Devices and methods for sample partitioning and analysis

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device that includes a base comprising a substrate having a first major surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface, a polymeric cover film coupled to the substrate via the adhesive, a plurality of isolated closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film, and an aqueous liquid disposed in two or more of the closed compartments. The cover film is a composite film comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and a tackifier. Each compartment of the plurality is defined by a seal that prevents liquid communication with at least one other compartment of the plurality. Methods of using the device for partitioning a sample, for analyzing a sample, and for culturing a microorganism are also provided.

1 . A device, comprising:
 a base comprising a substrate, the substrate having a first major surface;   a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface;   a polymeric cover film coupled to the substrate via the adhesive;
 wherein the cover film is a composite film comprising a polymer and a tackifier; 
 wherein the composite film comprises ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and the tackifier; 
   a plurality of closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film, each compartment of the plurality defined by a seal that prevents liquid communication with at least one other compartment of the plurality; and   an aqueous liquid disposed in two or more of the closed compartments;   wherein the seal is formed by contact between the cover film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tackifier is selected from a group consisting of a low molecular weight polyisobutene, polyterpenes, amorphous polypropylene, and microcrystalline wax. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover film has an elastic recovery less than or equal to 20%. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is water-insoluble. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first major surface is substantially planar. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polyimides, fluoropolymers, polycarbonate, polystyrene, a derivative of any one of the foregoing materials, and a combination of any two or more of the foregoing materials. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a metal foil. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is made of material which retains its adhesive property when in contact with an aqueous liquid. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is silicone polyurea adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive is at least about 0.02 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the cover film is 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the cover film when stretched is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous liquid comprises a biological sample. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each compartment has a volume of 200 nL to 10 ml. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a spacer element disposed between the substrate and the cover film. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary coating disposed on at least a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the secondary coating consists essentially of dry powder. 
     
     
         18 . A method for analyzing a liquid sample comprising:
 depositing a predefined volume of liquid onto a first surface of a substrate such that the liquid sample is disposed between the first surface and a polymeric cover film wherein said first surface is coated with water-insoluble pressure sensitive adhesive;
 wherein the cover film is a composite film comprising a polymer and a tackifier; 
 wherein the composite film comprises ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and the tackifier; 
   urging an external means against the cover film to bring discrete regions of the cover film in contact with the pressure sensitive adhesive of the substrate resulting in the partitioning of the liquid into a plurality of closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film; and   conducting a quantitative analysis or a qualitative analysis of at least one closed compartment of the plurality.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein, prior to urging the external means against the cover film, the substrate and/or the cover film are substantially flat. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the quantitative analysis comprises enumeration of microorganisms or biomolecules in the sample.