Assays based on liquid flow over arrays

Abstract

Cassette () performs assays, e.g. multiplexed protein biomarker assays. Wide, bubble-free, slow flows are produced from liquids stored on cassette (), flowing over wide array () of ligand receptors on a capture surface. Flows of Reynolds Number less than about 1, preferably 1×10to 5×10, are heated in region () preceding and including bubble removal system (). Analyte is introduced through compressed septum (). External actuations of displacement pumps () and valves (A, B, and C) produce flows in response to flow-front optical sensors (). Elastic sheet provides pump and valve diaphragms and resilient expansion of mixing volume (). Break-away cover portions are pistons. Heating is by conduction through cassette from external contact heater. Planar cassette body, when tilted from horizontal, enables upward flow from pumped storage () to reaction () to waste (), with buoyancy bubble removal before reaction. Reading of fluorescence is by external reader, employing calibration, control and reference features on capture surface. Extensive set of calibration features of differing intensities enables self-calibration.