plastics, metals, and ceramics. The
substrate may comprise any platform or device currently used for
carrying out immunoassays, DNA or protein microarray analysis.
Thus, the substrate may comprise a microarray or a macroarray, a
multi-well plate, a fluidic device, or a combination thereof.
[0112] In another embodiment, the fluidic device comprises
circuitry that capable of amplifying or processing the optical or
electrical signals detected by the detection element. Any suitable
conventional circuits may be used and integrated into the substrate
for amplifying and/or processing, including filtering, the optical
or electrical signals detected and collected by the detection
element. The integrated circuitry may be able to generate a
read-out of the optical or electrical signal independently or can
be connected to an external device for generating the read-out.
[0113] In another embodiment of the invention, the sample is a
liquid, a gel, a solid, a gas, or a mixture thereof. Therefore, the
embodiment of the invention can accommodate samples in different
physical states. In a specific embodiment, the sample is a liquid
or in a liquid or solution state. In another embodiment, the sample
zone comprises a reservoir, a channel, an opening, a surface, or a
combination thereof. The embodiment accommodates a variety of
applications in which a sample suspected of containing an analyte
is to be analyzed. For example, the sample zone may be a reservoir,
an opening void, or a surface that can hold a liquid sample. In
such cases, the sample zone may be an open reservoir or surface, or
a substantially closed void with an opening for sample input. The
design of the space depends not only on the specific analysis to be
done, but also on how to best situate and design the sample holding
space in relation to associated microcoil, detection element, and
vibration element, as discussed herein.
[0114] According another embodiment, the sample zone for holding a
sample, such as a liquid sample, may also be the whole or part of a
channel fabricated on the substrate. Depending on the specific
requirement, the channel may be open (a trench) or closed. The
channel typically comprises an inlet and an outlet, but may also
comprise other openings for fluidic communication. In another
embodiment, the channel comprises two or more inlets and at least
one outlet such that different reactants may be introduced into the
channel from different inlets and mixed at a mixing section within
the channel for specific chemical reaction. Furthermore, the
channel may comprise more than two inlets and more than one mixing
section such that more than one reaction may occur within different
sections of the channel according predetermined manners. As
discussed herein, the channel is designed in consideration with its
relations with the associated microcoil, detection element, and
vibration element to achieve the desired optical or electrical
signal to detect the presence of the analyte.
[0115] In the embodiments of the invention, the sample zone of the
device can accommodate a wide range of sample volume, including
very small amount of samples. In one embodiment, the sample zone
has a volume of from about 1.0 nL to about 1.0 mL. In another
embodiment, the sample zone has a volume of from about 10 nL to
about 10 .mu.L. As understood by a person skilled in the art,
actual sample volumes will depend on the nature of the analysis to
be conducted, in addition to the design and dimensions of the
device. In cases where the sample zone is a channel having two
inlets and one outlet, the total sample zone may be substantially
larger than the volume that is in proximity to a particular
microcoil. For example, the total channel volume, excluding the
inlets and outlet, may be about 1.0 .mu.m while the volume in
proximity to the microcoil may be about only 10 nL to 100 nL.
[0116] In the embodiments of the invention, many conductive
materials are suitable for the microcoils. In the embodiments, the
microcoil can be used for generating an excitation magnetic field
across at least a portion of a fluidic zone. The selection of
materials for the microcoil depends on several factors including
the type and size of the coil, the desired strength of the magnetic
field, the size and location of each fluidic zone, the shape, size
and nature of the substrate, and the locations of the vibration
element and detection element. The conductivity of the material is
important to the selection. In one embodiment of the invention, the
microcoil comprises copper, aluminum, gold, silver, or a mixture
thereof.
[0117] In the embodiments of the invention, the microcoil is
"functionally coupled" with the fluidic zones. A number of factors
will be considered when functionally coupling the microcoil with
the space, including the type and size of the microcoil, the sizes
and locations of each fluidic zone, the desired strength of the
magnetic field, and the volume within which the magnetic field will
be effectuated. In a specific embodiment, the microcoil is placed
near or adjacent to the fluidic zone. The specific type, size,
strength, and location of the microcoil on the substrate will be
determined based on the specific analysis desired by a person
skilled in the art.
[0118] In one embodiment of the invention, the microcoil is a
Solenoid type coil. Solenoid type microcoils are multiple spiral
wire loops, which may or may not be wrapped around a metallic core.
A Solenoid type microcoil, in addition to serving as a detection
circuit, produces a magnetic field when an electrical current is
passed through it and can create controlled magnetic fields. In the
embodiment of the invention, the Solenoid type microcoil can
produce a uniform magnetic field in a predetermined volume of the
fluidic zone.
[0119] According to another embodiment of the invention, existing
technologies can be used to construct the devices of the invention.
For example, silicon process technologies can be used to construct
or fabricate the fluidic device of the embodiments of the
invention, such that the fluidic zones, diffusion barriers, and
optionally the microcoils and vibration element can be constructed
on a substrate that may also comprise an integrated circuitry
component and/or microfluidic mechanisms such as flow controllers.
In another embodiment, servo-mechanical components and mechanisms
can be used to control the location and movement of the detection
element such that the desired signals are detected.
[0120] FIGS. 1-14 illustrate various embodiments of the
invention.
[0121] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that
comprises a fluidic network in association with a magnetic
microcoil array, a detection element, an integrated circuitry
component, and is in further association with a circuit hoard. As
illustrated, the fluidic network contains a sample zone, a
detection zone, and another fluidic zone between the sample zone
and the detection zone. The sample is loaded into the sample zone,
where analyte present in the sample forms a complex with a magnetic
particle. The complex is moved through the fluidic zones to the
detection zone by activating the microcoil array. It is then
detected in the detection zone by the detection element. The device
is further connected with a circuitry component and circuit board,
which collects, analyzes, and/or processes signals detected by the
detection element.
[0122] FIG. 2 illustrates magnetic particles overlaying an
exemplary magnetic microcoil array, demonstrating the movement of
magnetic particles (dark circles) over the magnetic coils. As
shown, the microcoils are activated (turned on and off in a
directed fashion) to move the magnetic particles from left to
right. Molecules that are coupled to the magnetic particles are
also moved by activating the microcoils.
[0123] FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view and cross-section view of
the fluidic network. The cross-section view illustrates the
functionally coupled magnetic microcoil array. As shown, the sample
is introduced into the sample zone. There are optional fluidic
zones for storing reagents, which contain one or more sets of
magnetic particles. The underlying magnetic array (which can be
integrated or in a separate, coupled device) is activated to move
the magnetic particles into the sample zone. In another embodiment
(not shown), the magnetic particles are present within the sample
zone, and are not located in the storage areas. There is also a
waste zone: magnetic particles can be moved into the waste zone and
uncomplexed analyte can be left in this area. The magnetic array is
activated to move the magnetic particles and complexed analyte into
the detection zone. The detection zone can contain one or more
different regions (indicated by 1-4) for detection of different
analytes.
[0124] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed top-down view and
cross-section view of the fluidic network functionally coupled to
the magnetic microcoil array, providing examples of various
diffusion barriers. As shown, the microcoil array is indicated by
the dashed ovals in the top-down view, and by the squares in the
cross-section view. The sample is inserted into the sample zone
through a loading inlet, where it interacts with magnetic particles
and the analyte binds to the magnetic particle. The magnetic
particles are optionally moved into the branch, which is a fluidic
zone containing one or more reagents. The magnetic microcoil array
is activated to move the magnetic particles (complexed and
uncomplexed) through a diffusion barrier to the cleaning zone. The
magnetic particles are further moved into the detection zone, for
detection by the detection element. The integrated circuitry
component saves data in its memory.
[0125] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the fluidic
network and exemplary method for detecting an analyte. The fluidic
network is functionally coupled to the magnetic microcoil array,and
contains a magnetic affinity complex, an analyte and a signal
affinity complex. The magnetic affinity complex ("M") interacts
with the analyte and the signal affinity complex to form a sandwich
binding complex. The vibration element is optionally employed to
deaggregate the magnetic and signal particles and the analyte, and
to allow them to interact. The microcoil array is activated to move
the magnetic affinity complexes to the detection zone. Unbound
signal affinity complex is not moved to the detection zone. While
both complexed and uncomplexed magnetic particles are in the
detection zone, the signal is generated only by the signal
particles that have interacted with the analyte and the magnetic
affinity complex. Both optical and electrical signals can be
detected. The signal indicates the presence of the analyte. FIG. 6A
illustrates the use of the fluidic network such as a biochip.
Magnetic particles and Qdots were loaded into the fluidic network.
The magnetic microcoils were activated and the magnetic particles
(indicated by the arrows) moved from the sample zone in panel 1
through the fluidic channels and into the detection zone by panel
6. Note that in panel 3, the magnetic microcoils were activated to
spread out the magnetic particles. The fluorescent images
illustrate that the Qdots did not move from the sample zone. FIG.
6B illustrates the fluorescence of a mixture of magnetic particles
and Qdots. As the mixture is washed, it loses fluorescence. FIG. 6C
quantifies the fluorescence of the samples in the tubes from FIG.
6B (S1 tube is the original sample, while S2-S4 tubes are the
washes) or samples taken from the fluidic network during FIG. 6A
("initial-on chip" indicates the sample zone after the magnetic
particles have been moved, while "end-on chip" indicates the sample
from the detection zone"). FIG. 6D illustrates on-chip
chemiluminescent detection of PSA. Comparative studies were carried
out by dividing samples into two-halves, one half for on-chip test
and the other for in-tube test. The on-chip test demonstrated the
capability of removing signaling particles from sandwich complex by
magnetic transport. FIG. 6D quantifies chemiluminescence photo
counts corresponding to the analyte, free PSA, for the "on-chip"
experiment performed with fluidic network as well as for the
"in-tube" (multi-steps) experiment. The on-chip test showed very
comparative results to the in-tube test.
[0126] FIG. 7 illustrates the formation of sandwich binding
complexes ("sandwich binding" and "tandem binding") and a
competitive binding complex. A sandwich binding complex is formed
through the analyte binding to a signal affinity complex and a
magnetic affinity complex. The "sandwich binding" shows an example
where the analyte is a protein or nucleic acid, while the "tandem
binding" shows an example where the analyte is an antibody. An
optical or electrical signal is detected from the binding complex.
A competitive binding complex is formed when a signal analyte
complex displaces the analyte from a magnetic binding complex
(analyte plus magnetic affinity complex). Signal is detected from
the signal analyte complex that does not form the competitive
binding complex.
[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates the use of codes with a magnetic affinity
complex and a magnetic signal affinity complex. The coded magnetic
affinity complex comprises a code, an affinity agent and a magnetic
particle. It can interact with the analyte to form a coded magnetic
binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to move the coded
magnetic binding complex to a first affinity surface, where it is
bound and immobilized. In this example, the affinity agent on the
first affinity surface is complementary to and binds to the
affinity agent on the magnetic particle. The code is then detached
from the coded magnetic binding complex. The detached code then
binds to a magnetic signal affinity complex to form a coded
magnetic signal binding complex. Typically the affinity agent of
the magnetic signal affinity complex is complementary to the code.
In this example, the affinity agent of the magnetic signal affinity
complex is a polynucleotide complementary to the code
polynucleotide. The microcoil array is activated to move the coded
magnetic signal binding complex to one or multiple detection zones
comprising a second affinity surface. Typically different areas of
the detection zone or the different detection zones contain unique
affinity agents to the codes. The affinity agents of the second
affinity surface are complementary to and bind the code. The
detection element then detects the coded magnetic signal binding
complex in the detection zone using electrical sensing methods,
optical sensing methods, or enzymatic methods, such as amplifying
the affinity agent (if it is a polynucleotide) on the magnetic
signal affinity complex.
[0128] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the particle (or
molecule) transport device of the invention, showing major
components which are (1) a fluidic network, e.g., a biochip, (2) an
electromagnetic array, (3) a circuitry board; and (4) computer. The
fluidic network comprises a plurality of fluidic zones, each
fluidic zone being connected to the adjacent zone by a diffusion
barrier, and an integrated circuitry component, and optionally has
a vibration element functionally coupled to the fluidic network.
The array of magnetic microcoils functionally is coupled to the
fluidic network, wherein the microcoils are programmably
activatable to generate a magnetic field in proximity to each
microcoil. The electromagnetic array can concentrate or transport
magnetic particles, but dispersion of magnetic particles is
preferably done by the vibrational device, which could be
integrated in the fluidic network. A detection element (not shown
in FIG. 9) could be functionally coupled to the fluidic
network.
[0129] The circuitry board shown in FIG. 9 contains the circuitry
to control the elements (core/coil) of the electromagnetic array.
The circuitry board is connected, either hard-wired or by wireless
connection, to a computer or any other device for controlling the
switches of the circuitry board in a preferred sequence. The
computer or any processing unit could include an embedded computer
processor and/or could be capable of integrated computing.
[0130] Particle transport in the fluidic device is achieved by
using the magnetic array and magnetic particles. Magnetic particles
are commercially available. For clinical diagnostic applications,
the particles could be conjugated with affinity binding partners
(e.g. nucleic acid probes or antibodies); they could also be used
together with other nanoparticles which can serve as either signal
source or as carriers of signal sources. Magnetic particles and
other reagents are placed in the fluidic device (e.g., biochip)
containing multiple zones wherein liquid transport is not needed,
and thus mechanism to generate fluid movement force is avoided.
[0131] To facilitate biomolecule detection, aggregated or
concentrated particles in the fluidic zones may need to be
dispersed, mixed, or resuspended in solution locally within in a
fluidic zone. Dispersing can be achieved by mechanical means, e.g.,
the vibrational device such as ultrasounds (acoustic), piezo
vibrations. The dispersing elements can be functionally coupled to
the nBMA device (integrated with chip or the control device).
[0132] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic array comprises
magnetic core, e.g., Fe cores, surrounded by power coils,
preferably a set of planar coils. As shown in FIG. 10, the cross
sectional areas of the core of the electromagnet could have various
geometries such as a star (FIG. 10, bottom left) or a circle (FIG.
10, bottom right). Generally, cores having the star cross-section
produce a more even magnetic filed between two adjacent cores while
cores having the circular shape produce a concentrated magnetic
field in the region where two adjacent cores are closest. Thus, by
appropriate choice of the cross-sectional areas of the cores, the
electromagnetic array could have regions with substantially uniform
or concentrated magnetic field.
[0133] The electromagnetic array creates magnetic field gradients
that are sufficient to transport the magnetic particles in the
fluidic device. The power coils can he switched by the switching
circuitry, which in turn can be controlled by a computer. The
switching could be on/off, high/low and/or at a desired frequency,
which can be determined as a function of the time necessary for a
magnetic particle to he transported within the fluidic device.
[0134] FIGS. 11A and B show an embodiment of the switching
circuitry. The computer generates low current signals which are
used to control the high current needed for the electromagnets. The
current for each coil can be controlled by either a solid state or
electromechanical relay or current amplifier which is driven by a
logical or analog signal generated by the computer control. FIG.
11A is an example of a circuit for an individual magnetic element
for which the polarity can be switched. So one would need two
switches per element of the magnetic array. However, by the
switching circuitry of FIG. 11B, it would be possible to minimize
the number of switches but keep the polarity fixed such that, for
example, for N elements containing N coils, one would need just
25+N/5 switches.
[0135] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the movement of magnetic
particles on a microscope slide. Initially, in FIG. 12 (1), a
liquid solution containing colored magnetic particles was spread
out on a portion of the slide overlaying directly above three
core/coil elements. Note that the microscope slide in FIG. 12 has
been moved down to take the picture, but in the experiment, the
liquid solution was on top of the three core/coil elements. Next,
all three elements were switched on to have north (N) polarity. As
a result, as illustrated in FIG. 12 (2), the magnetic particles in
the liquid solution separated into two distinct regions above the
first and third core/coil elements. Next, the three elements were
switched on to have south (S), N, N polarity. In this case, as
illustrated in FIG. 12 (3), the majority of the magnetic particles
moved to a spot between S and N polarity elements and some magnetic
particles formed a spot above the third element having N polarity.
Next, the three elements were switched to have zero (no), S, N
polarity. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 12 (4), the magnetic
particles moved to a spot between the second and third elements
having S and N polarity. Finally, the three elements were switched
on to have zero, zero and N polarity. In this case, as illustrated
in FIG. 12 (5), the magnetic particles moved to a spot above the
third element having N polarity. This example clearly demonstrates
that a magnetic array within the embodiments of the invention can
transport and/or concentrate magnetic particles within a fluid
without any external fluid transport mechanism that generates
hydraulic pressure for fluid transport.
[0136] FIG. 13 shows a prototype system for transport of magnetic
particles, the system comprising coil (inductor) array, switches
and other electronic control elements, together with a prototype
fluidic device (e.g., biochip). The prototype system of FIG. 13 was
used to demonstrate transport of magnetic particles in the biochip,
illustrated in FIG. 6. FIGS. 6 and 12 illustrate that the transport
and/or concentration of magnetic particles demonstrated in FIG. 9
for a three coil array is scalable for any number coils.
[0137] FIG. 14 shows the specification for an embodiment of the
prototype system of FIG. 13, indicating the magnetic coil structure
and magnetic field strengths relative to the coil head surface. As
one would recognize, the magnetic field strengths would depend on
the spacing of the coils, and the spacing could be varied in
different electromagnetic arrays.
[0138] Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and
methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample.
According to one embodiment, the device comprises a fluidic network
comprising a plurality of fluidic zones, each fluidic zone being
connected to the adjacent zone by a diffusion harrier, and an
integrated circuitry component. According to another embodiment,
the invention encompasses a device comprising a substrate
containing a plurality of fluidic zones, each fluidic zone being
connected to the adjacent fluidic zone by a diffusion barrier,
wherein each fluidic zone comprises a fluid, and wherein one or
more fluidic zones comprises a magnetic particle. In one aspect,
the device is adapted to permit transport of the magnetic particle
from one fluidic zone to an adjacent fluidic zone substantially
without moving the fluid between the fluidic zones.
[0139] An array of magnetic microcoils can be functionally coupled
to the fluidic network, which is programmably activatable to
generate a magnetic field in proximity to each microcoil. The
microcoil array can be integrated into the network, or it can be
located near the fluidic zones of the device, so that at least one
microcoil is placed suitably for generating a magnetic field in at
least a portion of a fluidic zone. A detection element is also
functionally coupled to the fluidic network; it can be integrated
into the network or located in proximity to the network. Generally,
it is situated so that whether integrated or temporarily coupled,
it detects optical or electrical signals from one or more of the
fluidic zones. A vibration element can also be functionally coupled
to the network; it can be integrated into the network or located in
proximity to one or more fluidic zones. Typically, when activated,
the vibration element is so situated that it will achieve the
desired effect of shaking or agitating fluid within one or more
fluidic zones of the device.
[0140] Certain embodiments of the invention are self-contained such
that substantially no liquid flows between the fluidic zones,
thereby eliminating the need for flow controllers. In such
embodiments, the magnetic particles and any molecules bound to the
magnetic particles are moved through the liquid contained within
the fluidic zones by activating the magnetic microcoils, and are
not moved by the flow of the liquid. Typically in these
embodiments, the fluid is present in the fluidic zones to act as a
suspending agent. Other embodiments of the invention comprise a
flow controller for coordinating liquid flow through the fluidic
zones of the device. In such embodiments, the magnetic particles
and any molecules bound to the magnetic particles are moved through
the fluidic zones by activating the magnetic microcoils and/or also
can be moved by activating the flow controller to move the liquid
itself. The flow controller is functionally coupled to the network:
it can be integrated into the network or external to the
network.
[0141] The fluidic zones of the device typically comprise a
reservoir, channel, groove, opening, or conduit in the substrate of
the fluidic device, which is configured for containing a liquid and
optionally for containing reagents. In one embodiment, the
plurality of fluidic zones comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone
and/or a detection zone. In a further embodiment, it comprises more
than one sample zone, cleaning zone, and/or detection zone. It can
comprise additional fluidic zones for storing reagents, which can
be branches of any of the aforementioned zones. In one embodiment,
multiple fluidic zones are contained in parallel within the same
device, thus allowing for analysis of multiple samples or multiple
analytes in parallel. Each fluidic zone is separated from the
adjacent fluidic zone by a diffusion barrier.
[0142] Diffusion barriers connect the fluidic zones of the device.
They are designed and situated to minimize diffusion or convectance
of the contents of one fluidic zone to the next fluidic zone, such
that the majority of the contents that move from one zone to the
next fluidic zone are moved by directed fluidic flow and/or by
activating the magnetic microcoil array. In certain embodiments,
the diffusion harrier is a fluidic channel that is designed to
alter the path of the fluidic zone. In other embodiments, the
diffusion bather is a thermally-sensitive barrier. Hydrophilic
fluid or liquid can be contained in a shape of droplets surrounded
by hydrophobic liquid such as silicone oils to form strong
diffusion barriers through hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions so
that droplets can be separated and transported without mixing with
other fluids as demonstrated in J. Micromech. Microeng. (2006)
16:1875 and Sensors and Actuators B (2006) 113:563. A diffusion
barrier can be accomplished by "particle trapping and transport"
through DEP (dielectrophoresis) as demonstrated in Biophysical
Journal (1998) 74:1024 and Sensors and Actuators A 121 (2005)
59.
[0143] The detection element is situated in proximity to the
detection zone. The detection element can be an optical detection
element or an electrical detection element. In certain embodiments,
the optical detection element is selected from a Raman detector, a
photon multiplier tube, a fluorescent reader, or an electrochemical
sensor and the electrical detection element is selected from a FET
element, a capacity detection element, a current sensor, and a
charge sensor. Typically, the detection of the binding complex or
the signal analyte complex indicates the presence of the
analyte.
[0144] In further embodiments, the detection zone comprises a
reaction substrate that interacts with a catalytic element to form
a fluorogenic, chemiluminescent, or chromogenic product.
Non-limiting examples of reaction substrates include Lumigen APS-5,
Lumigen TMA-6, Lumigen PS-atto, Lumigen PS-3, H.sub.2O.sub.2 with
an oxidizable compound, Amplex Red, 3, 5, 3',
5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), glucose, O.sub.2, ATP, Mg.sup.2+,
luciferin, inoluciferin, quinolinyl, coelentrazine, aldehyde,
FMNH.sub.2, and analogs and combinations thereof.
[0145] Typically, if the detection zone comprises a reaction
substrate, the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle
comprises a catalytic element that serves as an agent to cause a
chemical reaction to occur in the reaction substrate, where the
reaction product is detectable by the detection element. In certain
non-limiting embodiments, the catalytic element is selected from
the group consisting of alkaline phosphatase, horseradish
peroxidase, glucose oxidase, luciferase (from firefly, Renilla,
bacteria, or other sources) or analogs or combinations thereof. The
catalytic element can be covalently or non-covalently conjugated to
the signal particle through a functionalized polymer. The fluidic
zones of the device generally contain an appropriate buffer to
permit the reaction to occur.
[0146] The sample zone of the device comprises a magnetic particle
selected from the group consisting of a magnetic affinity complex
and a coded magnetic affinity complex. Magnetic particles may also
be present within other fluidic zones of the device. The microcoils
are activated in such a manner as to move the magnetic particles
within the device.
[0147] The sample zone or other zone of the device can also
comprise a signal particle selected from the group consisting of
signal affinity complexes, signal analyte complexes, and coded
magnetic signal affinity complexes, among others. In certain
embodiments the signal particle is a SERS-active nanoparticle, a
fluorescent nanoparticle, a nanoparticle coupled to a
surface-enhanced fluorescent tag, or a core nanoparticle covalently
coupled to a catalytic element. In one embodiment, the signal
particle is a COIN particle. In other embodiments, the signal
particle is a Qdot, or another fluorescent nanoparticle, such as
SEF nanoparticle or a FluoDot. In further embodiments, the signal
particle is any nanoparticle (i.e. gold, silver, CdS, CdSe, copper,
Eu.sup.3+-coated polymer, an organic polymer (home or hetero), an
inorganic compound, or composite compounds, etc.). Additionally,
the SERS-active nanoparticle and fluorescent nanoparticle can also
be functionally coupled to a catalytic element. In certain
embodiments, the sample zone of the fluidic device comprises the
signal particle. Alternatively, the sample particle is contained
within another fluidic zone. In further embodiments, different or
the same signal particles can be contained within more than one
fluidic zone.
[0148] Embodiments of the invention also include methods of using
the devices to detect the presence of an analyte.
[0149] The device contains magnetic particles within one or more
fluidic zones, and the microcoil array is activated to thereby move
the magnetic particles within that zone or to another zone. In one
method, the magnetic particle within the sample zone is a magnetic
affinity complex. A sample suspected of comprising an analyte is
introduced into the sample zone, wherein the magnetic affinity
complex binds to the analyte to form a magnetic binding complex.
The microcoil array is activated to move the magnetic binding
complex from the sample zone to another fluidic zone.
[0150] In another embodiment, the magnetic particle is a magnetic
signal affinity complex. A sample suspected of comprising an
analyte is introduced into the sample zone, wherein the magnetic
signal affinity complex binds to the analyte to form a magnetic
signal binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to move
the magnetic signal binding complex from the sample zone to another
fluidic zone. It is then detected by the detection element,
indicating the presence of the analyte.
[0151] In another embodiment, one or more fluidic zones also
comprise a signal affinity complex. The analyte is combined with
the magnetic affinity complex and the signal affinity complex,
either simultaneously or sequentially, where the magnetic affinity
complex and the signal affinity complex bind to the analyte to form
a sandwich binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to
move the sandwich binding complex to the detection zone of the
fluidic network, where it is detected by the detection element, and
where the detection of the sandwich binding complex indicates the
presence of the analyte. In such an embodiment, the analyte is
typically a protein, an antibody, or a nucleic acid.
[0152] In a further embodiment, the sample zone comprises a
magnetic affinity complex, and one or more fluidic zones comprise a
signal analyte complex. The magnetic affinity complex binds to the
analyte in the sample to form a magnetic binding complex.
Optionally, the microcoil array is activated to move the magnetic
binding complex to another fluidic zone. The signal analyte complex
then displaces the analyte from the magnetic binding complex to
form a competitive binding complex. Optionally, the microcoil array
is activated to move the competitive binding complex to another
fluidic zone. The detection element detects an optical or
electrical signal from the signal analyte complex that did not form
the competitive binding complex, thus indicating the presence of
the analyte. In such an embodiment, the analyte is typically a
small molecule such as, but not limited to, sugars, drugs,
steroids, and vitamins.
[0153] In another embodiment, the sample zone comprises a coded
magnetic affinity complex. A sample suspected of comprising an
analyte is introduced a sample into the sample zone, wherein the
coded magnetic affinity complex binds to the analyte to form a
coded magnetic binding complex. The microcoil array is activated to
move the coded magnetic binding complex from the sample zone to a
first affinity surface where it is immobilized. Typically, the
affinity agent of the first affinity surface binds to the analyte
or to the affinity agent coupled to the magnetic particle. The code
is detached from the bound coded magnetic binding complex. A
magnetic signal affinity complex is provided in one of the fluidic
zones, so situated that the detached code binds to the magnetic
signal affinity complex to form a coded magnetic signal binding
complex. Typically, the affinity agent of the magnetic signal
affinity complex is a polynucleotide complementary to the code. The
microcoil array is activated to move the coded magnetic signal
binding complex to the detection zone which comprises a second
affinity surface, where it is immobilized. Typically, an affinity
agent of the second affinity surface comprises a polynucleotide
complementary to the code. The coded magnetic signal binding
complex is then detected by the detection element. The second
affinity surface can comprise an array of probes for detecting any
number of analytes.
[0154] The vibration element can be activated to agitate the fluid
of one or more of the fluidic zones. In certain embodiments, the
vibration element agitates the fluid in one or more fluidic zones
to disperse the magnetic particles, analyte, and/or signal
particles so that they can interact to form a binding complex. In
other embodiments, the vibration element agitates the fluid in one
or more fluidic zones to facilitate aggregation-disaggregation and
removal of unbound signal particles and/or non-analyte components
of the sample from the binding complex. For example, before the
binding complex is moved to the detection zone, it is moved to the
cleaning zone where the vibration element is activated to aggregate
and de-aggregate the binding complex to remove unbound signal
particles and/or other components from the sample from the binding
complex. In other embodiments, a coded magnetic binding complex
and/or a coded signal binding complex are moved to a cleaning zone
by activating the microcoil array, wherein the vibration element is
activated to aggregate and de-aggregate the complexes to thereby
remove unbound coded magnetic affinity complex, detached code,
and/or magnetic signal affinity complex before the binding complex
is moved to the next zone.
[0155] Embodiments of the invention also comprise methods of
fabricating the devices. One embodiment comprises fabricating a
plurality of fluidic zones on a substrate, where at least one of
the fluidic zones is a sample zone designed to hold a sample and a
magnetic particle, fabricating one or more diffusion barriers on
the substrate, wherein a diffusion barrier connects each fluidic
zone to the adjacent fluidic zone; and forming an integrated
circuitry component for storing data on the substrate. The
diffusion barrier can be fabricated as a fluidic channel or as a
thermally-sensitive barrier. In further embodiments, a microcoil
array is fabricated on the substrate. Alternatively, the microcoil
array is fabricated separately, and is removeably coupled to the
device when it is in use. A detection element can be fabricated
into the substrate, or can be fabricated separately and removeably
coupled to the device when in use. Preferably the detection element
is an optical detection element or an electrical detection element.
In further embodiments, a vibration element is fabricated into the
device. Alternatively, the vibration element is fabricated
separately and removeably coupled to the device when in use.
[0156] In certain embodiments, fabricating the plurality of fluidic
zones on a substrate comprises combining two or more solid
supports.
[0157] Embodiments of the invention also comprise a binding
complex, which is an analyte bound to a magnetic affinity complex
and a signal affinity complex. Typically the analyte is a protein,
an antibody or a nucleic acid. In one embodiment, the analyte
comprises an anti-PSA antibody. In a further embodiment, the signal
affinity complex comprises a COIN-PSA conjugate. The magnetic
affinity complex can comprise a streptavidin-coated magnetic bead.
The analyte cart comprise art antibody, which includes an
autoantibody.
[0158] As disclosed herein, compound and molecules suitable for
analysis by the embodiments of the invention include proteins,
peptides, and, specifically, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which can
form double-stranded molecules by hybridization, that is,
complementary base pairing. For example, in an embodiment of the
invention, a molecular probe, such as a DNA probe, is associated
with or attached to a fluidic zone, which is located near or on the
surface of, or otherwise integrated into, the substrate. The
specificity of nucleic acid hybridization from the binding of the
analyte to the molecular probe is such that the detection of
molecular and/or nanomaterials binding events can be done through
measurements of the signals by the detection element or other
external circuitry. This specificity of complementary base pairing
also allows thousands of hybridization to be carried out
simultaneously in the same experiment on a DNA chip (also called a
DNA array).
[0159] Molecular probes are immobilized on the surface of
individual or individually addressable reservoirs through surface
functionalization techniques. The probe in a DNA chip is usually
hybridized with a complex RNA or cDNA target (the analyte)
generated by making DNA copies of a complex mixture of RNA
molecules derived from a particular cell type (source). The
composition of such a target reflects the level of individual RNA
molecules in the source. The optical or electrical signals
resulting from the binding events from the DNA spots of the DNA
chip after hybridization between the probe and the target represent
the relative expression levels of the genes of the source.
[0160] The DNA chip could be used for differential gene expression
between samples (e.g., healthy tissue versus diseased tissue) to
search for various specific genes (e.g., connected with an
infectious agent) or in gene polymorphism and expression analysis.
Particularly, the DNA chip could be used to investigate expression
of various genes connected with various diseases in order to find
causes of these diseases and to enable accurate treatments.
[0161] Using embodiments of the invention, one could find a
specific segment of a nucleic acid of a gene, i.e., find a site
with a particular order of bases in the examined gene. This
detection could be performed by using a diagnostic polynucleotide
made up of short synthetically assembled single-chained
complementary polynucleotides--a chain of bases organized in a
mirror order o which the specific segment of the nucleic acid would
attach (hybridize) via A-T or G-C base pairing interactions.
[0162] The practice of the embodiments of the invention may employ,
unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of organic
chemistry, polymer technology, molecular biology (including
recombinant techniques), cell biology, biochemistry, and
immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such
conventional techniques include polymer array synthesis,
hybridization, ligation, detection of hybridization using a label.
Specific illustrations of suitable techniques can be had by
reference to the examples herein below. However, other equivalent
conventional procedures can, of course, also be used.
[0163] The devices of the embodiments of the invention may be
formed by any suitable means of manufacture, including
semiconductor manufacturing methods, microforming processes,
molding methods, material deposition methods, etc., or any suitable
combination of such methods. In certain embodiments one or more of
the microcoils, and circuitries may be formed via semiconductor
manufacturing methods on a semiconductor substrate. Thin film
coatings may be selectively deposited on portions f the substrate
surface. Examples of suitable deposition techniques include vacuum
sputtering, electron beam deposition, solution deposition, and
chemical vapor deposition. The coatings may perform a variety of
functions. For example, the coatings may be used to increase the
hydrophilicity of a surface or to improve high temperature
properties. Conductive coatings may be used to form the microcoils.
Coatings may be used to provide a physical barrier on the surface,
e.g. to retain fluid at specific sites on the surface.
[0164] In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate is made
through combining two or more smaller substrates or solid support.
Specifically, the fabricating of the fluidic zones, or the
fabricating of the microcoils may involve combining two or more
smaller substrates to form the substrate.
[0165] The substrate used in the embodiments of the invention may
comprise various materials including, but not limited to silicon,
glass, metal, and polymeric material. According to the embodiments,
the substrate comprises an integrated circuit, a microarray, a
macroarray, fluidic zones, a detection element, a vibration
element, or a combination thereof.
[0166] In on embodiment of the invention, the sample zone for
holding a sample comprises a reservoir, a channel, an opening, a
surface, or a combination thereof. According to another embodiment,
the microcoil comprises of copper, aluminum, gold, silver, or a
mixture thereof. The microcoil is placed near or adjacent to the
fluidic zones.
[0167] As disclosed herein, silicon is a suitable material for
attaching other materials, such as metal or magnetic materials and
forming structures, such as openings and channels coupled with
microelectronics or other microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). It
also has good stiffness, allowing the formation of fairly rigid
microstructures, which can be useful for dimensional stability. In
a specific embodiment of the invention, the substrate comprises an
integrated circuitry component selected from an integrated circuit
(IC), a packaged integrated circuit, and an integrated circuit die.
For example, the substrate may be a packaged integrated circuit
that comprises a microprocessor, a network processor, or other
processing device.
[0168] In another embodiment, the method further comprises forming
circuitry on or within the detection unit that is capable of
amplifying or processing the signals detected by the detection
element. The substrate for the detection element may be constructed
using, for example, a Controlled Collapse Chip Connection (or "C4")
assembly technique, wherein a plurality of leads, or bond pads are
internally electrically connected by an array of connection
elements (e.g., solder bumps, columns).
[0169] According to the embodiments of the invention, microcoils
can be fabricated on or within the substrate using a number of
techniques, including etching, bonding, annealing,
adhering/seeding, lithography, molding, and printing. Physical
vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can also
be used. In one embodiment, microcoils are fabricated on an
oxidized silicon substrate by electroplate metals inside a deep
photoresist mold and then passivated using an epoxy based
resist.
[0170] The substrate of the embodiments of the present invention is
suitable for forming openings, voids, surfaces, or microchannels
thereon for holding fluid and fluidic communications. The sample
zone may be open or closed along. Various methods may be used to
form the sample zone on the substrate. For example, a reservoir or
an open microchannel can be fabricated on a silicon substrate by
etching methods known to those skilled in the art. Closed channels
can be formed by sealing the open channels at top using methods
such as anodic bonding of glass plates onto the open channels on
the silicon substrate.
[0171] According to one embodiment of the invention, to fabricate a
channel on a silicon substrate, a photoresist (positive or
negative) is spun onto the silicon substrate. The photoresist is
exposed to UV light through a high-resolution mask with the desired
device patterns. After washing off the excessive unpolymerized
photoresist, the silicon substrate is placed in a wet chemical
etching bath that anisotropically etches the silicon in locations
not protected by the photoresist. The result is a silicon substrate
in which channels are, etched. If desired, a glass cover slip is
used to fully enclose the channels. Also, holes are drilled in the
glass to allow fluidic access. For straighter edges and a deeper
etch depth, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) can be used as an
alternative to wet chemical etching.
[0172] In another embodiment of the invention, channels may be
formed on a silicon substrate using the following method. A seed
layer of a metal, such as copper, is deposited over a surface of
the substrate. Any suitable blanket deposition process may be used
to deposit the seed layer of metal, such as physical vapor
deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or other methods
known to those skilled in the art. A layer of a sacrificial
material, such as a dielectric material or a photoresist material,
is then deposited over the seed layer. By removing the sacrificial
material, for example using chemical etch process or thermal
decomposition process, a number of trenches in the sacrificial
layer are formed, and the seed layer is exposed in each of the
trenches. Another layer of the metal, such as copper, is deposited
over the exposed seed layer in the trenches. The metal layer
extends over portions of the upper surface of the sacrificial
layer; but gaps remain between the metal material layers extending
from adjacent trenches and over the upper surface of the
sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is removed, for example
using chemical etching process or thermal decomposition process,
and regions from which the sacrificial layer has been removed form
channels in the metal layer. An additional layer of the metal is
deposited over the upper surfaces of the metal layer to close the
gaps over the channels.
[0173] In the embodiments of the invention, reservoirs, openings
and channels can be made by using soft lithography method with
suitable materials, such as silicon and polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS). With these techniques it is possible to generate patterns
with critical dimensions as small as 30 nm. These techniques use
transparent, elastomeric PDMS "stamps" with patterned relief on the
surface to generate features. The stamps can he prepared by casting
prepolymers against masters patterned by conventional lithographic
techniques, as well as against other masters of interest. Several
different techniques are known collectively as soft lithography.
They are as described below:
[0174] Near-Field Phase Shift Lithography. A transparent PDMS phase
mask with relief on its surface is placed in conformal contact with
a layer of photoresist. Light passing through the stamp is
modulated in the near-field. Features with dimensions between 40
and 100 nm are produced in photoresist at each phase edge.
[0175] Replica Molding. A PDMS stamp is cast against a
conventionally patterned master. Polyurethane is then molded
against the secondary PDMS master. In this way, multiple copies can
be made without damaging the original master. The technique can
replicate features as small as 30 nm.
[0176] Micromolding in Capillaries (MIMIC). Continuous channels are
formed when a PDMS stamp is brought into conformal contact with a
solid substrate. Capillary action fills the channels with a polymer
precursor. The polymer is cured and the stamp is removed. MIMIC is
able to generate features down to 1 .mu.m in size.
[0177] Microtransfer Molding ((TM). A PDMS stamp is filled with a
prepolymer or ceramic precursor and placed on a substrate. The
material is cured and the stamp is removed. The technique generates
features as small as 250 nm and is able to generate multilayer
systems.
[0178] Solvent-assisted Microcontact Molding (SAMIM). A small
amount of solvent is spread on a patterned PDMS stamp and the stamp
is placed on a polymer, such as photoresist. The solvent swells the
polymer and causes it to expand to fill the surface relief of the
stamp. Features as small as 60 nm have been produced.
[0179] Microcontact Printing ((CP). An "ink" of alkanethiols is
spread on a patterned PDMS stamp. The stamp is then brought into
contact with the substrate, which can range from coinage metals to
oxide layers. The thiol ink is transferred to the substrate where
it forms a self-assembled monolayer that can act as a resist
against etching. Features as small as 300 nm have been made in this
way.
[0180] Techniques used in other groups include micromachining of
silicon for microelectromechanical systems, and embossing of
thermoplastic with patterned quartz. Unlike conventional
lithography, these techniques are able to generate features on both
curved and reflective substrates and rapidly pattern large areas. A
variety of materials could be patterned using the above techniques,
including metals and polymers. The methods complement and extend
existing nanolithographic techniques and provide new routes to
high-quality patterns and structures with feature sizes of about 30
.mu.m.
[0181] Standard lithography on silicone wafer or silica glass could
also be used to fabricate the devices of the embodiments of this
invention. Reservoirs, openings and channels in the micrometer or
nanometer scale can be fabricated from the devices. If fluidic flow
is employed, it can be controlled by pressure gradient, electrical
field gradient, gravity, and/or heat gradient. The surfaces of the
fluidic zones and/or the diffusion barriers can be modified with
polymers (polyethylene glycol (PEG)-dramatized compounds) that can
minimize non-specific binding. The solid support can be inorganic
material (e.g., glass, ceramic or metal (e.g., aluminum).
Biomolecules, proteins, antibodies, and/or nucleic acids can be
coated on the surface of the substrate for specific analyte
binding.
[0182] In the embodiments of the invention, the channels formed on
the substrate may be straight or have angles or curves along their
lengths. The characteristics and layout of the channels are
determined by the specific applications the device is designed for.
Although straight channels lining next to one another are a typical
design for microfluidic devices, the channels in the embodiments of
the invention may be designed in many different patterns to serve
specific separation and detection requirements. Specifically, the
design of the channels takes into consideration of the microcoils
associated with the fluidic zones such that one or more microcoils
are capable of generating excitation magnetic fields across at
least a portion of one fluidic zones. Further, in the embodiments
of the invention, the cross-section of the fluidic zone so formed
may be uniform or vary along the channel's length, and may have
various shapes, such as rectangle, circle, or polygon.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0183] Magnetic Particles are Separated from Signal Particles in a
Fluidic Device
[0184] A biochip was constructed as shown in FIG. 6, containing a
sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone, which was
functionally coupled to a magnet. A mixture of magnetic particles
and (dot particles was loaded into the sample zone. The arrows
indicate the position of the magnetic particles over time, showing
that they moved from the sample zone in panel 1 to the detection
zone in panel 6. UV fluorescence indicates that the Qdots were
still located in the sample zone since no significant fluorescence
was detected beyond the sample zone.
[0185] Solutions were retrieved from the sample zone and the
detection zone, respectively, and finally adjusted to the same
volumes for comparison. As a control, the same amount of particle
mixture was cleaned in tubes; the supernatant from each step was
saved to measure Qdot carry-over in the absence of analyte (see
FIG. 6B).
[0186] As shown by the control test in tubes (FIG. 6C), Qdots were
separated from magnetic particles after 4 washing steps; the same
result could be achieved using the test chip; meaning the magnetic
particles were free of Qdots after they were transported from the
sample zone to the detection zone without liquid exchanges. For
example, when PSA was the analyte, as low as 0.1 pg of PSA was
detected using SERS technology and COIN particles (FIG. 6D).
[0187] The characteristics of some of the embodiments of the
invention are illustrated in the Figures and examples, which are
intended to be merely exemplary of the invention. This application
discloses several numerical range limitations that support any
range within the disclosed numerical ranges even though a precise
range limitation is not stated verbatim in the specification
because the embodiments of the invention could be practiced
throughout the disclosed numerical ranges. Finally, the entire
disclosure of the patents and publications referred in this
application, if any, are hereby incorporated herein in entirety by
reference.
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