Modified filter membrane and the use thereof

Abstract

A surface-modified filter membrane for filtering blood, in particular for separating blood plasma and blood serum, and a method for the production thereof, a filter provided therewith and the use thereof.

Claims

1. Filter for separating blood plasma and blood serum from a blood sample, comprising a filter membrane surface-coated with a modifying agent for separating blood plasma and blood serum, wherein the modifying reagent is a hydrogel former and is a poly(hydroxyethyl) methacrylate or a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, wherein the surface is coated by treating the surface with a solution or dispersion of the modifying reagent that contains the modifying reagent in quantities of 1 to 2 wt. %, based on the solution or dispersion, for a period of 30 minutes to 5 hours, wherein the filter membrane is a porous asymmetrical membrane, and wherein the material of the filter membrane comprises at least one of the following polymers: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinylidene fluoride), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer, cellulose, modified cellulose, cellulose ether and mixtures and copolymers thereof, provided that the filter membrane comprises at least one hydrophilic polymer, and wherein the filter comprises a filter upper part and a filter lower part, the filter lower part having a convex curvature.

2. Kit for testing blood plasma, comprising a filter with a filter membrane surface-coated with a modifying agent for separating blood plasma and blood serum from a blood sample, wherein the modifying reagent is a hydrogel former and is a poly(hydroxyethyl) methacrylate or a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, wherein the surface is coated by treating the surface with a solution or dispersion of the modifying reagent, that contains the modifying reagent in quantities of 1 to 3 wt. %, based on the solution or dispersion, for a period of 30 minutes to 5 hours, wherein the filter membrane is a porous asymmetrical membrane, wherein the material of the filter membrane comprises a polymer from among the following polymers: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinylidene fluoride), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer, cellulose, modified cellulose, cellulose ether and mixtures and copolymers thereof, and wherein the filter comprises a filter upper part and a filter lower part, the filter lower part having a convex curvature, the kit further comprising a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a main body having a plurality of channels and cavities, including a receiving cavity, wherein the cartridge comprises a cover for the channels and cavities, and wherein the cartridge has a connection for connecting an outlet of the filter to the receiving cavity of the cartridge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a filter according to the invention and a transfer instrument;

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the components of a kit according to the invention, comprising a cartridge having a filter connected thereto and a transfer instrument shown in an in use condition;

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a point-of-care system; and

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an apparatus or cartridge in an analysis device for in particular molecular-biological testing of a blood sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) FIG. 1 schematically shows a filter 370 according to the invention. The filter 370 preferably has a filter housing, in particular comprising a filter upper part 371 and a filter lower part 372.

(6) The filter 370 comprises a filter membrane 373 which extends in particular perpendicularly with respect to a filtering direction of the medium to be filtered, in particular of blood BL.

(7) In producing the filter 370, the filter membrane 373 is preferably adhesively secured into the filter lower part 372, the adhesion preferably taking place or being flush with the filter lower part 372, and the filter lower part 372 subsequently being heat sealed to the filter upper part 371.

(8) The filter upper part 371 and the filter lower part 372 preferably consist of thermoplastic materials, in particular of the same thermoplastic material.

(9) The filter membrane 373 generally has a diameter of 30 to 60 mm, in particular 35 to 55 mm, preferably 40 to 50 mm, more preferably 45 to 50 mm.

(10) The filter membrane 373 is preferably surface-modified by treatment with a dispersion of 2 wt. % poly(2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate, based on the total weight of the dispersion, in ethanol.

(11) Filter chambers 374 and 375 are formed by the filter housing above the filter membrane 373 as well as below the filter membrane 373, which chambers are used to receive and dispense liquids, in particular blood BL or blood plasma, as a sample P to be tested.

(12) The filter 370 preferably comprises on the upper face thereof an opening or inlet 376, in particular a blood inlet opening, for receiving the medium or blood BL to be filtered and, on the lower face thereof, preferably comprises an outlet 377, in particular a plasma outlet opening, for dispensing the filtrate or blood plasma as the sample P (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

(13) The inlet 376 is preferably associated with the filter chamber 374 which receives the medium or blood BL to be filtered. The outlet 377 is preferably connected to the filter chamber 375 which is downstream of the filter membrane 373.

(14) The medium or blood BL to be filtered is preferably fed or conducted by means of a transfer instrument 320, which is likewise schematically shown in FIG. 1 and can be designed for example as a container, syringe or the like.

(15) The transfer instrument 320 is designed to receive or provide a sample, or medium or blood BL to be filtered, and comprises in particular a housing 321. Furthermore, the transfer instrument 320 preferably comprises a means, such as a piston 322, in particular for ejecting and/or for regulating the pressure and the volume provided for the sample. The transfer instrument 320 further comprises a connection 323 for receiving and/or dispensing the medium or sample to be filtered. The connection 323 is preferably designed in such a way that it can be fluidically connected to the inlet 376 of the filter 370.

(16) According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter 370 according to the invention is put together or prepackaged with a cartridge 100 (see FIG. 2) and/or with the transfer instrument 320, in the form of a kit 300, and is offered or available in a ready-to-use state.

(17) By means of the filter 370 and/or the kit 300, blood plasma samples can be analyzed directly from freshly obtained blood samples BL which have optionally been made incoagulable by an addition of e.g. sodium citrate.

(18) In order to obtain blood plasma as a sample P, which is to be tested preferably in the cartridge 100, by means of the filter 370 according to the invention, a blood sample BL, in particular having a volume of 1 to 5 ml of blood, preferably 1.5 to 4 ml, more preferably 2 to 3 ml of blood, particularly preferably 2 ml of blood, which has been made incoagulable, e.g., by adding sodium citrate, is preferably provided to the filter 370 by means of the transfer instrument 320 or in another manner.

(19) In particular, the blood BL can be received in the housing 321 of the transfer instrument 320 by actuating, in particular pulling, the means or piston 322. By further actuating the means or piston 322 and thereby creating a partial vacuum, the volume available in the housing 321 is increased such that a gas space 325 is formed. The gas space 325 is preferably filled with air.

(20) The volume of the gas space 325 is approx. two to three times, in particular 2.5 times, the volume of the blood sample BL. The gas, in particular the air, in the gas space 325 is used to generate pressure during the filtering process, the pressure in the filter 370 and at the filter membrane 373 only increasing slowly during the filtering process, and no peak values being reached, due to the compressibility of the air, as a result of which the blood cells are not destroyed at the filter membrane 373 and no undesired hemolysis occurs.

(21) The blood plasma sample P obtained by filtration can either be collected in a collection vessel or transferred directly from the filter 370 into an analysis device, in particular the cartridge 100. In the context of the present invention, the transfer into an analysis device as shown in FIG. 2 is preferred.

(22) FIG. 2 shows the proposed filter 370 or kit 300 in a schematic sectional view before the blood BL to be filtered is conducted to or transferred into the filter 370. In this view, the transfer instrument 320 for preferably providing or transferring the blood sample BL is shown already connected to the filter 370 or to the inlet 376 thereof.

(23) Also shown schematically in FIG. 2 in section is the cartridge 100 provided herein preferably for testing the filtrate, i.e., in particular the blood plasma, as the sample P to be tested, which cartridge 100 is in particular already connected to the filter 370.

(24) Particularly preferably, the filter 370 is directly connected with its outlet 377 to the cartridge 100 or to a receiving cavity 104 or the connection 104A thereof, for example by plugging in or placing on, as shown schematically in FIG. 2.

(25) Particularly preferably, the filtrate or blood plasma is thus dispensed directly from the filter 370 to the cartridge 100 for testing or analysis.

(26) After receiving the sample P in the cartridge 100 and removing the filter 370, the cartridge 100 or receiving cavity 104 or the connection 104A thereof is preferably closed by means of a closure element 130.

(27) By actuating, in particular lowering, the means or piston 322, the blood BL is transferred into the filter 370 and the blood plasma P obtained by filtration is transferred directly into the receiving cavity 104 of the cartridge 100.

(28) The filtration of the blood BL preferably takes place by means of gravity and/or by applying a certain, not excessive pressure.

(29) In the example shown, the filtrate or blood plasma, as the sample P, preferably runs into the cartridge 100 or receiving cavity 104 directly and/or by means of gravity, a corresponding vent (not shown) in particular being formed or provided, preferably between the connection 104A and the outlet 377.

(30) The proposed filter membrane 373 is surface-modified and as a result exhibits substantially improved filtering qualities, the filtrate or blood plasma in particular containing a substantially higher content of metabolic products, in particular peptides, and/or hormones in comparison with a non-surface-treated filter membrane.

(31) The subject matter of the present invention, in particular the surface modification of the filter membrane 373 according to the invention, is illustrated below with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

(32) 1. Surface Modification of the Membrane

(33) A sheet having the dimensions 102 mm×140 mm of an asymmetrical, polysulfone-based filter membrane is treated at 20° C. for an hour with a dispersion of 2 wt. % poly(2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate in ethanol. The surface-modified filter membrane is obtained which is washed with ethanol once for 10 seconds and subsequently dried at 30° C. in a desiccator.

(34) 2. Production of the Filter

(35) Circular filter membranes each having a diameter of 42.1 mm are punched out from the surface-modified membrane sheet obtained from method step 1. The filter membranes are adhered into the housing lower part of a filter so as to be flush and the housing lower part is heat sealed to a housing upper part. The filter comprises, on the upper face thereof, an opening that has an adapter for receiving a syringe and, on the lower face thereof, an opening that has an adapter for connection to a collection vessel. The filter has a calculated internal volume of 1350 μl.

(36) 3. Checking the Filter

(37) The improved effectiveness of the filter according to the invention is tested in the following on the basis of the peptide hormones ACTH, insulin and leptin. Using non-surface-modified filter membranes, only a maximum of 20% of the content of the above-mentioned peptide hormones are found in the filtered blood plasma in comparison with blood plasma obtained by centrifuging.

(38) 50 samples are tested in total. For this purpose, 2 ml of horse blood made incoagulable by means of sodium citrate is withdrawn in each case in a 10 ml Urine Monovette having a lift limitation set at 2.5 ml, such that the Urine Monovettes contain 2 ml of blood and 5.5 ml of air. The Urine Monovettes are subsequently placed onto the adapter at the upper opening of the filter and a collection vessel is attached to the lower outlet opening of the filter. By actuating the piston of the Urine Monovette, pressure is built up such that the blood is pressed into the filter and filtered.

(39) From each individual blood sample, 300 to 350 μl of blood plasma can be obtained which is of clear-yellow color and does not differ visually from plasma obtained from centrifugation. The blood plasma samples are quantitatively evaluated for the three peptide hormones (ACTH, insulin, leptin) by specific and standardized ELISA. In this case, 60 to 70% of the content of peptide hormones that can be detected in the blood plasma from centrifugation are found in every sample.

(40) It is therefore evident that blood plasma can be obtained in a reproducible manner by means of the filter according to the invention, which makes it possible to both qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the components of the blood plasma. The blood plasma obtained by means of the filter according to the invention is therefore suitable for detecting or identifying diseases and metabolic changes.

(41) FIG. 3 is a highly schematic view of the cartridge 100 in an analysis device 200 for preferred, in particular molecular-biological, testing of the sample P or of the blood plasma.

(42) FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the cartridge 100 for testing the sample P. The cartridge 100 in particular forms a handheld unit which is preferably used only once as a disposable article, as is the case with the filter 370.

(43) The term “cartridge” is preferably understood to mean a structural apparatus or unit designed to receive, to store, to physically, chemically and/or biologically treat and/or prepare and/or to measure a sample, in particular a blood plasma sample P, preferably in order to make it possible to detect, identify or determine at least one analyte, in particular a protein and/or a nucleic-acid sequence, of the sample.

(44) A cartridge within the meaning of the present invention preferably comprises a fluid system having a plurality of channels, cavities and/or valves for controlling the flow through the channels and/or cavities.

(45) In particular, within the meaning of the present invention, a cartridge is designed to be at least substantially planar and/or card-like, in particular is designed as a (micro) fluidic card and/or is designed as a main body or container that can preferably be closed and/or said cartridge can be inserted and/or plugged into a proposed analysis device when it contains the sample.

(46) The term “analysis device” is preferably understood to mean a structural apparatus designed to chemically, biologically and/or physically test and/or analyse a sample or analysis sample or a component thereof, in particular in order for it to be possible to directly and/or indirectly detect or identify a disease and/or pathogen. An analysis device within the meaning of the present invention is in particular a portable or mobile device designed in particular to immediately or directly test and/or analyze the sample, in particular on site and/or in the vicinity of the sampling site and/or away from a central laboratory.

(47) The term “sample” is preferably understood to mean the sample material to be tested, which is in particular taken from a human or animal. In particular, within the meaning of the present invention, a sample is blood plasma, preferably from a human or animal, or a component thereof.

(48) A sample within the meaning of the present invention preferably contains one or more sample components or analytes to be tested, it preferably being possible for the analytes to be identified and/or detected, in particular qualitatively and/or quantitatively determined. Particularly preferably, within the meaning of the present invention, a sample has target nucleic-acid sequences as the analytes, in particular target DNA sequences and/or target RNA sequences, and/or target proteins as the analytes, in particular target antigens and/or target antibodies. Particularly preferably, at least one disease and/or pathogen can be detected or identified in the sample by qualitatively and/or quantitatively determining the analytes.

(49) Preferably, the analysis device 200 controls the testing of the sample P in particular in or on the cartridge 100 and/or the analysis device 200 is used to evaluate the testing and/or to collect, to process and/or to store measured values from the test.

(50) By means of the analysis device 200 and/or by means of the cartridge 100 and/or using the method for testing the sample P, an analyte of the sample P, or particularly preferably a plurality of analytes of the sample P, can preferably be determined, identified or detected. Said analytes are in particular detected, identified and/or measured not only qualitatively, but particularly preferably also quantitatively.

(51) Therefore, the sample P can in particular be tested for qualitatively or quantitatively determining at least one analyte, for example, in order for it to be possible to detect or identify a disease and/or pathogen or to determine other values, which are important for diagnostics, for example.

(52) The cartridge 100 is preferably at least substantially planar, flat, plate-shaped and/or card-like.

(53) The cartridge 100 preferably comprises an in particular at least substantially planar, flat, plate-shaped and/or card-like main body or support 101, the main body or support 101 in particular being made of and/or injection-molded from plastics material, particularly preferably polypropylene.

(54) The cartridge 100 preferably comprises at least one film or cover 102 for covering the main body 101 and/or cavities and/or channels formed therein at least in part, in particular on the front 100A, and/or for forming valves or the like, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4.

(55) The cartridge 100 and/or the main body 101 thereof, in particular together with the cover 102, preferably forms and/or comprises a fluidic system 103, referred to in the following as the fluid system 103.

(56) The cartridge 100, the main body 101 and/or the fluid system 103 are preferably at least substantially vertically oriented in the operating position and/or during the test, in particular in the analysis device 200, as shown schematically in FIG. 3. In particular, the main plane or surface extension of the cartridge 100 thus extends at least substantially vertically in the operating position.

(57) The cartridge 100 and/or the fluid system 103 preferably comprises a plurality of cavities, in particular at least one receiving cavity 104, at least one metering cavity 105, at least one intermediate cavity 106, at least one mixing cavity 107, at least one storage cavity 108, at least one reaction cavity 109, at least one intermediate temperature-control cavity 110 and/or at least one collection cavity 111, the cavities preferably being fluidically interconnected by a plurality of channels.

(58) Within the meaning of the present invention, channels are preferably elongate forms for conducting a fluid in a main flow direction, the forms preferably being closed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the main flow direction and/or longitudinal extension, preferably on all sides.

(59) In particular, the main body 101 comprises elongate notches, recesses, depressions or the like, which are closed at the sides by the cover 102 and form channels within the meaning of the present invention.

(60) Within the meaning of the present invention, cavities or chambers are preferably formed by recesses, depressions or the like in the cartridge 100 or main body 101, which are closed or covered by the cover 102, in particular at the side. The volume or space enclosed by each cavity is preferably fluidically linked, in particular to the fluid system 103, by means of channels.

(61) In particular, within the meaning of the present invention, a cavity comprises at least two openings for the inflow and/or outflow of fluids.

(62) Within the meaning of the present invention, cavities preferably have a larger diameter and/or flow cross section than channels, preferably by at least a factor of 2, 3 or 4. In principle, however, cavities may in some cases also be elongate, in a similar manner to channels.

(63) The cartridge 100 and/or the fluid system 103 also preferably comprises at least one pump apparatus 112 and/or at least one sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113.

(64) The reaction cavity/cavities 109 is/are preferably designed to allow a substance located in the reaction cavity 109 to react when an assay is being carried out, for example by being linked or coupled to apparatuses or modules of the analysis device 200.

(65) The reaction cavity/cavities 109 is/are used in particular to carry out an amplification reaction, in particular PCR, or several, preferably different, amplification reactions, in particular PCRs. It is preferable to carry out several, preferably different, PCRs, i.e., PCRs having different primer combinations or primer pairs, in parallel and/or independently and/or in different reaction cavities 109.

(66) The amplification products, target nucleic-acid sequences and/or other portions of the sample P produced in the one or more reaction cavities 109 can be conducted or fed to the connected sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113, in particular by means of the pump apparatus 112.

(67) The sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113 is used in particular for detecting or identifying, particularly preferably qualitatively and/or quantitatively determining, the analyte or analytes of the sample P, in this case particularly preferably the target nucleic-acid sequences and/or target proteins as the analytes. Alternatively, or additionally, however, other values may also be collected or determined.

(68) The cartridge 100, the main body 101 and/or the fluid system 103 preferably comprise a plurality of channels 114 and/or valves 115, as shown in FIG. 4.

(69) By means of the channels 114 and/or valves 115, the cavities 104 to 111, the pump apparatus 112 and/or the sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113 can be temporarily and/or permanently fluidically interconnected and/or fluidically separated from one another, as required and/or optionally or selectively, in particular such that they are controlled by the analysis device 200.

(70) The cavities 104 to 111 are preferably each fluidically linked or interconnected by a plurality of channels 114. Particularly preferably, each cavity is linked or connected by at least two associated channels 114, in order to make it possible for fluid to fill, flow through and/or drain from the respective cavities as required.

(71) The receiving cavity 104 preferably comprises a connection 104A for introducing the sample P. In the context of the present invention the sample P is usually a blood sample and blood plasma and blood serum is separated by the filter according to the invention. For this purpose, the filter 370 according to the invention is connected with the lower opening or outlet 377, in particular the plasma outlet opening for a suitable connecting piece, to the connection 104A of the receiving cavity 104 of the cartridge 100. In the context of the present invention, the sample P is blood plasma.

(72) The cartridge 100 is preferably designed as a microfluidic card and/or the fluid system 103 is preferably designed as a microfluidic system. In the present invention, the term “microfluidic” is preferably understood to mean that the respective volumes of individual cavities, some of the cavities or all of the cavities 104 to 111 and/or channels 114 are, separately or cumulatively, less than 5 ml or 2 ml, particularly preferably less than 1 ml or 800 μl, in particular less than 600 μl or 300 μl, more particularly preferably less than 200 μl or 100 μl.

(73) Particularly preferably, a sample P having a maximum volume of 5 ml, 2 ml or 1 ml can be introduced into the cartridge 100 and/or the fluid system 103, in particular the receiving cavity 104.

(74) Reagents and liquids which are preferably introduced or provided before the test in liquid form as liquids or liquid reagents F and/or in dry form as dry reagents S are required for testing the sample P, as shown in the schematic view according to FIG. 4.

(75) Furthermore, other liquids F, in particular in the form of a wash buffer, solvent for dry reagents S and/or a substrate, for example in order to form detection molecules and/or a redox system, are also preferably required for the test, the detection process and/or for other purposes, and are in particular provided in the cartridge 100, i.e. are likewise introduced before use, in particular before delivery.

(76) The cartridge 100 preferably contains all the reagents and liquids required for pretreating the sample P and/or for carrying out the test or assay, in particular for carrying out one or more amplification reactions or PCRs, and therefore, particularly preferably, it is only necessary to receive the optionally pretreated sample P.

(77) Once the sample P has been introduced into the receiving cavity 104 and the connection 104A has been closed, the cartridge 100 can be inserted into and/or received in the proposed analysis device 200 in order to test the sample P, as shown in FIG. 3.

(78) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a mount or receptacle 201 for mounting and/or receiving the cartridge 100.

(79) Preferably, the cartridge 100 is fluidically, in particular hydraulically, separated or isolated from the analysis device 200. In particular, the cartridge 100 forms a preferably independent and in particular closed or sealed fluidic or hydraulic system 103 for the sample P and the reagents and other liquids. In this way, the analysis device 200 does not come into direct contact with the sample P and can in particular be reused for another test without being disinfected and/or cleaned first.

(80) It is however provided that the analysis device 200 is connected or coupled mechanically, electrically, thermally and/or pneumatically to the cartridge 100.

(81) In particular, the analysis device 200 is designed to have a mechanical effect, in particular for actuating the pump apparatus 112 and/or the valves 115, and/or to have a thermal effect, in particular for temperature-controlling the reaction cavity/cavities 109 and/or the intermediate temperature-control cavity 110.

(82) In addition, the analysis device 200 can preferably be pneumatically connected to the cartridge 100, in particular in order to actuate individual apparatuses, and/or can be electrically connected to the cartridge 100, in particular in order to collect and/or transmit measured values, for example from the sensor apparatus 113 and/or from sensor portions 116.

(83) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a pump drive 202, the pump drive 202 in particular being designed for mechanically actuating the pump apparatus 112.

(84) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a connection apparatus 203 for in particular electrically and/or thermally connecting the cartridge 100 and/or the sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113.

(85) As shown in FIG. 3, the connection apparatus 203 preferably comprises a plurality of electrical contact elements 203A, the cartridge 100, in particular the sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113, preferably being electrically connected or connectable to the analysis device 200 by the contact elements 203A.

(86) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises one or more temperature-control apparatuses 204 for temperature-controlling the cartridge 100 and/or having a thermal effect on the cartridge 100, in particular for heating and/or cooling, the temperature-control apparatus(es) 204 (each) preferably comprising or being formed by a heating resistor or a Peltier element.

(87) Preferably, individual temperature-control apparatus 204, some of these apparatus or all of these apparatus can be positioned against the cartridge 100, the main body 101, the cover 102, the sensor arrangement, sensor apparatus 113 and/or individual cavities and/or can be thermally coupled thereto and/or can be integrated therein and/or can be operated or controlled in particular electrically by the analysis device 200. In the example shown, in particular the temperature-control apparatus 204A, 204B and/or 204C are provided.

(88) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises one or more actuators 205 for actuating the valves 115. Particularly preferably, different (types or groups of) actuators 205A and 205B are provided which are assigned to the different (types or groups of) valves 115A and 115B for actuating each of said valves, respectively.

(89) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises one or more sensors 206. In particular, sensors 206 are assigned to the sensor portions 116 and/or are designed or provided for detecting liquid fronts and/or flows of fluid in the fluid system 103, the ambient temperature, internal temperature, atmospheric humidity, position, and/or alignment, for example by means of a GPS sensor, and/or the orientation and/or inclination of the analysis device 200 and/or the cartridge 100.

(90) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a control apparatus 207, in particular comprising an internal clock or time base for controlling the sequence of a test or assay and/or for collecting, evaluating and/or outputting or providing measured values in particular from the sensor apparatus 113, and/or from test results and/or other data or values.

(91) The control apparatus 207 preferably controls or feedback controls the pump drive 202, the temperature-control apparatuses 204 and/or actuators 205, in particular taking into account or depending on the desired test and/or measured values from the sensor arrangement or sensor apparatus 113 and/or sensors 206.

(92) Optionally, the analysis device 200 comprises an input apparatus 208, such as a keyboard, a touch screen or the like, and/or a display apparatus 209, such as a screen.

(93) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises at least one interface 210, for example for controlling, for communicating and/or for outputting measured data or test results and/or for linking to other devices, such as a printer, an external power supply or the like. This may in particular be a wired or wireless interface 210.

(94) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a power supply 211 for providing electrical power, preferably a battery or an accumulator, which is in particular integrated and/or externally connected or connectable.

(95) The analysis device 200 preferably comprises a housing 212, all the components and/or some or all of the apparatuses preferably being integrated in the housing 212. Particularly preferably, the cartridge 100 can be inserted or slid into the housing 212, and/or can be received by the analysis device 200, through an opening 213 which can in particular be closed, such as a slot or the like.

(96) The analysis device 200 is preferably portable or mobile. Particularly preferably, the analysis device 200 weighs less than 25 kg or 20 kg, particularly preferably less than 15 kg or 10 kg, in particular less than 9 kg or 6 kg.

(97) Individual aspects and features of the present invention and individual method steps and/or variants of the method may be implemented independently from one another, but also in any desired combination and/or order.