Devices and methods for biochip multiplexing

Abstract

The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A device for multiple biochip analysis comprising at least two stations each configured to receive a biochip cartridge. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15  comprising means for independently communicating with said at least two stations or biochip cartridges contained therein. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15  that comprises a memory chip or barcode reader for reading a memory chip or barcode on said biochip cartridge. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15  that comprises an encryption system for encrypting data received from said biochip cartridge. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15  that comprises one or more pumps for pumping liquid sample in said cartridge or cartridges. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15  comprising means for filtering background noise and/or amplifying signal received from said cartridge or cartridges. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20  wherein said means comprises a digital lock-in technique. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said means comprises a digital filtering technique selected from the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said means comprises one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data obtained from said cartridge or cartridges. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 15  that measures an electronic response from said cartridge or cartridges selected from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, or faradaic impedance. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said means comprises use and analysis of both AC and DC components. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said means comprises use of harmonic square wave AC voltammetry or sinusoidal harmonic AC voltammetry. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said means comprises use of harmonics to amplify signal and/or filter noise. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 15  that is an electrochemical detection device. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 15  configured to independently address different regions on said cartridges. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 29  wherein said different regions comprise one or more electrodes. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 15  comprising temperature control means for manipulating the temperature of said cartridge or cartridges in said stations. 
     
     
         32 . An electrochemical detection device comprising processing means for amplifying signal relative to background, said means comprising the use of higher order harmonics. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32  further comprising digital lock-in capability. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 33  that further comprises a digital filtering means selected from the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 33  wherein said means comprises use of one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 33  that measures an electronic response selected from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, and faradaic impedance. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 33  wherein said means comprises use and analysis of both AC and DC signals. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 33  further comprising means for conducting harmonic square wave AC voltammetry or sinusoidal harmonic AC voltammetry. 
     
     
         39 . A method of increasing signal to background in an electrochemical detection scheme comprising using higher order harmonics to process electronic signals. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said electronic signals comprise both an AC and DC signal component. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39  further comprising analyzing one or more electronic signal responses from one or more of frequency, amplitude, phase shift, DC offset voltage, and faradaic impedance. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39  further comprising using digital lock-in. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39  that further comprises using a digital filtering means selected from one or more of the group consisting of match filter, Weiner filtering, Kalman filtering, Finite Impulse Response, infinite impulse response and narrow band filtering to filter signal. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39  that comprises use of one or more of a Fourier transform and joint time-frequency transformation program to analyze data.