Systems and Methods for Multiple Analyte Detection

Abstract

Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.

1 . A system for distribution of a biological sample, the system comprising:
 a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber;   a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate; and   a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber,   wherein the substrate is constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing instrument is configured to be placed in contact with an exterior portion of the substrate. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing instrument is configured to be placed in contact with the substrate at least one of before a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers and during a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the sealing plate is configured to be placed in contact with the substrate before a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers to seal each sample chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the sealing plate is configured to be placed in contact with the substrate during a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers to seal each sample chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a thermal block, wherein the thermal block comprises the sealing plate. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a film layer and wherein a portion of the film layer fills the sample introduction channels and the venting channels upon contact of the sealing instrument with the substrate. 
     
     
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         21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate further comprises a film layer and a base, and at least one venting mechanism configured to permit gas to escape the substrate. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
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         50 . A method for distribution of a biological sample, the method comprising:
 providing a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of sample cavities containing a preloaded reagent therein, a sample introduction trench for each sample cavity, and a venting trench for each sample cavity, and wherein the base is constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials;   providing a film to adhere to the base to form a substrate, wherein the film and base form a plurality of sample chambers from each sample cavity, a sample introduction channel from each sample introduction trench, and a venting channel from each sample venting trench;   supplying the biological sample to the substrate;   filling the sample chambers with the biological sample via the sample introduction channels;   passing gas out of the substrate via at least one venting mechanism in the substrate; and   sealing the sample chambers to substantially prevent sample in the sample chambers from flowing out of the sample chambers.   
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the sealing the sample chambers comprises placing a sealing instrument in contact with the substrate. 
     
     
         52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein filling the sample chambers comprises providing positive pressure to the sample. 
     
     
         54 . (canceled) 
     
     
         55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 50 , further comprising substantially preventing the sample from passing through the at least one venting mechanism and out of the substrate. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein preventing the sample from passing through the at least one venting mechanism comprises holding the sample in the venting mechanism via capillarity. 
     
     
         58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . A device for testing a biological sample, the device comprising:
 a substrate defining a plurality of distribution portions configured to distribute biological sample throughout the substrate, the plurality of distribution portions comprising a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber; and   a substance disposed in at least one of the distribution portions, the substance being configured to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample disposed in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber during testing of the biological sample.   
     
     
         60 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the substance comprises one of an adhesive, a gas, a substance configured to dissolve into a gas upon contact with the biological sample, a fluid immiscible with the biological sample, an absorbent material, and porous hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         61 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the substance is disposed in the sample introduction and venting channels for each sample chamber. 
     
     
         62 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the plurality of distribution portions further comprises a vent chamber in flow communication with each venting channel and wherein the substance is disposed in each vent chamber. 
     
     
         63 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the plurality of distribution portions further comprises a main fluid supply channel in flow communication with the sample introduction channels, and wherein the substance is disposed in the main fluid supply channel. 
     
     
         64 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the substance is configured to seal each sample chamber upon sample contacting the substance. 
     
     
         65 . The device of  claim 59 , wherein the substance is configured to seal each sample chamber in response to elevating a temperature of the substrate during testing of the biological sample.