Multi-Sample Particle Analyzer System and Method for High Throughput Screening

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for analyzing a plurality of samples comprising obtaining with an autosampler a plurality of samples from a first plate having a plurality of sample wells wherein the autosampler has a plurality of probes for sampling a set of samples and wherein each probe of the plurality of probes is in communication with a separate flow cytometer via a separate conduit. The plurality of samples comprising particles is moved into a fluid flow stream for each separate conduit. Adjacent ones of the plurality of samples are separated from each other in the fluid flow stream by a separation gas, thereby forming a gas-separated fluid flow stream. The gas-separated fluid flow stream is independently guided to and through each separate flow cytometer.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for analyzing a plurality of samples, comprising:
 obtaining with an autosampler a plurality of samples from a first plate having a plurality of sample wells wherein the autosampler comprises a plurality of probes for sampling the plurality of samples and wherein each probe of the plurality of probes is in communication with a separate flow cytometer via a separate conduit;   moving the plurality of samples comprising particles into a fluid flow stream for each separate conduit;   separating adjacent ones of the plurality of samples from each other in the fluid flow stream by a separation gas, thereby forming a gas-separated fluid flow stream;   independently guiding the gas-separated fluid flow stream to and through each separate flow cytometer;   operating each separate flow cytometer to focus the gas-separated fluid flow stream and to selectively analyze the particles in each of the plurality of samples as the gas-separated fluid flow stream passes through each separate flow cytometer.   
     
     
         2 . A method for analyzing a plurality of samples, comprising:
 obtaining with an autosampler a plurality of samples from a first plate having a plurality of sample wells wherein the autosampler comprises a plurality of probes for sampling a set of samples and wherein each probe of the plurality of probes is in communication with a multi-channel flow cytometer via a separate conduit attached to each of the probes of the plurality of probes;   a fluid movement device for moving the plurality of samples comprising particles into a fluid flow stream for each separate conduit;   separating adjacent ones of the plurality of samples from each other in the fluid flow stream by a separation gas, thereby forming a gas-separated fluid flow stream;   independently guiding the gas-separated fluid flow stream to and through the multi-channel flow cytometer;   operating the multi-channel flow cytometer to focus the gas-separated fluid flow stream and to selectively analyze the particles in each of the plurality of samples as the gas-separated fluid flow stream passes through the multi-channel flow cytometer.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the first plate is positioned on a platform that is moveable in the xyz direction to bring the samples to the probes. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the step of moving the plurality of samples is with a fluid moving device located before or after the multi-channel flow cytometer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the fluid moving device is a multihead peristaltic pump. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the step of moving is selected from the group consisting of moving with gravity, moving with suction, moving with pumping and moving with pushing via a peristaltic pump. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the separate conduit is tubing. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the first plate is positioned on a platform that is moveable in the xyz direction to bring the samples to the probes. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of probes are positionable and move to the samples on the first plate. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the probes of the plurality of probes is positionable and moves to a plurality of samples located on a second plate. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the step of moving the plurality of fluid samples streams is at a rate that is independently controlled. 
     
     
         12 . A flow cytometry apparatus comprising:
 an autosampler comprising a plurality of probes for inserting a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a plurality of fluid flow streams;   a multi-channel flow cytometer in communication with the plurality of probes of the autosampler via a plurality of separate conduits connected to one each of the probes of the plurality of probes wherein each of the separate conduits of the plurality moves a separate fluid flow stream of the plurality of fluid flow streams; and   a fluid movement device for moving the plurality of samples in each of the separate fluid flow streams moving in each separate conduit to the multi-channel flow cytometer, the autosampler introducing aliquots of a separation fluid between successive ones of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream to configure the fluid flow stream as a gas-separated fluid flow stream, the multi-channel flow cytometer focusing the gas-separated fluid flow stream delivered by the conduit from the autosampler and selectively analyzing the particles in each of the plurality of samples as the gas-separated fluid flow stream passes through the multi-channel flow cytometer.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of probes are positioned on an arm. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of probes are positionable relative to the plurality of respective source wells. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the arm is fixed relative to the plurality of respective source wells. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the probes are independently positionable relative to each other and the plurality of respective source wells. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising a fluid movement device. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the fluid movement device is a pump. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the pump is positioned before or after the multi-channel flow cytometer. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  is a peristaltic pump.