MLchartDataset catalogue

Patent · US2016033543A1 · A1 · US

Apparatus and method for automated sample preparation and adaptor for use in the apparatus

(11) Publication number
US2016033543A1
(21) Application number
14/777,044
(22) Filing date
2014-03-14
(30) Priority date
2013-03-15
(43) Publication date
2016-02-04
(51) IPC
B01L 3/00; C12Q 1/68; G01N 35/10; B01L 3/02; C12N 7/02; C12Q 1/6806; C12Q 1/686; C12Q 1/70
(52) CPC
  • G01N Investigating or analysing materials by determining their chemical or physical properties: 35/1011, 2030/009, 2030/8827, 2035/00277, 2035/00475, 2035/0436, 2035/103, 2035/1053, 30/467, 30/6091, 35/10
  • B01L Chemical or physical laboratory apparatus for general use: 2200/023, 2200/025, 2200/026, 2200/0668, 2200/10, 2200/16, 2300/046, 2300/0609, 2300/0681, 3/0275, 3/502, 3/5082, 3/563, 3/5635
  • C12N Microorganisms or enzymes; compositions thereof; propagating, preserving, or maintaining microorganisms; mutation or genetic engineering; culture media: 2740/16011, 7/02
  • C12Q Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; compositions or test papers therefor; processes of preparing such compositions; condition-responsive control in microbiological or enzymological processes: 1/6806, 1/686, 1/703, 2545/10, 2545/114
(73) Assignee
Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd
(72) Inventors
Philip Stankus; Paul Duesbury; Torbjorn BLAD; Craig Wisniewski; Jean-Pierre ALLAIN
(54) Title
Apparatus and method for automated sample preparation and adaptor for use in the apparatus
(57) Abstract

There is provided an automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus.

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Claims (1)

  1. An automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus. 2. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to push a sample through the column of solid phase material using the air piston apparatus when the adaptor is engaged with the container and the air-piston apparatus. 3. An automated system according to claim 2, wherein the air-piston apparatus is configured to apply a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, preferably between 0.2 and 2 bar above atmospheric pressure, more preferably between 0.4 and 1 bar above atmospheric pressure and most preferably between 0.5 and 0.6 bar above atmospheric pressure to the column of solid phase material to push the sample through the column of solid phase material. 4. An automated system according to claim 1, comprising an adaptor lock or striker plate that engages lugs on the adaptor to retain the adaptor in engagement with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus. 5. (canceled) 6. (canceled) 7. (canceled) 8. An automated system according to claim 1, further comprising a striker plate coupled to the air-piston apparatus for engagement with a protrusion or recess on the adaptor such that movement of the striker plate relative to the air-piston apparatus can disengage the adaptor from the pipette and the column. 9. (canceled) 10. An automated system according to claim 1, comprising two or more pipettes, in which the transport apparatus is controllable to couple the adaptor with each pipette in turn as required by a sample-processing protocol. 11. (canceled) 12. (canceled) 13. An automated system according to claim 1 further comprising an amplification device configured to amplify a specific, isolated nucleic acid. 14 - 20. (canceled) 21. An automated system according to claim 13, wherein the amplification device comprises: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample, the sealing cap being configured to engage the adaptor; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 22. (canceled) 23. An automated system according to claim 21, wherein the sealing cap comprises a sealing portion for sealing engagement with the input port and an engagement portion for engagement with the adaptor. 24 - 33. (canceled) 34. A cartridge for use in an automated biological-sample-processing apparatus, the cartridge comprising an adaptor for coupling an air-piston apparatus with a container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the adaptor comprising: a first end and a second end and an axially extending bore extending between the first end and the second end; the first end comprising at least one first circumferential seal for providing a gas-tight seal with a receiving aperture in the air-piston apparatus, the second end comprising a second circumferential seal suitable for providing a gas-tight seal with a first pipette or container; and a filter located within the bore between the first and second ends for preventing liquid transfer but allowing gas transfer between the first and second ends, and at least one container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the container being configured to allow the adaptor to engage with it. 35. A cartridge according to claim 34, comprising at least one pipette configured to allow the adaptor to engage with it. 36. A cartridge according to claim 35, further comprising a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing holding the pipette and comprising a clip element that in a retaining position prevents the pipette from being removed from the housing, wherein the adaptor comprises a deflecting portion configured so that when the adaptor engages the pipette the deflecting portion engages the clip element and moves the clip element out of the retaining position to allow the pipette to be removed from the housing. 37. (canceled) 38. A method for automated processing of a biological sample, comprising: providing an adaptor to couple a pipette to a transport apparatus and an air-piston apparatus, the adaptor being removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus, and having a filter in the adaptor for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette and the air-piston apparatus, coupling the adaptor to a pipette, moving and operating the pipette using the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus, uncoupling the adaptor from the pipette, coupling the adaptor with a container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds and pushing a sample through the column of solid phase material using the air piston apparatus. 39. (canceled) 40. A method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of providing an amplification device configured to amplify a specific nucleic acid, wherein the adaptor is removably engageable with the amplification device. 41 - 49. (canceled) 50. A device for processing and analysis of a sample, comprising: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 51. A device according to claim 50, wherein the sealing cap comprises a sealing portion for sealing engagement with the input port and an engagement portion for engagement with cap removing component. 52 - 67. (canceled) 68. A kit comprising: an adaptor for coupling an air-piston apparatus with a pipette and a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the adaptor comprising: a first end and a second end and an axially extending bore extending between the first end and the second end; the first end comprising at least one first circumferential seal for providing a gas-tight seal with a receiving aperture in the air-piston apparatus, the second end comprising a second circumferential seal suitable for providing a gas-tight seal with a first pipette or container; and a filter located within the bore between the first and second ends for preventing liquid transfer but allowing gas transfer between the first and second ends, one or more pipettes that are configured to engage with the adaptor and at least one column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the column being configured to engage with the adaptor. 69. (canceled) 70. A kit according to claim 68, further comprising a device for processing and analysis of a sample, comprising: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 71. A kit according to claim 70, wherein the device is configured to engage with the adaptor. 72. A kit according to claim 71, further comprising a syringe and a plunger, each configured to engage with the adaptor, the plunger configured to be received in the syringe, the syringe configured to sealingly engage with the device. 73 - 76. (canceled)

Description

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling biological samples, and in particular for isolation, amplification and testing of nucleic acids.

Methods for isolation of nucleic acids of a quality suitable for downstream applications such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing by adsorption and release from a solid phase are well-established (Vogelstein, B. and Gillespie, D, 1979; PNAS 76, 615). The methods use: (i) a lysis buffer to release nucleic acid from biological samples, (ii) a lysis or a binding buffer to capture nucleic acid to a solid phase, (iii) a wash buffer(s) to wash the captured nucleic acid, and (iv) an elution buffer to release the captured nucleic acid from the solid phase. The quality of nucleic acid isolated using such methods depends on the efficiency of buffer exchange between the lysis, binding, wash and elution steps. Carry-over of lysis, binding or wash buffer into the eluted sample inhibits many downstream applications such as PCR, sequencing and cloning.

To obtain high extraction yield, it is necessary to remove the buffer by centrifugation (for example, Zymo-Spin V, Zymo Research & Fastfilter system, OMEGA bio-tek). Centrifugation is an extremely efficient method of removing buffer from the solid phase, and is particularly advantageous for optimum recovery of elution buffer containing released nucleic acid in the elution step.

The requirement for a centrifugation step to obtain high yield complicates the extraction process.

Citations (4)

  • US20100043575A1
  • WO2012012779A2
  • US20130130369A1
  • US20130203089A1
Record as JSON 
{
  "publication_number": "US2016033543A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Apparatus and method for automated sample preparation and adaptor for use in the apparatus",
  "abstract": "There is provided an automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus. 2. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to push a sample through the column of solid phase material using the air piston apparatus when the adaptor is engaged with the container and the air-piston apparatus. 3. An automated system according to claim 2, wherein the air-piston apparatus is configured to apply a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, preferably between 0.2 and 2 bar above atmospheric pressure, more preferably between 0.4 and 1 bar above atmospheric pressure and most preferably between 0.5 and 0.6 bar above atmospheric pressure to the column of solid phase material to push the sample through the column of solid phase material. 4. An automated system according to claim 1, comprising an adaptor lock or striker plate that engages lugs on the adaptor to retain the adaptor in engagement with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus. 5. (canceled) 6. (canceled) 7. (canceled) 8. An automated system according to claim 1, further comprising a striker plate coupled to the air-piston apparatus for engagement with a protrusion or recess on the adaptor such that movement of the striker plate relative to the air-piston apparatus can disengage the adaptor from the pipette and the column. 9. (canceled) 10. An automated system according to claim 1, comprising two or more pipettes, in which the transport apparatus is controllable to couple the adaptor with each pipette in turn as required by a sample-processing protocol. 11. (canceled) 12. (canceled) 13. An automated system according to claim 1 further comprising an amplification device configured to amplify a specific, isolated nucleic acid. 14 - 20. (canceled) 21. An automated system according to claim 13, wherein the amplification device comprises: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample, the sealing cap being configured to engage the adaptor; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 22. (canceled) 23. An automated system according to claim 21, wherein the sealing cap comprises a sealing portion for sealing engagement with the input port and an engagement portion for engagement with the adaptor. 24 - 33. (canceled) 34. A cartridge for use in an automated biological-sample-processing apparatus, the cartridge comprising an adaptor for coupling an air-piston apparatus with a container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the adaptor comprising: a first end and a second end and an axially extending bore extending between the first end and the second end; the first end comprising at least one first circumferential seal for providing a gas-tight seal with a receiving aperture in the air-piston apparatus, the second end comprising a second circumferential seal suitable for providing a gas-tight seal with a first pipette or container; and a filter located within the bore between the first and second ends for preventing liquid transfer but allowing gas transfer between the first and second ends, and at least one container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the container being configured to allow the adaptor to engage with it. 35. A cartridge according to claim 34, comprising at least one pipette configured to allow the adaptor to engage with it. 36. A cartridge according to claim 35, further comprising a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing holding the pipette and comprising a clip element that in a retaining position prevents the pipette from being removed from the housing, wherein the adaptor comprises a deflecting portion configured so that when the adaptor engages the pipette the deflecting portion engages the clip element and moves the clip element out of the retaining position to allow the pipette to be removed from the housing. 37. (canceled) 38. A method for automated processing of a biological sample, comprising: providing an adaptor to couple a pipette to a transport apparatus and an air-piston apparatus, the adaptor being removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus, and having a filter in the adaptor for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette and the air-piston apparatus, coupling the adaptor to a pipette, moving and operating the pipette using the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus, uncoupling the adaptor from the pipette, coupling the adaptor with a container holding a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds and pushing a sample through the column of solid phase material using the air piston apparatus. 39. (canceled) 40. A method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of providing an amplification device configured to amplify a specific nucleic acid, wherein the adaptor is removably engageable with the amplification device. 41 - 49. (canceled) 50. A device for processing and analysis of a sample, comprising: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 51. A device according to claim 50, wherein the sealing cap comprises a sealing portion for sealing engagement with the input port and an engagement portion for engagement with cap removing component. 52 - 67. (canceled) 68. A kit comprising: an adaptor for coupling an air-piston apparatus with a pipette and a column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the adaptor comprising: a first end and a second end and an axially extending bore extending between the first end and the second end; the first end comprising at least one first circumferential seal for providing a gas-tight seal with a receiving aperture in the air-piston apparatus, the second end comprising a second circumferential seal suitable for providing a gas-tight seal with a first pipette or container; and a filter located within the bore between the first and second ends for preventing liquid transfer but allowing gas transfer between the first and second ends, one or more pipettes that are configured to engage with the adaptor and at least one column of solid phase material to which nucleic acid binds, the column being configured to engage with the adaptor. 69. (canceled) 70. A kit according to claim 68, further comprising a device for processing and analysis of a sample, comprising: a location apparatus having an input port for receiving a sample and one or more reagents; a processing chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analysis chamber having a second opening; the processing chamber being movable relative to the analysis chamber and the input port to enable communication between the processing chamber and the input port when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the input port and communication between the processing chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; a sealing cap for sealing the input port prior to processing of the sample; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber and the analysis chamber during processing of the sample. 71. A kit according to claim 70, wherein the device is configured to engage with the adaptor. 72. A kit according to claim 71, further comprising a syringe and a plunger, each configured to engage with the adaptor, the plunger configured to be received in the syringe, the syringe configured to sealingly engage with the device. 73 - 76. (canceled)"
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling biological samples, and in particular for isolation, amplification and testing of nucleic acids.\n\nMethods for isolation of nucleic acids of a quality suitable for downstream applications such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing by adsorption and release from a solid phase are well-established (Vogelstein, B. and Gillespie, D, 1979; PNAS 76, 615). The methods use: (i) a lysis buffer to release nucleic acid from biological samples, (ii) a lysis or a binding buffer to capture nucleic acid to a solid phase, (iii) a wash buffer(s) to wash the captured nucleic acid, and (iv) an elution buffer to release the captured nucleic acid from the solid phase. The quality of nucleic acid isolated using such methods depends on the efficiency of buffer exchange between the lysis, binding, wash and elution steps. Carry-over of lysis, binding or wash buffer into the eluted sample inhibits many downstream applications such as PCR, sequencing and cloning.\n\nTo obtain high extraction yield, it is necessary to remove the buffer by centrifugation (for example, Zymo-Spin V, Zymo Research & Fastfilter system, OMEGA bio-tek). Centrifugation is an extremely efficient method of removing buffer from the solid phase, and is particularly advantageous for optimum recovery of elution buffer containing released nucleic acid in the elution step.\n\nThe requirement for a centrifugation step to obtain high yield complicates the extraction process.",
  "cpc": [
    "G01N 35/1011",
    "B01L 2200/023",
    "B01L 2200/025",
    "B01L 2200/026",
    "B01L 2200/0668",
    "B01L 2200/10",
    "B01L 2200/16",
    "B01L 2300/046",
    "B01L 2300/0609",
    "B01L 2300/0681",
    "B01L 3/0275",
    "B01L 3/502",
    "B01L 3/5082",
    "B01L 3/563",
    "B01L 3/5635",
    "C12N 2740/16011",
    "C12N 7/02",
    "C12Q 1/6806",
    "C12Q 1/686",
    "C12Q 1/703",
    "C12Q 2545/10",
    "C12Q 2545/114",
    "G01N 2030/009",
    "G01N 2030/8827",
    "G01N 2035/00277",
    "G01N 2035/00475",
    "G01N 2035/0436",
    "G01N 2035/103",
    "G01N 2035/1053",
    "G01N 30/467",
    "G01N 30/6091",
    "G01N 35/10"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B01L 3/00",
    "C12Q 1/68",
    "G01N 35/10",
    "B01L 3/02",
    "C12N 7/02",
    "C12Q 1/6806",
    "C12Q 1/686",
    "C12Q 1/70"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Philip Stankus",
    "Paul Duesbury",
    "Torbjorn BLAD",
    "Craig Wisniewski",
    "Jean-Pierre ALLAIN"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2014-03-14",
  "publication_date": "2016-02-04",
  "priority_date": "2013-03-15",
  "application_number": "US-201414777044-A",
  "family_id": "48226492",
  "cited_by_count": 39,
  "citations": [
    "US20100043575A1",
    "WO2012012779A2",
    "US20130130369A1",
    "US20130203089A1"
  ]
}

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