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WO2024188919A1 - Cartouche fluidique dotée d'un récipient de liquide - Google Patents

Cartouche fluidique dotée d'un récipient de liquide Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024188919A1
WO2024188919A1 PCT/EP2024/056325 EP2024056325W WO2024188919A1 WO 2024188919 A1 WO2024188919 A1 WO 2024188919A1 EP 2024056325 W EP2024056325 W EP 2024056325W WO 2024188919 A1 WO2024188919 A1 WO 2024188919A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid container
cartridge
peripheral wall
receptacle
fluidic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/056325
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Laurin DIENER
Anna Katharina ELMER
Marion GILSDORF
Serej D. LEY
Melanie SCHÄPERS
Robert E. Schneider
Peter Wolton
Ben SETTERQUIST
Tessa ROWE
Philip Schreiber
Mackenzie AMIDEI
Scott Schmidt
Mark Mayernick
Aaron Macan
James Hutchison
Tom Vincent
Jacob BÖROLD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sefunda Ag
Original Assignee
Sefunda Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sefunda Ag filed Critical Sefunda Ag
Publication of WO2024188919A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024188919A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/52—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent
    • B01L3/523—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent with means for closing or opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
    • B01L3/502715—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
    • B01L2200/027—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details for microfluidic devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
    • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/16—Reagents, handling or storing thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/044—Connecting closures to device or container pierceable, e.g. films, membranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
    • B01L2300/0672—Integrated piercing tool
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0848—Specific forms of parts of containers
    • B01L2300/0851—Bottom walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0848—Specific forms of parts of containers
    • B01L2300/0858—Side walls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluidic cartridge.
  • the present invention relates to a fluidic cartridge which can be used for testing and/or analyzing samples such as biological samples.
  • Sample testing and analyzing is a discipline that has developed rapidly during the last years and decades. It originated from basic biochemistry and molecular biology research procedures, but since then has evolved into a discipline focused on routine analysis and high-throughput testing.
  • Fluidic cartridges are self-contained components which - in combination with other modules and/or units - facilitate the testing and analysis of samples (such as blood, urine, saliva and other samples).
  • samples such as blood, urine, saliva and other samples.
  • the sample is put onto the fluidic cartridge.
  • the sample is then moved within the cartridge through various sites of the cartridge to perform different actions on the sample, such as cleaning/washing of the sample, extraction of deoxyribonucleic or ribonucleic acid (DNA, RNA) and/or performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • blisters which are either integrated into or attached to the cartridge.
  • a blister is a collapsible pouch filled with liquid. Upon exertion of a force onto the blister, the blister expels the liquid into the cartridge so that the liquid can be used at various sites within the cartridge. It has been found, however, that handling and using blisters is complicated. Thus, there is a need to provide an improved fluidic cartridge.
  • a fluidic cartridge comprises a liquid container for receiving a liquid.
  • the fluidic cartridge further comprises a cartridge receptacle configured for at least partially receiving the liquid container.
  • the liquid container is translatory movable within the cartridge receptacle.
  • a first sealing portion of an outer peripheral wall of the liquid container and a second sealing portion of an inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle are in a sealing contact such that a translatory movement of the liquid container relative to the cartridge receptacle causes a location of the sealing contact to translatory move along the inner peripheral wall or the outer peripheral wall.
  • translatory movement is preferably meant a sliding movement of the liquid container relative to the cartridge receptacle.
  • a “translatory movement” preferably excludes a turning or screwing movement of the liquid container relative to the cartridge receptacle.
  • the liquid container may be moved deeper into the cartridge receptacle without screwing or turning the liquid container, in particular without screwing or turning the liquid container around a longitudinal axis of the liquid container as it would be the case, for example, using a threaded engagement between the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle.
  • Moving the container deeper into the cartridge receptacle using a sliding movement has the effect that the sealing contact between the outer and inner peripheral wall may move only in longitudinal direction of the liquid container and may not necessarily also move in radial direction of the liquid container.
  • the fluidic cartridge is based at least partially on the idea that instead of using blisters liquid can be provided using a liquid container that is translatory movable within a cartridge receptacle.
  • a location of the sealing contact between the container and the cartridge receptacle moves along the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle or the outer peripheral wall of the fluid container.
  • the sealing contact ensures that substantially no leakage occurs between the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle so that liquid can be safely expelled from the container.
  • the expelled liquid can then be transferred into the cartridge where it is used for the various actions at hand.
  • the liquid container does not collapse during discharge of the liquid, the liquid can be expelled in a controllable manner from the container.
  • a cartridge according to the present invention thus offers an improved approach when compared to using blisters.
  • the first sealing portion may include one or more bulged surface portions and the second sealing portion preferably is a flat surface portion. As the first sealing portion is on an outer peripheral wall of the liquid container and the second sealing portion is on an inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle, the bulged surface portion of the container essentially moves along the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle.
  • the first sealing portion on the outer peripheral wall is arranged closer to a bottom portion or bottom face of the liquid container than to a top portion of the liquid container.
  • the first sealing portion is arranged at a lower half, more preferably at a lower third, more preferably at a lower quarter of the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • the second sealing portion includes one or more bulged surface portions and the first sealing portion preferably is a flat surface portion.
  • the bulged surface portion is on the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle such that the bulged surface portion essentially moves along the outer peripheral wall of the container.
  • the bulged surface portion(s) may, for example, be one or more sealing collar(s) arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle or on the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • a plurality of sealing collars may be provided. This may further increase the reliability of the seal
  • a separate sealing element may be arranged between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall wherein the separate sealing element is in a sealing contact with the outer and the inner peripheral wall during movement of the liquid container. Such a separate sealing ring offers an additional sealing possibility.
  • the liquid container is a molded part, more preferably an injection molded part, and/or the liquid container is made from a moldable material, in particular an injection moldable material. This way the liquid container can be easily manufactured and/or designed to the application at hand.
  • the first sealing portion is integrally and/or monolithically formed with or molded onto the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • the first sealing portion may be molded onto the outer peripheral wall of the container.
  • the first sealing portion may be molded from the same material as the peripheral wall of the liquid container. Alternatively, a different material may be used, for example via a two-component injection molding process.
  • the second sealing portion can be integrally and/or monolithically formed with the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle.
  • the cartridge receptacle may also be a molded part, preferably an injection molded part.
  • the liquid container is detachable from the cartridge receptacle.
  • the liquid container is detachable from the cartridge receptacle while remaining closed.
  • the liquid container can be prefilled and inserted into the receptacle while remaining closed. This way handling of the liquid container and the cartridge becomes more convenient.
  • the same type of cartridge may be provided with different liquid containers for processing different genetic materials in a flexible manner.
  • the liquid container is connected to the cartridge by a form fit and/or friction fit. More preferably, the liquid container is not bonded to the cartridge and/or not integrally formed with the cartridge. In other words, the liquid container is a separate component which can be inserted into the cartridge receptacle, preferably while remaining closed. Preferably the liquid container is slidably guided inside the cartridge receptacle and/or movable along a vertical axis.
  • the liquid container is movable, in particular slidably movable, between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position is a position in which the liquid container is in a closed state so that the liquid remains inside the container.
  • the second position is a position in which the liquid container is opened and/or emptied state so that the liquid may be expelled from the container.
  • the liquid container may be moved from the first position into the second position to open and/or empty the container.
  • the liquid container may move deeper into the cartridge receptacle so that, for example, in the first position the liquid container may protrude further from the cartridge receptacle than in the second position.
  • the fluidic cartridge further includes a retaining device configured for retaining the liquid container in the first position in which the liquid container is in the closed state.
  • the retaining device includes a retaining element and a hook and/or collar element, wherein the hook and/or collar element is configured for engaging with the retaining element so that the liquid container is retained in the first position.
  • One of the hook/collar elements and the retaining element may be molded onto or attached to the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container and the other one of the hook/collar element and the retaining element may be molded onto or attached to another member of the fluidic cartridge, such as a cover member of the fluidic cartridge.
  • the hook and/or collar element and/or the retaining element may be a flexible element such that upon applying a force onto the liquid container, the hook and/or collar element disengages from the retaining element thereby allowing the liquid container to move from the first position into the second position.
  • the retaining device may reduce the risk of an accidental movement of the liquid container.
  • the retaining device may hold the liquid container in the first position in which the container is in the closed state.
  • the retaining device may prevent any erroneous release of liquid.
  • the liquid container may be provided with a first retaining element.
  • the cartridge e.g., a lid of the cartridge
  • the first retaining element may engage with the second retaining element.
  • the first retaining element may be one or more protrusions and/or a collar protruding outwardly from the container, e.g. from a portion of the container that protrudes from the cartridge receptacle.
  • the second retaining element may be one or more protrusions and/or a collar protruding inwardly to engage with the first retaining element.
  • the engagement may be provided to avoid an accidental movement of the container (e.g., during transport or preparatory handling steps) but configured to release upon application of a first predetermined force (e.g., by a user or a machine into which the cartridge is inserted).
  • the liquid container includes a substantially cylindrical shape and/or the cartridge receptacle includes a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the cylindrical shapes of the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle may conform to one another. This facilitates, for example, the form fit and/or friction fit between these two components.
  • the shape of the cartridge receptacle may be a conical shape, e.g. a conical shape with a diameter increasing from a bottom portion towards a top portion of the cartridge receptacle.
  • a conical shape of the cartridge receptacle offers an easy insertion of the liquid container. It may also provide for an improved sealing between the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle because when the cartridge receptacle is moved from the first position into the second position, the sealing contact between the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle becomes tighter.
  • the liquid container is configured to be actuated by an actuator external to the fluidic cartridge.
  • an actuator external to the fluidic cartridge.
  • Such a configuration offers the possibility that an external actuator moves the liquid container from the first position into the second position and/or moves the liquid container deeper into the cartridge receptacle until the liquid container may be opened.
  • the liquid container includes a top portion, e.g. a dome-shaped top portion, which preferably is configured to be actuated by the external actuator and/or a user of the cartridge.
  • the top portion may be at least partially deformable, e.g. upon actuation by the external actuator. Such flexibility and shape of the top portion may help fluid contained in the liquid container to be expelled into the cartridge.
  • the top portion is integrally and/or monolithically formed with the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • the top portion may be bonded, preferably via an adhesive or welded, to the remaining liquid container, e.g. to the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • the top portion is non-removably connected to the remaining liquid container, e.g. to the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container.
  • removal of the top portion from the outer peripheral wall is not possible and/nor intended, at least not without tools and/or without destroying the liquid container.
  • the top portion includes a filling region for filling the liquid container, which may be provided by a hole and/or a recess or protrusion.
  • the top portion is configured to be molten and/or welded along said filling region, e.g. by thermal staking.
  • thermal staking causes the filling hole to be closed.
  • closing the filling hole is such that an interior of the liquid container is sealed against an environment of the liquid container. This facilitates fabrication of the container.
  • the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container is substantially non-deformable, at least in the direction of the translatory movement of the liquid container.
  • the outer peripheral wall preferably, does substantially not deform during the translatory movement of the liquid container, whereas the dome shaped top portion may deform, depending on the actuation by the external actuator.
  • the outer peripheral wall of the liquid container has a wall thickness of at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm.
  • the outer peripheral wall may include a wall thickness which is substantially larger than a wall thickness of, for example, a blister, which usually has a wall thickness of less than 0.3 mm.
  • a bottom face of the liquid container, a bottom wall of the container receptacle, the inner peripheral wall of the container receptacle and the sealing contact between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion form together a gaseous fluid compartment.
  • the gaseous fluid compartment is filled with gaseous fluid (e.g., air) so that, upon downward movement of the liquid container, the gaseous fluid inside the gaseous fluid compartment is compressed.
  • gaseous fluid e.g., air
  • gaseous fluid such as air
  • the compressed gaseous fluid may then help, for example, to empty the container once the container is opened, for example, by a piercing member.
  • the compressed gaseous fluid may help to drive out the liquid in the container once the container is opened.
  • the liquid container includes a sealing foil for sealing a bottom opening of the liquid container and the cartridge receptacle includes a piercing member for piercing the sealing foil upon movement of the liquid container into the cartridge receptacle (e.g., upon downward movement).
  • the piercing member may pierce the sealing foil which essentially opens the liquid container and allows the liquid to expel from the container.
  • the bottom opening may also be closed in a different, if desired (e.g., via a polymeric wall of the container made during manufacturing, e.g. if the container includes a filling region for filing the container via the top portion).
  • the cartridge receptacle includes a wall (e.g., a bottom wall), the piercing member projects from the wall and the piercing member includes a beveled end face (e.g., a top face) having a leading edge configured for piercing the sealing foil.
  • the piercing member may be integrated into and/or monolithically formed with the wall of the cartridge receptacle. While the wall is referred to as "bottom” wall hereinafter and the end face as a "top" face, it will be appreciated by the skilled reader from the present disclosure that the cartridge disclosed herein could be used in any desired orientation.
  • the piercing member includes a substantially circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
  • a lateral face of the piercing member includes one or more reliefs.
  • Reliefs may be notches or indentations or flutes.
  • the reliefs extend inwardly from the lateral face.
  • the reliefs may, in addition, extend at least partially towards and/or to an outer edge of the end face of the piercing member.
  • the reliefs may be configured such that the sealing foil, upon being pierced by the piercing member, conforms into a predetermined shape. The reliefs may help prevent a blockage of outflow from the container by the pierced sealing foil.
  • the piercing member e.g., a stem portion thereof, may extend along a piercing member longitudinal axis.
  • the one or more reliefs may extend along the lateral face of the piercing member.
  • the one or more reliefs may extend parallel to and/or with a directional component along the piercing member longitudinal axis.
  • the one or more reliefs may extend from the end face to a base portion of the piercing member.
  • the piercing member comprises a stem portion and an enlarged portion, the enlarged portion extending radially outwards from the stem portion.
  • the enlarged portion forms a step.
  • the enlarged portion may extend towards the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge receptacle.
  • the enlarged portion may protrude from the stem portion and/or may have a larger cross-sectional area than the stem portion.
  • the enlarged portion may also be referred to as a base portion which connects the stem portion to the bottom wall of the cartridge receptacle.
  • the cartridge receptacle further includes an inlet channel for pumping fluid into the cartridge receptacle and an outlet channel for discharging fluid out of the cartridge receptacle.
  • an inlet channel for pumping fluid into the cartridge receptacle
  • an outlet channel for discharging fluid out of the cartridge receptacle.
  • an inlet opening of the inlet channel is located higher than an outlet opening of the outlet channel.
  • the opening of the inlet channel may be arranged deeper in the container than the opening of the outlet channel and/or the opening of the inlet channel may be spaced further from the bottom surface than the opening of the outlet channel. This may avoid “short-circuits" in the fluid path, i.e. fluid from the inlet channel flowing into the outlet channel without adequately mixing with and/or expelling the fluid in the container.
  • the inlet opening of the inlet channel is arranged on an end face of the piercing member, preferably on the beveled end face of the piercing member, and the outlet opening of the outlet channel is arranged on the bottom wall of the cartridge receptacle, preferably next to the enlarged portion of the piercing member.
  • the sealing foil when pierced by the piercing member, does not block the outlet opening of the outlet channel.
  • the inlet channel may extend through the piercing member.
  • a fluidic cartridge comprising a cartridge receptacle.
  • the cartridge receptacle is configured for receiving a liquid container filled with liquid, the liquid container being sealed by a sealing foil.
  • the liquid container may further be movably guided within the cartridge receptacle.
  • the cartridge receptacle includes a bottom wall, a peripheral wall connected to the bottom wall and a piercing member projecting from the bottom wall.
  • the piercing member includes a beveled end face (e.g., a beveled top face) having a leading edge, the leading edge being configured for piercing the sealing foil of the container.
  • the piercing member has a substantially circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
  • an outer peripheral surface of the piercing member includes one or more reliefs.
  • the reliefs may be notches or indentations or flutes.
  • the reliefs extend inwardly from the lateral face.
  • the reliefs may, in addition, extend at least partially towards and/or to an outer edge of the end face of the piercing member.
  • the reliefs may be configured such that the sealing foil, upon being pierced by the piercing member, conforms into a predetermined shape. The reliefs may help prevent a blockage of outflow from the container by the pierced sealing foil.
  • the piercing member e.g., a stem portion thereof, may extend along a piercing member longitudinal axis.
  • the one or more reliefs may extend along the lateral face of the piercing member.
  • the one or more reliefs may extend parallel to and/or with a directional component along the piercing member longitudinal axis.
  • the piercing member comprises a stem portion and an enlarged portion, wherein the enlarged portion extends radially outwards from the stem portion, preferably wherein the enlarged portion forms a step.
  • the cartridge receptacle includes an inlet channel for pumping fluid into the cartridge receptacle and an outlet channel for discharging fluid out of the cartridge receptacle.
  • an inlet opening of the inlet channel is placed higher than an outlet opening of the outlet channel. More preferably the inlet opening is arranged on the beveled end face of the piercing member and/or the outlet opening is arranged on the bottom wall of the cartridge receptacle, preferably next to the enlarged portion of the piercing member.
  • Preferred embodiments of the first aspect may be preferred embodiments of the second aspect, and vice versa.
  • FIG 1 is a top view of an exemplary fluidic cartridge in which the invention may be provided.
  • FIG 2 is an exploded detailed view of the fluidic cartridge of FIG 1.
  • FIG 3 is a schematic section view of the fluidic cartridge of FIG 1 showing a liquid container in a closed position.
  • FIG 4 is a schematic section view of the fluidic cartridge of FIG 1 showing the liquid container in an opened or emptied position.
  • FIG 5 is a detailed view of a piercing member of the exemplary fluidic cartridge.
  • FIG 6 is a schematic view of a further example of a liquid container useable in the exemplary fluidic cartridge of FIG 1.
  • FIG 7 is a schematic section view of the liquid container of FIG 6.
  • Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary fluidic cartridge 10.
  • Exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 chosen to illustrate the present invention is used for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium.
  • the person skilled in the art would understand, however, that fluidic cartridge 10 can be used for various other applications using other sample analysis and/or other tests.
  • the fluidic cartridge 10 may be used in any test for amplifying genetic material, such as DNA and/or RNA amplification.
  • the fluidic cartridge 10 may be used, e.g., in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligase chain reaction (LCR), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), or any other technique making use of a fluidic cartridge.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 is predominantly made of plastic material.
  • plastic is meant an organic material which can be shaped when soft and hardened after shaping.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 is made of a moldable plastic material, more precisely of an injection-moldable plastic material. Exemplary materials can be, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. The person skilled in the art would understand, however, that other suitable materials can be used as well.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 is intended to be a single-use, disposable cartridge. Fluidic cartridge 10 is intended to be used for performing tests on a sample, especially a liquid sample, introduced into the cartridge 10. Fluidic cartridge 10 is a multiplexed cartridge and primarily intended to be used for point of care testing using, for example, PCR amplification of certain target nucleic acid(s) such as DNA or RNA.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 includes a sample entry port 12 configured for receiving a sample.
  • sample is meant the composition which is introduced into the cartridge 10 to perform the required test(s) or analysis. More precisely, by sample is meant the composition in which it is determined whether the target nucleic acid(s) of interest is/are present.
  • the sample may in particular be a liquid sample.
  • the sample can have a variety of sources such as blood, urine, saliva, swab eluate or other sources.
  • the sample can be pretreated prior to being introduced into cartridge 10.
  • the preferred use of fluidic cartridge 10 is, however, the use of a sample which has not been pretreated prior to introduction into cartridge 10.
  • sample entry port 12 The sample is placed on sample entry port 12 from where the sample is introduced into a network 14 of fluidic pathways of cartridge 10.
  • Sample entry port 12 can be closed by a sample cover 16.
  • sample cover 16 is bendable and flexible so that sample cover 16 can be bent over sample entry port 12 for closing sample entry port 12 once the sample has been placed on sample entry port 12.
  • sample cover 16 may be any other appropriate sample cover.
  • sample cover 16 may be a screw cap which can be screwed onto sample entry port 12 for closing the same.
  • the sample may be pumped through the fluidic network 14 of cartridge 10. Pumping of the sample, or more generally pumping of a liquid, is performed using diaphragm pumps 18.
  • Diaphragm pumps 18 include a functional layer which is actuated, for example externally, so that a pumping force can be applied to the fluid inside the fluidic network 14.
  • the design and the function of diaphragm pumps 18 is not the focus of this disclosure, which is why no further explanation is given herein.
  • liquids may be required. These liquids need to be introduced into the cartridge 10 so that, for example, the sample may be mixed with these liquids and primed for further actions.
  • liquids are presented in so-called liquid containers 20.
  • Liquid containers 20 are configured to contain liquid and expel the liquid into cartridge 10. The way the liquid is expelled from the liquid containers 20 is explained in more detail in connection with FIGs 2 to 7.
  • Liquid containers 20 are an alternative to using blisters which are typically used for providing liquids in fluidic cartridges. The differences in design and function between liquid containers 20 and blisters are explained in more detail in connection with FIGs 2 to 7. One of the main differences is that blisters usually collapse once liquid is expelled. Liquid containers 20 do not collapse.
  • cartridge 10 includes three liquid containers 20.
  • fluidic cartridge 10 may include more or less than three containers 20.
  • a first container 22 includes a binding liquid, also called binding buffer.
  • the binding buffer helps that a specific component of the sample, for example nucleic acid(s) of the sample, can be captured by a capture membrane.
  • a second container 24 includes a wash liquid, also called wash buffer. The wash buffer is used to remove cell debris and/or other unwanted cellular components from the sample, and/or components that may inhibit the test reaction.
  • a third container 26 includes an elution liquid, also called elution buffer. The elution buffer is used to elate nucleic acid(s) captured by the capture membrane.
  • liquid containers 20 are not limited to containing binding buffer, wash buffer or eluate buffer. Liquid containers 20 may contain any suitable liquid.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 further includes a capture membrane 28.
  • Capture membrane 28 captures and binds specific nucleic acid(s) of interest but does not capture or bind other undesired cellular components such as proteins or lipids.
  • the principle of binding nucleic acid(s) using a capture membrane is well known to a person skilled in the art which is why no further explanation is given herein.
  • Capture membrane 28 may be made of glass fibers, silica or other suitable material(s).
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 further includes a waste chamber 30.
  • Waster chamber 30 is fluidly connected to capture membrane 28.
  • Waste chamber 30 is used for accommodating liquid(s) and/or liquid mixtures which are no longer used and/or no longer of interest.
  • waste chamber 30 may contain wash buffer which was used to wash capture membrane 28.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 further includes a pre-wet chamber 32.
  • Pre-wet chamber 32 is a fluidic chamber configured for accommodating fluids such as liquids and gaseous fluids such as air.
  • Pre-wet chamber 32 is fluidly connected to capture membrane 28.
  • Pre-wet chamber 32 can be used for pre-wetting capture membrane 28.
  • Pre-wetting of capture membrane 28 allows residual liquid which is present inside pores of capture membrane 28 to be removed from the membrane 28 for priming the line. For example, after capture membrane 28 was washed with wash buffer and flushed with air, residual liquid may still be present inside pores of capture membrane 28.
  • capture membrane 28 is flushed with elution buffer such that elution buffer can reach capture membrane 28 and push any remaining air and/or residual liquid into pre-wet chamber 32.
  • the fluidic line up to capture membrane 28 may be primed for further action, e.g. by pushing any air contained therein into pre-wet chamber 32.
  • pre-wet chamber 32 The specific design of pre-wet chamber 32 is not the focus of this disclosure, which is why no further explanation is given herein.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 further includes a homogenization chamber 34.
  • Homogenization chamber 34 is a fluidic chamber configured for accommodating fluids such as liquids and gaseous fluids such as air. Homogenization chamber 34 is fluidly connected to capture membrane 28 downstream of capture membrane 28. Homogenization chamber 34 is designed for accommodating a fixed amount of liquid. Homogenization chamber 34 includes one or more lyophilized reagents. Once the homogenization chamber 34 is filled with a fixed amount of liquid, the lyophilized reagent is reconstituted resulting in a liquid having a defined final concentration. In the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10, liquid with nucleic acid(s) eluted from capture membrane 28 is fed into homogenization chamber 34.
  • the nucleic acid(s) may be specific for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
  • the lyophilized reagent may include reagents, in particular PCR reagents such as polymerase, dNTPs and/or enhancers, which may be used in PCR reactions such as Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae test reactions.
  • the PCR reagents may be unspecific to an analyte to be tested for.
  • the homogenization chamber 34 when the homogenization chamber 34 is filled with liquid eluted from the capture membrane 28, the lyophilized reagent is reconstituted and a liquid with a desired final concentration is obtained which can then be used, for example, for PCR reaction tests.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 further includes an analyte detection section 36.
  • Analyte detection section 36 includes one or more detection chambers 38. Liquid provided by homogenization chamber 34 is distributed via a fluid inlet section 40 to the detection chambers 38. Inside detection chambers 38, a PCR reaction or any other suitable test reaction may take place.
  • detection chambers 38 may include PCR primers specific for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae such that Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be tested and/or detected. It will be understood that primers specific to any other analyte of interest may be provided.
  • detection section 36 includes five detection chambers 38. A different primer may be provided in each section. The person skilled in the art would understand, however, that more or less than five detection chambers 38 may be present in detection section 36.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 may include further components.
  • fluidic cartridge 10 may include one or more valve sections.
  • Valve sections allow the blocking and/or opening of specific fluidic pathways between various components of the cartridge 10.
  • Valve sections may be active valve sections or passive valve sections.
  • active valve section is meant that these valve sections are controlled actively, for example by an external actuator.
  • passive valve section is meant that these valve sections are not actively controlled.
  • Passive valve sections are, for example, shut-off valves, check-valves, umbrella valves or other types of passive valves.
  • active valve sections are provided, for example, upstream and downstream of homogenization chamber 34.
  • Passive valve sections are provided, for example, upstream or downstream of liquid containers 20.
  • Fluidic cartridge 10 may further include one or more pressure sensors configured for sensing a pressure inside a specific fluidic pathway of cartridge 10.
  • pressure sensors are provided, for example, upstream and downstream of capture membrane 28.
  • valve sections as well as the design and function of pressure sensors is not the focus of this disclosure, which is why no further explanation is given herein.
  • Binding buffer is pumped from the first liquid container 22 into the sample entry port 12 using at least one of the diaphragm pumps 18.
  • the mixture of sample and binding buffer is pumped and/or drawn through the capture membrane 28 and into the waste chamber 30 using at least one of the diaphragm pumps 18.
  • Wash buffer is pumped from the second liquid container 24 through the capture membrane 28 and into the waste chamber 30 using one of the diaphragm pumps 18.
  • Elution buffer is pumped and/or drawn through the capture membrane 28 into the homogenization chamber 34, thereby filling the homogenization chamber 34 with a fixed volume of liquid.
  • the liquid contains nucleic acid(s) eluted from capture membrane 28.
  • the lyophilized reagent is reconstituted and a liquid with a defined final concentration is obtained.
  • the liquid is then distributed to the detection chambers 38 so that a PCR reaction or any other suitable test reaction can take place in the chambers 38.
  • steps are only exemplary steps. Further steps may be possible, such as venting of specific pathways, measuring the pressure inside specific pathways and/or opening and closing valves. Moreover, the above sequence of steps is an exemplary sequence of steps. Different step sequences may be possible depending on the test and analysis to be performed.
  • FIG 2 an exploded view of the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 of FIG 1 is shown depicting the aforementioned three liquid containers 20. Liquid containers 20 are detached from a lower member 42 of fluidic cartridge 10.
  • lower member 42 may be made of plastic material, in particular moldable, more particularly injection-moldable plastic material.
  • Liquid containers 20 may also be made of plastic material, in particular moldable, more particularly injection-moldable plastic material.
  • Lower member 42 includes three cartridge receptacles 44. Each cartridge receptacle 44 is configured for receiving one liquid container 20. Cartridge receptacle 44 is integrally and/or monolithically formed with lower member 42. In particular, cartridge receptacle 44 is molded as part of lower member 42. It will be understood that more or less cartridge receptacles 44 may be provided, e.g. in accordance with the number of liquid containers 20.
  • Each liquid container 20 is separable from lower member 42. In other words, each liquid container 20 is detachable from the respective cartridge receptacle 44. In yet other words, liquid container 20 is not bonded or integrally formed with cartridge receptacle 44.
  • Liquid container 20 can be filled with liquid such as binding buffer, wash buffer, elution buffer or any other suitable liquid and can be inserted into or coupled to cartridge receptacle 44 once filled.
  • Liquid container 20 includes a bottom opening which is closed by a sealing foil (see for example FIG 3) so that liquid can be contained inside liquid container 20.
  • Liquid container 20 can be a single-use component or a reusable/refillable component.
  • Liquid container 20 is slidably guided within cartridge receptacle 44 and translatory movable within cartridge receptacle 44 between a first position and a second position.
  • the translatory movement of the liquid container 20 preferably is a sliding movement and not a screwing or turning movement. Such sliding movement may allow, for example, to depress a plurality of the liquid containers 20 by a common linear actuator.
  • an analysis machine (not shown) in which the fluidic cartridge 10 is to be inserted may comprise an actuator (not shown), preferably a linear actuator, configured to depress a plurality of liquid containers 20 of the respective fluidic cartridge 10, e.g. together. This may provide for a simple construction of the fluidic cartridge 10 and/or the corresponding analysis machine.
  • liquid container 20 In the first position, liquid container 20 is closed so that the liquid is contained inside liquid container 20. In the second position, liquid container 20 is opened so that the liquid can be expelled from liquid container 20.
  • FIG 3 a schematic sectional view of the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 is shown. For clarity, only one liquid container 20 is shown. In FIG 3, liquid container 20 is depicted in the first position.
  • liquid container 20 is movable within cartridge receptacle 44. More precisely, liquid container 20 is translatory movable within cartridge receptacle 44, in particular along a vertical axis as indicated by arrow 46.
  • Cartridge receptacle 44 includes a bottom wall 48 and an inner peripheral wall 50 connected to bottom wall 48. Bottom wall 48 and inner peripheral wall 50 define a space configured for accommodating liquid container 20.
  • Liquid container 20 is at least partly received within cartridge receptacle 44.
  • Liquid container 20 includes a top portion 52 and an outer peripheral wall 54 connecting to the top portion 52.
  • the top portion 52 is integrally formed with and/or bonded to, more preferably adhesively bonded or welded to, the peripheral wall 54.
  • a connection between the top portion 52 and the outer peripheral wall 54 is such that the top portion 52 cannot be removed from the outer peripheral wall 54, at least not without destroying the liquid container 20.
  • top portion 52 is a dome-shaped top portion. In other embodiments not shown, top portion 52 may have any other suitable shape.
  • Liquid container 20 further includes a bottom opening which may be closed by a sealing foil 56.
  • Sealing foil 56 may be an aluminum foil and may be attached to outer peripheral wall 54 using any suitable method.
  • the aluminum foil may be coated with a polymeric material such as polypropylene or another suitable material.
  • Liquid container 20 can be used to store any suitable liquid. Sealing foil 56 prevents the liquid to flow out of liquid container 20.
  • outer peripheral wall 54 includes two sealing collars 58 which may also be referred to as bulged surface portions. Sealing collars 58 are molded onto outer peripheral wall 54. Sealing collars 58 are integrally formed with outer peripheral wall 54. Sealing collars 58 may also be referred to as a first sealing portion.
  • Inner peripheral wall 50 includes a second sealing portion. In the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10, the second sealing portion is a flat surface. The first sealing portion of outer peripheral wall 54 and the second sealing portion of inner peripheral wall 50 are in a sealing contact with each other. Between outer peripheral wall 54 and inner peripheral wall 50 a separate sealing element 60 may be arranged. Separate sealing element 60 further improves the sealing contact between outer peripheral wall 54 and inner peripheral wall 50.
  • separate sealing element 60 is placed in a groove formed in outer peripheral wall 54 between the two sealing collars 58.
  • separate sealing element 60 may be placed at any other suitable location between outer peripheral wall 54 and inner peripheral wall 50.
  • separate sealing element 60 is an O-ring.
  • separate sealing element 60 may be any suitable sealing element and that sealing element 60 may be arranged at any suitable location between outer peripheral wall 54 and inner peripheral wall 50.
  • cartridge receptacle 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape. More precisely, cartridge receptacle 44 includes a conical shape with a diameter increasing from a bottom portion towards a top portion of the cartridge receptacle 44.
  • the conical shape has three primary functions. Firstly, insertion of liquid container 20 becomes easier because a diameter of cartridge receptacle 44 at the top portion is larger than at the bottom portion. Secondly, when the liquid container 20 moves deeper into cartridge receptacle 44, a sealing contact between outer peripheral wall 54 and inner peripheral wall 50 becomes tighter. Thirdly, the conical shape or more generally speaking the cylindrical shape provides for a guidance of the liquid container 20, especially during movement of liquid container 20.
  • the shape of cartridge receptacle 44 and the shape of liquid container 20 substantially conform to one another so that a form fit and/or friction fit between cartridge receptacle 44 and liquid container 20 is present.
  • Liquid container 20 is configured to be actuated by an actuator 62.
  • Actuator 62 may be external to cartridge 10 and may be part of an analysis unit (not shown). Actuator 62 is used to push liquid container 20 deeper into cartridge receptacle 44. Actuator 62 may be any actuator suitable for pushing or moving liquid container 20 deeper into cartridge receptacle 44. Actuator 62 applies a force onto liquid container 20. In particular, actuator 62 applies a force onto dome-shaped top portion 52. Dome-shaped top portion 52 may at least partially deform during actuation. Outer peripheral wall 54, on the other hand, does not deform during actuation, at least not substantially and not in the direction of movement of liquid container 20.
  • Outer peripheral wall 54 includes a wall thickness of at least 0.3 mm. In the exemplary cartridge 10, outer peripheral wall 54 has a wall thickness of at least 1 mm. The wall thickness of outer peripheral wall 54 is greater than a wall thickness of a blister, which usually has a wall thickness of considerably less than 0.3 mm. The comparatively large wall thickness of outer peripheral wall 54 ensures that outer peripheral wall 54 is substantially non-deformable upon actuation by external actuator 62. The comparatively large wall thickness also ensures that liquid container 20 does not collapse once liquid is expelled from liquid container 20.
  • cartridge receptacle 44 includes a piercing member 64.
  • Piercing member 64 is configured for piercing sealing foil 56.
  • Piercing member 64 may pierce sealing foil 56 when liquid container 20 moves deeper into cartridge receptacle 44 (see FIG 4).
  • the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 includes a retaining device 66.
  • Retaining device 66 is configured for retaining liquid container 20 in the first position.
  • Retaining device 66 includes a retaining element 68 and a hook element 70 which is configured for engaging with retaining element 68 such that liquid container 20 is retained in the first position.
  • retaining element 68 is integrally formed with dome-shaped top portion 52 and has the shape of a retaining collar.
  • Hook element 70 includes a recess which is formed such that retaining element 68 can engage with recess, thereby forming a form fit which prevents liquid container 22 from moving deeper into cartridge receptacle 44.
  • hook element 70 is formed on a cover member 72 of fluidic cartridge 10. The person skilled in the art will understand, however, that hook element 70 may be formed at any suitable component of cartridge 10.
  • Hook element 70 and/or retaining element 68 are flexible, at least to some extent, such that when actuator 62 applies a force onto liquid container 20, retaining element 68 may disengage from hook element 70 thereby allowing liquid container 22 to move deeper into cartridge receptacle 44.
  • retaining device 66 is designed such that an unintentional and/or accidental movement of liquid container 20 (e.g. during transportation of fluidic cartridge 10) from the first position into the second position is prevented.
  • actuator 62 applies a force onto liquid container 20, a movement of liquid container 20 from the first position into the second position is possible.
  • FIG 4 a schematic sectional view of the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 is shown.
  • the liquid container 20 is depicted in the second position.
  • piercing member 64 In the second position liquid container 20 is moved deeper into cartridge receptacle 44. More precisely, in the second position liquid container 20 is moved into cartridge receptacle 44 until piercing member 64 pierces sealing foil 56.
  • Piercing member 64 includes a beveled top face 74 having a leading edge 76 configured for piercing sealing foil 56. The design of piercing member 64 is explained in more detail in connection with FIG 5.
  • Gaseous fluid compartment 78 is formed by the sealing contact between first and second sealing portions, inner peripheral wall 50, bottom wall 48 and a bottom face 80 of liquid container 20.
  • Gaseous fluid compartment 78 contains gaseous fluid, in particular air. The reason is that air is present once liquid container 20 is inserted into cartridge receptacle 44. However, when liquid container 20 is moved from the first position (see FIG 3) towards the second position (see FIG 4), the gaseous fluid compartment 78 underneath liquid container 20 becomes smaller and smaller. As a result, air contained in gaseous fluid compartment 78 gets compressed. When piercing member 64 pierces sealing foil 56, this compressed air may then flow from the gaseous fluid compartment 78 into liquid container 20 and help to expel some of the fluid contained in liquid container 20.
  • fluidic cartridge 20 further includes an inlet channel 82.
  • Inlet channel 82 is configured for providing fluid, in particular air, into liquid container 20. The additional air ensures that all liquid contained in liquid container 20 is expelled from liquid container 20.
  • Inlet channel 82 includes an inlet opening 84 which discharges the air into liquid container 20. The air pushes the liquid out of the liquid container 20 and moves the liquid into an outlet channel 86 of fluidic cartridge 10 such that substantially all liquid is expelled from liquid container 20.
  • Diaphragm pump 18 may be used to draw the liquid from liquid container 20 while air is sucked in through inlet opening 84.
  • inlet opening 84 is placed higher than one or more outlet openings 88 of outlet channel 86.
  • inlet opening 84 is placed on beveled top face 74.
  • FIG 5 a detailed view of piercing member 64 is provided.
  • Piercing member 64 is integrally formed with cartridge receptacle 44. Piercing member 64 protrudes from bottom wall 48 and is integrally formed with bottom wall 48. In the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10, piercing member 64 has a substantially elliptical cross- sectional shape. The person skilled in the art would understand, however, that piercing member 64 may have other suitable cross-sectional shapes.
  • Piercing member 64 includes beveled top face 74 with leading edge 76 and inlet opening 84.
  • piercing member 64 includes two reliefs 90. Reliefs 90 are arranged on a lateral face 92 of piercing member 64. Reliefs 90 extend inwardly from lateral face 92 to form notches, indentations or flutes on lateral face 92.
  • Reliefs 90 also extend towards an outer edge 94 of beveled top face 74.
  • beveled top face 74 essentially has an elliptical shape with indentations formed therein. Reliefs 90 ensure that the liquid from within the container 22 can flow out through the opening pierced by the piercing member 64 into the sealing foil 56 even if the sealing foil tends to conform around the piercing member 64.
  • the cartridge receptacle 44 may further be provided with a protrusion along the bottom wall 48 that raises an unpierced portion of the sealing foil 56 away from the bottom wall 48. This may be helpful for preventing the remaining sealing foil 56 from blocking the one or more outlet openings 88.
  • piercing member 64 may further include a stem portion 96 and an enlarged portion 98.
  • Enlarged portion 98 extends radially outwards from stem portion 96.
  • Enlarged portion 98 forms a step with bottom wall 48 and stem portion 96.
  • Enlarged portion 98 is arranged next to outlet opening 88.
  • Enlarged portion 98 is used so that the sealing foil does not block outlet opening 88 when piercing member 64 pierces the sealing foil, as schematically shown in FIG 4.
  • liquid container 20 usable in the exemplary fluidic cartridge 10 is shown.
  • top portion 52 of liquid container 20 includes a filling region with a filling hole 100.
  • Filling hole 100 is configured filling liquid container 20.
  • liquid container 20 may be filled via filling hole 100. This way, liquid container 20 can be filled from on top of liquid container 20.
  • FIG 7 a section view of the liquid container 20 of FIG 6 is shown.
  • filling hole 100 is a through hole extending through top portion 52.
  • Filling hole 100 fluidly connects an interior 102 of liquid container 20 with an environment 104 of liquid container 20. Liquid can enter the interior 102 via filling hole 100 for filling liquid container 20, e.g. during a filling process of liquid container 20 prior to insertion of liquid container 20 into the cartridge.
  • Filling hole 100 may further be closed or closable using any suitable process. In the specific example shown, filling hole 100 may be closed using a thermal staking process. Filling hole 100 may be closed after liquid container 20 has been filled with liquid. The thermal staking process may have the effect that a fluid connection between the interior 102 of liquid container 20 and the environment 104 of liquid container 20 is interrupted after the thermal staking process has been completed.
  • top portion 52 includes a protrusion 106 and filling hole 100 extends through protrusion 106.
  • Protrusion 106 may be arranged and/or designed such that filling hole 100 is closable or closed, e.g., via the aforementioned thermal staking process. For example, during the thermal staking process, some of the material forming protrusion 106 may melt and connect such that filling hole 100 is closed. Closing of filling hole 100 may preferably be such that the interior 102 is sealed against the environment 104 of liquid container 20 so that essentially liquid inside liquid container 20 is sealed against the environment 104 of liquid container 20. The sealed liquid container 20 can then be inserted into the cartridge and used for further processes and/or tasks at hand.
  • liquid containers 20 used in the cartridge may include such a filling hole.
  • filling holes may be closed by any suitable process.
  • one or more filling holes 100 may be present in liquid container 20.
  • top portion 52 may have any suitable shape and/or may be adapted for any suitable filling and/or closing process.
  • a fluidic cartridge (10) comprising: a liquid container (20) for receiving a liquid, and a cartridge receptacle (44) configured for at least partially receiving the liquid container (20), wherein the liquid container (20) is translatory movable within the cartridge receptacle (44), and wherein a first sealing portion of an outer peripheral wall (54) of the liquid container (20) and a second sealing portion of an inner peripheral wall (50) of the cartridge receptacle (44) are in a sealing contact such that a translatory movement of the liquid container (20) relative to the cartridge receptacle (44) causes a location of the sealing contact to translatory move along the inner peripheral wall (50) or the outer peripheral wall (54).
  • first sealing portion includes one or more bulged surface portions (58), preferably wherein the second sealing portion is a flat surface portion.
  • liquid container (20) is a molded part, preferably an injection molded part.
  • liquid container (20) is a prefilled part, preferably wherein the prefilled and closed liquid container (20) may be coupled to the cartridge receptacle (44).
  • liquid container (20) is movable, preferably slidable, from a first position in which the liquid container (20) is closed to a second position in which the liquid container (20) is opened and/or emptied, preferably wherein the liquid container (20) is moved from said first position to said second position by moving the liquid container (20) deeper into the cartridge receptacle (44).
  • liquid container (20) includes a top portion (52), preferably a dome-shaped top portion (52), preferably wherein the top portion (52) is configured to be actuated by the external actuator (62).
  • liquid container (20) is made of moldable material, preferably injection-moldable material.
  • the retaining device (66) includes a retaining element (68) and a hook element (70), the hook element (70) being configured for engaging with the retaining element (68) such that the liquid container (20) is retained in the first position, wherein one of the hook element (70) and the retaining element (68) is molded onto or attached to the outer peripheral wall (54) of the liquid container (20) and the other one of the hook element (70) and the retaining element (68) is molded onto or attached to another member of the fluidic cartridge (10), preferably a cover member (72) of the fluidic cartridge (10).
  • the fluidic cartridge (10) according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the cartridge is a cartridge for DNA and/or RNA amplification, preferably via PCR or LAMP.
  • a fluidic cartridge (10) for DNA and/or RNA amplification comprising: a cartridge receptacle (44) including a wall; and a piercing member (64) projecting from the wall (48), the piercing member (64) including a base and a beveled end face having a leading edge (76) configured for piercing a sealing foil (56).
  • the piercing member (64) comprises a stem portion (96) and an enlarged portion (98), wherein the enlarged portion (98) extends radially outwards from the stem portion (96), preferably wherein the enlarged portion (98) forms a step.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche fluidique (10) comprenant : un récipient de liquide (20) pour recevoir un liquide, et un réceptacle de cartouche (44) conçu pour recevoir au moins partiellement le récipient de liquide (20), le récipient de liquide (20) étant mobile en translation à l'intérieur du réceptacle de cartouche (44), et une première partie d'étanchéité d'une paroi périphérique externe (54) du récipient de liquide (20) et une seconde partie d'étanchéité d'une paroi périphérique interne (50) du réceptacle de cartouche (44) étant en contact d'étanchéité de sorte qu'un mouvement de translation du récipient de liquide (20) par rapport au réceptacle de cartouche (44) provoque le déplacement en translation le long de la paroi périphérique interne (50) ou de la paroi périphérique externe (54) d'un emplacement du contact d'étanchéité, une face inférieure (80) du récipient de liquide (20), conjointement avec le contact d'étanchéité entre la première partie d'étanchéité et la seconde partie d'étanchéité, conjointement avec la paroi périphérique interne (50) du réceptacle de récipient (44), et conjointement avec une paroi inférieure (48) du réceptacle de récipient (20) formant un compartiment de fluide gazeux (78) rempli de fluide gazeux de sorte que, lors du mouvement descendant du récipient de liquide (20), le fluide gazeux stocké à l'intérieur du compartiment de fluide gazeux (78) soit comprimé.
PCT/EP2024/056325 2023-03-13 2024-03-11 Cartouche fluidique dotée d'un récipient de liquide Pending WO2024188919A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363451799P 2023-03-13 2023-03-13
US63/451,799 2023-03-13
EP23172338 2023-05-09
EP23172338.8 2023-05-09

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130115607A1 (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-05-09 Integenx Inc. Sample Preparation, Processing and Analysis Systems
US20190201898A1 (en) * 2017-12-28 2019-07-04 Stmicroelectronics S.R.L. Cartridge for sample preparation and molecule analysis, cartridge control machine, sample preparation system and method using the cartridge
US10377538B2 (en) * 2015-12-01 2019-08-13 Illumina, Inc. Liquid storage and delivery mechanisms and methods

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130115607A1 (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-05-09 Integenx Inc. Sample Preparation, Processing and Analysis Systems
US10377538B2 (en) * 2015-12-01 2019-08-13 Illumina, Inc. Liquid storage and delivery mechanisms and methods
US20190201898A1 (en) * 2017-12-28 2019-07-04 Stmicroelectronics S.R.L. Cartridge for sample preparation and molecule analysis, cartridge control machine, sample preparation system and method using the cartridge

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