Disposable multi-channel bio-analysis cartridge and capillary electrophoresis system for conducting bio-analysis using same

Abstract

A multi-channel bio-separation system configured to utilize a cartridge that has a individual, separate integrated reagent (i.e., a separation buffer) reservoir dedicated for each separation channel. The multiple channels may have different characteristics, such as different separation medium of different chemistries, different separation length, different channel sizes and internal coatings. In one embodiment, the cartridge does not include integrated detection optics. Not all channels need to be operative. One or more of the channels in the cartridge may be “dummy channels” that are not operative (e.g., not provided with a capillary tube). A capillary tube may be routed between the reservoir/electrode (anode) of one channel to an electrode (cathode) in another channel, thus allowing a longer length of capillary tube to be used to define a longer separation channel to improve resolution.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A multi-channel cartridge for bio-separation, comprising:
 a plurality of cartridge elements, wherein each cartridge element comprises:
 a body defining an opening as a detection window for receiving external detection optics; 
 a capillary column supported in the body; and 
 a reservoir attached to a first end of the body in fluid flow communication with a first end of the capillary column, wherein the reservoir is dedicated to a single cartridge element; 
   wherein the cartridge elements are coupled, and wherein the reservoirs of the respective cartridge elements are not in flow communication.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge elements are coupled in a series in a plane. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , wherein the detection window of at least one cartridge element exposes a section along the capillary column, to which the external optics are aligned through the detection window. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 3 , wherein the capillary column is supported coaxially by two ferrules that are supported in the body, wherein each of the ferrules is cantilevered by the body and having an end extending into the detection window, and wherein a detection zone along the capillary column is exposed between the extended ends of the ferrules. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , the body is slender and generally longitudinal and blade shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 5 , wherein the capillary column is supported along a central axis of the body. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , wherein in each cartridge element, the body has a body section from which a first end of the body extends, wherein the body section has a width, and wherein the first end of the body is narrower than the width of the body section. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 7 , wherein the first end of the body tapers from the body section to a narrower end. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , wherein at least a first cartridge element further comprises an anode, wherein the anode is conductively coupled to fluid contained in the reservoir, and wherein the anodes of the respective cartridge elements are not conductive coupled in the cartridge. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 9 , wherein at least a second capillary column further comprises a cathode disposed at the first end of the body, and wherein the capillary column extends between the reservoir of the first cartridge element and the cathode of the second cartridge element. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 9 , wherein each cartridge element comprises an anode and a cathode, wherein the cathode is disposed at the first end of the body of the cartridge element, and wherein the capillary column extends between the reservoir and the cathode in each cartridge element, exposing a section along the capillary column in the detection window, to which the external optics are aligned through the detection window. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 11 , wherein each cartridge element defines a different separation channel. 
     
     
         13 . A multi-channel cartridge for bio-separation, comprising:
 a body defining a plurality of openings as detection windows for receiving external detection optics, wherein each detection window corresponds to a separate one of a plurality of separation channels;   a plurality of reservoirs coupled to the body, each corresponding to a separate one of the separation channels; and   a plurality of capillary columns, each having a first end in fluid flow communication with a separate reservoir, and a second end extending away from the reservoir to a distal end of the body.   
     
     
         14 . A bio-separation system, comprising:
 a chassis,   a multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge body is supported by the chassis;   a table support at least a tray containing a sample and a buffer with respect to an extended end of at least one capillary column;   at least one fork assembly supporting detection optics, wherein the fork assembly is movable to extend into the detection window defined in the cartridge element;   a separation mechanism effecting bio-separation within the capillary column; and   a controller controlling movement of the fork assembly and the separation mechanism to effect separation.   
     
     
         15 . The bio-separation system as in  claim 14 , further comprising a first fork assembly and a second fork assembly, wherein the detection optics comprises first optics supported by the first fork assembly directing incident radiation to a detection zone and second optics supported by the second fork assembly collecting radiation from the detection zone. 
     
     
         16 . The bio-separation system as in  claim 15 , wherein the first and second fork assemblies are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the cartridge, wherein the first and second fork assemblies move between a first position in which the first and second fork assemblies do not extend into the detection window defined in the cartridge, and a second position in which the first and second fork assemblies extend into the detection window defined in the cartridge. 
     
     
         17 . The bio-separation system as in  claim 14 , further comprising a temperature control mechanism to control the temperature of the sample in the tray. 
     
     
         18 . A bio-separation system, comprising:
 a chassis,   a multi-channel cartridge as in  claim 12 , wherein the cartridge body is supported by the chassis;   a table support at least a tray containing a sample and a buffer with respect to an extended the capillary columns;   a plurality of fork assemblies supporting detection optics, wherein the fork assemblies are movable to extend into the detection windows defined in the cartridge elements, and wherein each separation channel is provided with at least one fork assembly;   a separation mechanism effecting bio-separation within the capillary columns in each separation channel; and   a controller controlling movement of the fork assemblies and the separation mechanism to effect separation.