| abstract |
A system is provided for the automated detection of target nucleic acid sequences in which multiple biological samples are individually incorporated into matrices within carriers in a two-dimensional format. The matrix carrier is an inexpensive, disposable unit that represents a closed system separating the specimens. The system integrates sample preparation within the matrix and facilitates biochemical reactions, addition of reagents and washes, removal of waste fluids, temperature control and the automated processing thereof. The carriers are processed in stepwise treatments that expose, amplify, and detect the presence or absence of specific genetic entities in each sample. The nucleic acids or other desired biological components held within the matrices are treated by one or more of the techniques such as amplification, electrophoresis, analyte-receptor binding or hybridization as selected for the desired analysis. Different types of carriers are used for different kinds of diagnostic tests or test panels. Different primer and polymerase molecules may be used to replicate the target sequences of nucleic acids in the sample. The system also includes a heating and a passive cooling system that will provide rapid thermal cycling in a two-dimensional format for denaturation and amplification protocols so requiring them, or maintain constant temperatures for isothermal amplification and hybridization protocols. The system is adaptable to a variety of non-isotopic labels. The two-dimensional format lends itself to digitizing signals in a two-dimensional array for image analysis. Microscopic interpretation is possible with or without image analysis. |