Systems and methods for processing samples in a closed container, and related devices

• Main Authors: SPENCE, SIMON JONATHON, GRANT, RICHARD ALEXANDER, HARRIS, SIMON, NEIL, ROBERT ALISTER, HUNTER, WILLIAM SAMUEL, KNEEN, DAVID THOMAS, ABDELMOTELEB, ASHRAF F, PEELE, TIMOTHY DOYLE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.05.2012
• Subjects: ACTUATING-FLOATS; APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; BEER; BIOCHEMISTRY; BLASTING; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES; CHEMISTRY; COCKS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; ENZYMOLOGY; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HAND TOOLS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MANIPULATORS; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; METALLURGY; MICROBIOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; SPIRITS; TAPS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; VALVES; VINEGAR; WEAPONS; WINE

A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.