Microfluidic siphoning array for nucleic acid quantification

Abstract

In some aspects, the present disclose provides methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids. Methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids comprise isolating a sample comprising nucleic acid molecules into a plurality of microchambers, performing a polymerase chain reaction on the plurality of microchambers, and analyzing the results of the polymerase chain reaction. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides devices consistent with the methods herein.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for processing a sample, comprising a chamber configured to (i) retain said sample during processing and (ii) permit gas flow from a location within said chamber through a wall of said chamber to a location external to said chamber. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said fluid flow path is configured to provide a reagent to said chamber. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a siphon aperture in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said siphon aperture is configured to provide a reagent to said chamber. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said wall comprises a polymeric material. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein said polymeric material is inelastic. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein said polymeric material is a thermoplastic. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said wall is impermeable to water. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said chamber comprises a plurality of walls, which plurality of walls comprises said wall. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a pressure unit configured to supply a pressure drop across said wall, which pressure drop is sufficient to induce said gas flow. 
     
     
         30 . A method for processing a sample, comprising providing a device comprising a chamber that (i) retains said sample and (ii) permits gas flow from a location within said chamber through a wall of said chamber to a location external to said chamber. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising inducing said gas flow. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said gas flow is induced with aid of a pressure unit that supplies a pressure drop across said wall. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said device further comprises a fluid flow path in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said fluid flow path provides a reagent to said chamber for processing said sample. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said device further comprises a siphon aperture in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said siphon aperture provides a reagent to said chamber for processing said sample. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said wall comprises a polymeric material. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said polymeric material is inelastic. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said polymeric material is a thermoplastic. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said chamber comprises a plurality of walls, which plurality of walls comprises said wall. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said sample is a nucleic acid sample, and wherein said nucleic acid sample is subjected to nucleic acid amplification within said chamber. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein said nucleic acid amplification is polymerase chain reaction.