Apparatuses and methods for sample-specific self-configuration

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to configuring an analyzer apparatus for processing a particular sample-processing cartridge. The analyzer apparatus includes a portable container and sample-specific configuration circuitry. The portable container supports and integrates a sample-processing cartridge and the sample-specific configuration circuitry. The sample-specific configuration circuitry identifies configuration information specific to the sample-processing cartridge and configures the analyzer apparatus for a series of state configurations. The configuration can be performed by selecting which of a plurality of biological-sample stimulators to interact with the biological sample, identifying positions in the portable container for each of the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators at different times, and while the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators are in the identified positions, causing the interactions between the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators and the biological sample.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sample-processing cartridge comprising:
 a board assembly with fluid chambers and channels configured and arranged for processing a biological sample therein;   an input port configured and arranged to receive the biological sample;   a plurality of biochemical processing modules that are coupled to the board assembly and in fluidic communication with the fluid chambers and channels, the biochemical processing modules being configured and arranged to perform biochemical processing on the biological sample; and   data located on the sample-processing cartridge configured and arranged to provide configuration information specific to the sample-processing cartridge, the configuration information for configuring an analyzer apparatus to perform the biochemical processing using the plurality of biochemical processing modules.   
     
     
         2 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the sample-processing cartridge comprises multiple layers;
 the multiple layers including a top layer, bottom layer, and a laminate layer;   the top layer comprising a liquid reagents module;   the bottom layer comprising the plurality of biochemical processing modules; and   the laminate layer comprising fluid channels, valves, and vents.   
     
     
         3 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 2 , wherein the sample-processing cartridge is configured to be pierced by the analyzer apparatus;
 the analyzer apparatus responsive to a placement of the sample-processing cartridge in a cartridge assembly of the analyzer apparatus, the placement of the cartridge in the cartridge assembly resulting in a liquid communication between the liquid reagents module and one or more other modules and/or the fluid chambers of the board assembly; and   the liquid reagents module containing reagents for processing the biological sample.   
     
     
         4 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the data on the sample-processing cartridge includes a barcode or radio frequency tag;
 the barcode or radio frequency tag stores the configuration information specific to the sample-processing cartridge, or identifies a memory location of the configuration information.   
     
     
         5 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the data on the sample-processing cartridge includes identification of a link;
 the link indicative of a cloud-based location providing the configuration information.   
     
     
         6 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 4 , wherein the configuration information identifies:
 biochemical processes to be performed,   an order for performing the biochemical processes,   a location of the sample-processing cartridge, or   parameters including temperature, time, and volume of each of the biochemical processes to be performed.   
     
     
         7 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 3 , wherein the sample-processing cartridge further comprises a location for the analyzer apparatus to disable or mark as disabled the sample-processing cartridge after processing is complete. 
     
     
         8 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 7 , wherein at the location the analyzer apparatus changes a color of a thermal label or marker, burns the location, or codes data at the location indicative of the sample-processing cartridge having already been processed. 
     
     
         9 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of biochemical processing modules further comprises a purification module, a target selection module, an amplification module, and a detection module. 
     
     
         10 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the purification module extracts targets from within the biological sample by mixing the biological sample with enzymes or chemicals to release a target from the biological sample;
 wherein the target includes DNA, RNA, or antibodies.   
     
     
         11 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein the purification module includes a proteinase K (PK) chamber that contains PK, and a TEC interface for engagement with a TEC. 
     
     
         12 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the purification module includes a binding chamber, one or more binding elements, and a TEC interface to allow for engagement with a TEC;
 wherein the one or more binding elements include beads or a silica frit.   
     
     
         13 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the purification module includes two separate modules including an extraction module and an isolation module,
 wherein the extraction module extracts targets from within the biological sample by mixing the biological sample with enzymes or chemical to release a target from the biological sample, the target including DNA, RNA, or antibodies; and   wherein the isolation module includes a binding chamber, one or more binding elements, and a TEC interface for engagement with a TEC, the one or more binding elements include beads or a silica frit.   
     
     
         14 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the target selection module is configured to bind specific targets to probes,
 the target selection module including a chamber, probes, enzymes, and a TEC interface.   
     
     
         15 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 14 , wherein specific targets are isolated from the purification module, the probes are mixed with the isolated specific targets, and the isolated specific targets are annealed to the probes. 
     
     
         16 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the amplification module is configured to amplify targets bound to probes via a PCR process,
 the amplification module including probes, PCR primers, enzymes, and a TEC interface.   
     
     
         17 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 16 , wherein the target selection module and amplification module are one integral module, the one integral module being a library preparation module configured for library preparation;
 wherein the library preparation includes adding the probes to the biological sample, and binding the probes to a specific target.   
     
     
         18 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the detection module is configured to bind amplicons to a substrate and detect the bound amplicons;
 wherein the amplicons include a specific target bound to a specific probe.   
     
     
         19 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of biochemical processing modules includes a sample collection module used to interface with a biological sample container or transfer device,
 wherein the sample collection module includes a sample chamber configured to hold a volume of the biological sample.   
     
     
         20 . The sample-processing cartridge of  claim 19 , wherein the sample collection module is a blood tube.