Device with controlled fluid dynamics, for isolation of an analyte from a sample

Abstract

Devices for use in extracting an analyte of interest from a sample are described. In one embodiment, a device is comprised of a first plurality of chambers, where one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers has a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 . A channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the plurality of chambers has a depth greater than d 1 . The dimensions of the chamber and channel provide control of fluid movement in the device, particularly when introducing fluid into the device for its use and during use of the device.

It is claimed: 
     
         1 . A device, comprising:
 a first plurality of chambers, one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 ,   a channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the plurality of chambers, the channel having a depth greater than d 1 .   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers in the plurality of chambers are serially positioned and separated by a channel. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the first plurality of chambers is comprised of at least three chambers, wherein two chambers in the plurality have a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 , and wherein the channel is disposed between the two chambers having the shallow end with a depth d 1 . 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the first plurality of chambers is comprised of at least five chambers, wherein three chambers in the plurality have a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 , and wherein the channel is disposed between two chambers having the shallow end with a depth d 1 . 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each chamber in the plurality of chambers has a volume, and wherein the volume of one chamber in the plurality of chambers differs from the volume of another chamber in the plurality. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1  has a floor and a side wall that meet to define four corners, wherein at least the corners in the deep end of the chamber are rounded. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1  has a floor and a side wall that meet to define four corners, wherein at least the corners in the shallow end of the chamber are angled. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover, the cover having an access port in fluid communication with a chamber in the plurality of chambers. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the access port is in fluid communication with the one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 , and wherein the access port is positioned for introduction of fluid directly into the deep end of the chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of chambers, one or more chambers in the second plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 , and a channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the second plurality of chambers, the channel having a depth greater than d 1 . 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second plurality of chambers are linearly parallel. 
     
     
         12 . A method for extracting an analyte of interest from a sample, comprising:
 providing a device comprised of a first plurality of chambers, one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers having a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d 1 , and a channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the plurality of chambers, the channel having a depth greater than d 1 ;   introducing a sample into a first chamber of the device, the first chamber comprising a solid carrier member capable interacting with a analyte of interest in the sample, thus forming a carrier-analyte complex; and   moving the carrier-analyte complex from the first chamber into a second chamber, wherein said moving transverses the channel filled with a fluid.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the channel is filled with a gas or a liquid. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the channel is filled with air or with a water-immiscible liquid. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising dispensing a liquid into one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein dispensing a liquid comprises dispensing a lysis solution, a wash solution, or an elution solution. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising dispensing a liquid into the first chamber of the device prior to said introducing a sample. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising dispensing a water-immiscible substance into the channel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein during moving of the carrier-analyte complex from a first chamber to a second chamber, the water immiscible liquid in the channel remains stationary. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the analyte is a nucleic acid.