Integrated heater and magnetic separator

Abstract

An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

1 .- 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method of extracting nucleic acids using a preparatory apparatus, the method comprising:
 inserting a device in a rack, wherein the device comprises a process chamber;   applying a magnetic force to the process chamber with a magnetic separator, wherein the process chamber contains magnetic particles bound to one or more biomolecules, wherein the magnetic separator comprises a magnet;   applying heat to the process chamber with a heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heater,   wherein the magnet is positioned adjacent to a first side of the process chamber when the device is received in the rack, and wherein the heater is positioned adjacent to a second side of the process chamber when the device is received in the rack, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the magnet is moved and the process chamber is heated at the same time. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising sensing a temperature. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising moving the magnet from a first position to a second position relative to the process chamber. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising moving the magnet along a shaft. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising moving the magnet in close proximity to the process chamber. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the heater assembly is adjacent to at least two sides of the process chamber. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein applying heat to the process chamber comprises raising the temperature of a sample in the process chamber from room temperature to about 65° C. in less than 3 minutes. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein applying a magnetic force further comprises moving the magnetic particles against a wall of the process chamber. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein applying a magnetic force further comprises concentrating the magnetic particles in a portion of the process chamber. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the magnetic particles are in suspension in solution in the process chamber, and wherein applying a magnetic force further comprises collecting the suspended magnetic particles into a location inside the process chamber. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the heater is aligned with the process chamber. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising moving the magnet along a fixed axis. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein, during at least a portion of the motion, the magnet maintains close proximity to the process chamber. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the axis is vertical. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising separating the magnetic particles, while in solution. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the heater assembly and magnetic separator operate together. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the heater assembly and magnetic separator permit successive heating and separation operations to be performed on liquid materials in the process chamber. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the heater assembly and magnetic separator permit heating and separation operations without transporting either the liquid materials or the process chamber to a different location to perform either heating or separation. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising performing fluid transfer operations on fluids in the device using a liquid dispenser.