Methods and apparatus for processing a sample of biomolecular analyte using a microfabricated device

Abstract

A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel. The injection channel extends from the upper planar surface to the lower planar surface. The separation channel extends within the dielectric plate member in a plane parallel with the upper and lower planar surfaces and intersects the injection channel.

1 . A method for loading a test plate with a sample of biomolecular analyte that is disposed about a bead that is magnetically attractable, the method comprising the steps of: 
 activating an electromagnetic loading device to electromagnetically attract and carry the bead;    positioning the electromagnetic loading device adjacent an opening of the test plate; and    deactivating the electromagnetic loading device to release the bead at the opening of the test plate such that the sample of biomolecular analyte is loaded on the test plate.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of: 
 activating an electromagnetic unloading device that provides a force on the bead in a direction away from the electromagnetic loading device and toward the opening of the test plate.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of positioning the electromagnetic loading device includes the step of: 
 actuating a robotic assembly that supports the electromagnetic loading device such that the electromagnetic loading device moves to a programmed position relative to the test plate.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the test plate is a microchip assembly for performing capillary electrophoresis.  
   
   
       5 . A method for loading a test plate with a sample of biomolecular analyte that is disposed within a solution, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a capillary adjacent an opening of the test plate;    activating an electrokinetics device coupled to a capillary such that the sample is drawn through the capillary onto the test plate using electrokinetics; and    deactivating the electrokinetics device such that the sample is no longer drawn through the capillary.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the step of activating includes the step of: 
 dispensing a fluid droplet of the sample onto the test plate.    
   
   
       7 . A test module assembly, comprising: 
 a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface, the dielectric plate member having at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel, the injection channel extending from the upper planar surface to the lower planar surface, the separation channel extending within the dielectric plate member in a plane parallel with the upper and lower planar surfaces and intersecting the injection channel.