The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

A microfluidic valve can include a substrate having a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate. A sealing layer can be over the microfluidic channel. A flexible blister layer can be over the sealing layer. The flexible blister layer can include a blister formed as a distended portion with a blister volume between the flexible blister layer and the sealing layer. The microfluidic valve can be actuatable by puncturing the sealing layer by pressing on the blister. Actuating the microfluidic valve can either allow fluid to flow through the microfluidic channel or block fluid from flowing through the microfluidic channel.

A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

A microfluidic product pouch assembly may be used in a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic product pouch may include a pouch surrounding an inner chamber and having a rupturing portion and an inner membrane positioned within the inner chamber. The inner membrane may separate the inner chamber into a first cavity and a second cavity. A reagent may be positioned within the first cavity and/or the second cavity. The microfluidic product pouch assembly may also include a rupturing structure. The rupturing structure may be configured to selectively break the rupturing portion of the microfluidic product pouch.

A method for the fail-safe termination of in vivo drug delivery from an implantable drug delivery system, the method comprising: providing an implantable drug delivery system comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containing a drug, and a port for dispensing the drug to a patient; and an emergency deactivation unit disposed between the reservoir and the port, the emergency deactivation unit comprising a composite structure comprising a biocompatible ferromagnetic mesh open to fluid flow and a hydrophobic meltable material, the hydrophobic meltable material comprising at least one hole therein for enabling a fluid to pass through the hydrophobic meltable material; implanting the implantable drug delivery system within a patient; enabling the drug to flow from the reservoir, through the at least one hole in the hydrophobic meltable material and out the port; and when drug flow is to be terminated, applying a magnetic field to the composite structure, such that a current is induced in the ferromagnetic mesh which heats the ferromagnetic mesh and melts the hydrophobic meltable material, thereby closing the at least one hole in the hydrophobic meltable material and blocking drug delivery to the patient.

The valve is formed in a valve body housing a first path portion, a second path portion, and an coupling zone between the first and second path portions. A shutter is arranged in the coupling zone and has a shutting portion of ferromagnetic material that is deformable under the action of an external magnetic field between an undeformed position, wherein the shutter closes the coupling zone, and a deformed position, wherein the shutter at least partially frees the coupling zone. The shutting portion of the shutter is formed by a rubber membrane incorporating particles, for example of ferrite particles.

The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

The valve is formed in a valve body housing a first path portion, a second path portion, and an coupling zone between the first and second path portions. A shutter is arranged in the coupling zone and has a shutting portion of ferromagnetic material that is deformable under the action of an external magnetic field between an undeformed position, wherein the shutter closes the coupling zone, and a deformed position, wherein the shutter at least partially frees the coupling zone. The shutting portion of the shutter is formed by a rubber membrane incorporating particles, for example of ferrite particles.