Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) Extraction Device and Device Carrier, and Method for Post-LCM Fluid Processing

Abstract

The present invention generally discloses an extraction system that provides a locale for fluid processing and extraction on a post-microcapture transfer film. The extraction system includes a transfer film carrier and an extraction device forming a reservoir. The extraction system selectively excludes regions of the transfer film from the reservoir to advantageously reduce contamination due to matter adhered to the transfer film by non-specific transfer.

1 - 92 . (canceled) 
     
     
         93 . A method for extracting biomolecules from a portion of cells from a cell sample on a carrier, wherein the cell sample includes a plurality of cells, the method comprising:
 providing a carrier comprising a substrate surface, a stand-off portion, and a sidewall projecting away from the substrate surface;   contacting the stand-off portion of the carrier to a substrate, wherein the stand-off portion is configured to maintain a distance between the substrate and a transfer film, wherein a cell sample is included on the substrate;   transferring a portion of cells selected for analysis from the cell sample included on the substrate to the transfer film, wherein the transfer film is included on the carrier;   mating the carrier to an extraction device, wherein the extraction device is configured to remove biomolecules from the portion of cells selected for analysis, wherein the extraction device comprises:
 a carrier-receiving portion comprising an inner surface configured to contact the sidewall of the carrier during use, wherein the carrier-receiving portion is configured to secure the carrier to the extraction device in a compression-fit engagement with the sidewall to produce a force normal to the sidewall that is sufficient to retain the carrier during use, and wherein the carrier-receiving portion further includes a landing portion having a landing surface, the landing surface defining an inner opening, and 
 a conduit interconnected to the carrier-receiving portion, the conduit extending between a first opening on the carrier-receiving portion and a second opening at a second end, wherein the carrier-receiving portion is adapted to receive the carrier and to form a reservoir by the carrier contacting the landing portion, wherein the carrier mating with the carrier-receiving portion closes the inner opening to seal the inner opening to prevent fluid flow through a bottom surface; 
   forming the reservoir with the transfer film by contacting the stand-off portion to the landing surface;   providing fluid into the reservoir to extract biomolecules from the portion of cells from the transfer film; and   removing the fluid from the reservoir.   
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the inner surface of the carrier-receiving portion includes a beveled surface configured to guide the insertion of the carrier into the extraction device. 
     
     
         95 . A method for extracting biomolecules a cell sample, the method comprising:
 providing a carrier comprising a substrate surface, a stand-off portion, and a sidewall projecting away from the substrate surface;   contacting the stand-off portion of the carrier to a substrate, wherein the stand-off portion is configured to maintain a distance between the substrate and a transfer film, wherein a cell sample is included on the substrate;   transferring a portion of the cell sample selected included on the substrate to the transfer film, wherein the transfer film is included on the carrier;   mating the carrier to an extraction device comprising:
 a carrier-receiving portion comprising an inner surface and a landing portion having a landing surface including a landing opening; and 
 a conduit extending between the landing opening and an opening disposed at a distal end of the conduit, 
   inserting at least a portion of the carrier into the conduit of the extraction device to form a reservoir including the conduit by contacting the stand-off portion to the landing surface;   mating the carrier with the carrier-receiving portion so as to seal the inner opening to prevent fluid flow out of the conduit;   securing the carrier to the extraction device in a compression-fit engagement with the sidewall to produce a force normal to the sidewall that is sufficient to retain the carrier during use.   
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95 , further comprising:
 providing fluid into the reservoir to extract biomolecules from the portion of cells from the transfer film; and   removing the fluid from the reservoir.   
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the inner surface of the carrier-receiving portion includes a beveled surface configured to guide the insertion of the carrier into the extraction device.