High sample throughput differential scanning calorimeter

Abstract

Described is a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) instrument capable of performing analyses of multiple samples at the same time. Some embodiments of DSC instruments described herein include a thermal substrate that provides a substantially uniform temperature across a surface of the substrate. A plurality of DSC units is in thermal communication with the substrate, for example, by mounting the units directly to the surface of the substrate. Each DSC unit includes a second thermal substrate for further thermal isolation, and a reference platform and sample platform to receive a reference cell and a sample cell, respectively. A thermoelectric device is disposed between each platform and the second thermal substrate. Optionally, the reference and sample cells may be disposable chips that can be discarded after measurement are performed, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to clean instrument components to prevent cross-contamination for subsequent instrument operation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sample chip for use with a differential scanning calorimeter, the sample chip comprising:
 a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface configured to contact a sample platform of a differential scanning calorimeter; and   an internal void disposed between the first surface and the second surface and extending from a first port on the first surface, the internal void configured to receive a sample to be analyzed by the differential scanning calorimeter.   
     
     
         2 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , further comprising a second port for the internal void on the first surface. 
     
     
         3 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , wherein the internal void is a microfluidic channel. 
     
     
         4 . The sample chip of  claim 3 , wherein the microfluidic channel has a serpentine path. 
     
     
         5 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , wherein the body is comprised of a chemically inert material. 
     
     
         6 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , further comprising a layer of material formed on the second surface and having a thermal conductivity that is greater than a thermal conductivity of the body. 
     
     
         7 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the body is in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The sample chip of  claim 3 , wherein the microfluidic channel includes a chamber defined along a length of the fluidic channel. 
     
     
         9 . The sample chip of  claim 3 , wherein the microfluidic channel has a volume in a range from about 10 μL to about 40 μL. 
     
     
         10 . The sample chip of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal secured to the first surface of the body.