Devices and methods for examining drug effects on microorganisms

Abstract

The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods, for performing biological and chemical assays.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for examining drug effects on microorganisms, comprising:
 a first plate, a second plate, and spacers, wherein   (i) the plates are movable relative to each other into different configurations, including an open configuration and a closed configuration;   (ii) each of the plates has, on its respective sample surface, a sample contact area for contacting a sample, wherein the sample comprises a microorganism to be analyzed, and   (iii) one or both of the plates comprise the spacers that are fixed to the respective sample contact area, the spacers have a predetermined substantially uniform height, and at least one of the spacers is inside the sample contact area,   wherein in the open configuration, the two plates are partially or entirely separated apart, the spacing between the plates is not regulated by the spacers, and the sample is deposited on one or both of the plates;   wherein in the closed configuration, which is configured after deposition of the sample in the open configuration, at least part of the sample is compressed by the two plates into a layer of substantially uniform thickness, and the thickness of the layer is confined by the sample contact surfaces of the plates and is regulated by the plates and the spacers.   
     
     
         2 . A system for examining drug effects on microorganisms, comprising:
 (a) a device of  claim 1 ;   (b) an imager, comprising a camera and a light source for imaging the microorganism in the layer; and   (c) a processor, comprising electronics, signal processors, hardware and software for receiving and processing the images and identifying and analyzing the microorganisms in the images.   
     
     
         3 . A system for examining drug effects on microorganisms, comprising:
 (a) a device of  claim 1 ;   (b) a mobile communication device comprising:
 (i) an imager that comprises one or a plurality of cameras for imaging the microorganisms in the sample; 
 (ii) a processor that comprises electronics, signal processors, hardware and software for receiving and/or processing the image of the microorganisms and for remote communication; and 
   (c) a light source from either the mobile communication device or an external source, wherein the light source is configured to provide illumination to the sample for imaging with the cameras.   
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the plates comprise, on the respective sample contact area, one or more test reagents that, upon contacting the sample, are dissolved and diffuses in the sample. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the plates comprise, on the respective sample contact area, a control zone and an experimental zone, wherein the experimental zone comprises one or more test reagents that, upon contacting the sample, are dissolved and diffuses in the sample, and wherein the control zone comprises no such test reagents. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the spacers is equal to or less than an average dimension of the microorganisms. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the spacers is in the range of 75% to 125% of an average dimension of the microorganisms. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plates is transparent. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the plates comprise, on the respective sample contact area, a dye that, upon contacting the sample, is dissolved in the sample and stains the microorganisms. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the dye is fluorescently labeled. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the plates comprise, on the respective sample contact area, reagents that facilitate the survival and/or division of the microorganism. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a housing configured to hold the sample and to be mounted to the mobile communication device.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the imager is configured to acquire a series of images of the microorganism at discrete time points. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the processor is configured to receive and analyze the series of images, identify and count the microorganism in a first area of each of the images. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the imager is configured to acquire a video that comprises a series of images of the microorganisms over a first time period. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the processor is configured to receive and analyze the video, identify and track at least a portion of the microorganisms in the video, and evaluate changes of the tracked microorganisms over at least a portion of the first time period. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises optics for facilitating the imaging and/or signal processing of the sample by the mobile communication device, and a mount configured to hold the optics on the mobile communication device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to communicate a test result with a medical professional, a medical facility or an insurance company. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile phone. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a temperature control element that maintains the sample deposited between the two plates at a temperature that facilitates the survival and/or division of the microorganisms.