Patent Description:
This application relates to devices with liquid reservoirs.

It can be useful to read out information optically from liquid samples, for example by shining laser light into a liquid sample and sensing light from the liquid sample, wherein information about the sample can be determined from the sensed light. <CIT> describes a multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer that includes a rotor drive for rotating the rotor at rates greater than one thousand rpm for mixing reactants and performing analyses while the rotor is being driven in rotation defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes. Each elongated cuvette defines a first chamber for receiving a first reactant and a loading port through which the first reactant is introduced into the first chamber region, a second chamber region for receiving a second reactant and a loading port through which the second reactant is introduced into the second chamber region, and divider structure between the first and second chamber regions that provides a transfer passage between the first and second chamber regions through which the first reactant may be flowed into the second chamber region for forming a reaction product with the second reactant. An analysis region is defined adjacent the radially outer wall of each cuvette where the resulting reaction product is subjected to analysis, the analysis regions being disposed in a circumferential array adjacent the periphery of the rotor, and mechanical interlock structure that is radially aligned with the analysis regions is adapted to receive a thermal sensor carried by the rotor drive for monitoring analysis region temperature during data acquisition.

Devices with optically readable liquid reservoirs, and methods of making and using the same, are provided herein. The invention to which this European patent relates is defined by the appended claims.

The device includes a lower reservoir surface, an upper reservoir surface, and a reservoir sidewall extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces which together define a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to be completely filled by a liquid such that the liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, with a meniscus of the liquid being outside of the reservoir. At least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface is configured to transmit light.

A channel is coupled to the reservoir sidewall. With such an arrangement, the meniscus can be located within the channel. A well fluidically can be coupled to the reservoir via the channel such that the meniscus is located within the well.

The assay chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel. The assay chamber includes an inlet. The assay chamber can have a reagent disposed therein. The reagent can be configured to react with liquid received in the assay chamber via the inlet. The channel can be configured to transmit the liquid from the assay chamber to the reservoir responsive to application of a force (e.g., centrifugal force, a gas source, etc.) to the assay chamber.

A rotatable disc can be provided in which the reservoir is disposed. Rotating such disc can generate centrifugal force.

The assay chamber includes a lower assay chamber surface, an upper assay chamber surface, and an assay chamber sidewall extending between the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall can include a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall includes a portion extending at an obtuse angle, from the lower assay chamber surface.

The liquid can be conveyed upward along the second portion and into the channel responsive to application of force.

In some variations, the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall can be integrally formed with one another. In other variations, the upper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can be integrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. In still other variations, the lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface can be integrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. In further variations, all of the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoir sidewall can be integrally formed with one another.

Further, the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements. The upper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can be discrete elements. The lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface can be discrete elements. The assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements.

The channel and the sidewall can be integrally formed with one another. The channel and the sidewall can be discrete elements.

The lower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the sidewall can be discrete elements attached to one another.

The reservoir sidewall can define a circular, rectangular, square, or irregular cross section of the reservoir.

The device can include a source of light such as, for example, a laser, light emitting diode, or lamp. The source of the light can be positioned over the upper reservoir surface and configured to transmit the light through (e.g., laterally through, etc.) the upper reservoir surface. The source of the light further can be configured to transmit the light through the column and then through the lower reservoir surface. The source of the light can be positioned under the lower reservoir surface and be configured to transmit the light through the lower reservoir surface. The source of the light further can be configured to transmit the light through the column and then through the upper reservoir surface.

The device can include a sensor configured to receive (and characterize) the light transmitted through the at least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface. The sensor can be positioned in a variety of locations. For example, the sensor can be positioned over the upper reservoir surface and be configured to receive the light through the upper reservoir surface. The sensor can be positioned under the lower reservoir surface and be configured to receive the light through the lower reservoir surface.

The light can be generated by, for example, fluorescence or chemiluminescence.

Reagents that can be used with the device include an antibody, enzyme, or particle.

The reservoir can have varying volumes. For example, the reservoir can have a volume of about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL.

The device can house or otherwise characterize a wide variety of liquids. For example, the liquid can be a bodily fluid such as whole blood, blood plasma, blood cells, urine, and/or spit. The liquid can be a food sample, a water sample, a purified nucleic acid, a pharmaceutical compound, a buffer, and/or a reagent.

In another aspect, a reservoir can be filled (e.g., completely filled, substantially filled, etc.) with a liquid. The reservoir can include a lower reservoir surface, an upper reservoir surface, and a reservoir sidewall extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces. The liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall. A meniscus of the liquid is located outside of the reservoir. Light is transmitted through at least one the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface.

Devices with optically readable liquid reservoirs, and methods of making and using the same, are provided herein. The present devices can facilitate obtaining information from liquid samples by providing a reservoir that can be completely filled with liquid such that a meniscus of the liquid is outside of the reservoir. Location of the meniscus outside of the reservoir can facilitate reading out information optically from the sample within that reservoir. For example, the liquid can form a column within the reservoir that is bounded by top and bottom surfaces and a sidewall of the reservoir. At least one of top and bottom surfaces is at least partially transparent, thus permitting sensing of light from or through the liquid and through the partially transparent top and/or bottom surface(s) without that light being transmitted through the meniscus. As a comparison, transmission of such light through a meniscus can alter the path focus, and other qualities of the light, which can hinder read out of information.

<FIG> respectively schematically illustrate cross-sectional and plan views of an exemplary device not forming part of the invention with an optically readable liquid reservoir. In <FIG>, device <NUM> includes lower reservoir surface <NUM>, upper reservoir surface <NUM>, and one or more reservoir sidewalls <NUM> extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces <NUM>. Lower reservoir surface <NUM>, upper reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> define reservoir <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, reservoir <NUM> is configured to be completely filled by a liquid such that the liquid forms a column contacting upper reservoir surface <NUM>, lower reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall <NUM>, with a meniscus <NUM> of the liquid being outside of the reservoir. By "completely filled" it is meant that the liquid contacts substantially the entirety of reservoir <NUM>, e.g., substantially completely and directly contacts upper surface <NUM>, substantially completely and directly contacts lower surface <NUM>, and substantially completely and directly contacts sidewall(s) <NUM>. Such substantially complete and direct contact between the liquid and the surface can include a relatively small area, for example <NUM>% or less of that surface's area, in which a bubble or particle is interposed between the liquid and that surface. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the liquid and meniscus <NUM> optionally need not be considered to form part of the present device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an optional structure <NUM> is fluidically coupled to reservoir <NUM>, e.g., via an opening <NUM> through sidewall(s) <NUM>, and configured to receive meniscus <NUM>. In <FIG>, the boundary of reservoir <NUM> and opening <NUM> are indicated in dotted lines. It should be appreciated that structure <NUM> can be, but need not necessarily be considered to form part of the present device <NUM>. Structure <NUM> can have any suitable configuration for receiving meniscus <NUM>, for example but not limited to examples such as described in greater herein with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In configurations such as illustrated in <FIG>, at least one of the upper reservoir surface <NUM> and lower reservoir surface <NUM> is configured to transmit light. As such, light from or through the top and/or bottom of the column of liquid within reservoir <NUM> can be sensed from outside of the reservoir so as to obtain information about that liquid. For example, <FIG> schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary devices with an optically readable liquid reservoir, a light sensor, and an optional light source, not forming part of the invention.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM> includes lower reservoir surface <NUM>, upper reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> defining a reservoir <NUM> configured similarly as described with reference to <FIG>. Device <NUM> optionally also can include source <NUM> of light, which can be configured so as to transmit light into reservoir <NUM> via the upper reservoir surface <NUM> or lower reservoir surface <NUM>. Examples of source <NUM> of light include, but are limited, to a laser, light emitting diode, or lamp (such as a halogen, mercury, or xenon lamp). The light generated by source <NUM> can be narrowband or broadband, and can be coherent or incoherent. Additionally, the light can have any suitable wavelength(s), for example in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. In configurations such as illustrated in <FIG>, source <NUM> of the light optionally is positioned over upper reservoir surface <NUM> and configured to transmit the light through the upper reservoir surface <NUM>. Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, source <NUM> of the light further optionally can be configured to transmit the light through the column of liquid within reservoir <NUM> and then through the lower reservoir surface <NUM>. In such configurations, both upper reservoir surface <NUM> and lower reservoir surface <NUM> can be at least partially optically transparent. Additionally, it should be appreciated that source <NUM> can be located at any suitable position relative to reservoir <NUM>. For example, in an alternative configuration, source <NUM> of the light optionally can be positioned under the lower reservoir surface <NUM> and configured to transmit the light through the lower reservoir surface <NUM>. As a further option of such a configuration, source <NUM> of the light further can be configured to transmit the light through the column of liquid within reservoir <NUM> and then through the upper reservoir surface <NUM>. In such configurations, both upper reservoir surface <NUM> and lower reservoir surface <NUM> can be at least partially optically transparent.

Referring still to the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM> optionally further can include sensor <NUM> configured to receive the light transmitted through the upper reservoir surface <NUM> and/or lower reservoir surface <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> can have any suitable configuration, such as a photodetector, photodiode, photomultiplier, charge coupled device, and the like, and can be configured to generate an electrical signal based on light received from or through the liquid within reservoir <NUM>. Information about the liquid can be obtained based on such an electrical signal. For example, in <FIG>, sensor <NUM> is positioned under the lower reservoir surface <NUM> and is configured to receive the light through the lower reservoir surface <NUM>, which light can be generated by source <NUM>. In an alternative configuration such as noted above in which source <NUM> of the light is positioned under lower reservoir surface <NUM>, sensor <NUM> optionally can be positioned over the upper reservoir surface <NUM> and configured to receive the light through the upper reservoir surface <NUM>. In any such configuration, note that meniscus <NUM> is located outside of reservoir <NUM>, e.g., within structure <NUM>. As such, meniscus <NUM> is outside of the optical path <NUM> between source <NUM> and sensor <NUM> and therefore does not interfere with optically obtaining information about the liquid.

Note that information about the liquid can be obtained in a variety of suitable configurations, not all of which require "transmission-mode" arrangements of the light source and/or sensor such as described above with reference to <FIG>, which can be considered to be arrangements. For example, <FIG> illustrates an exemplary device <NUM>', not forming part of the invention, including element <NUM>' located above upper reservoir surface <NUM> and configured to transmit light to and/or receive light from liquid within reservoir <NUM> only through upper reservoir surface <NUM>. Alternatively, element <NUM>' can be located below lower reservoir surface <NUM> and configured to transmit light to and/or receive light from liquid within reservoir <NUM> only through lower reservoir surface <NUM>. For example, element <NUM>' optionally can include a light source (which can be configured similarly as light source <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>) and/or optionally can include a sensor (which can be configured similarly as sensor <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>). In configurations where element <NUM>' includes both a light source and a sensor, element <NUM>' optionally can include at least one optic that both transmits light from the light source and receives light from the liquid within reservoir <NUM>. In one exemplary configuration, element <NUM>' is or includes a confocal microscope.

As another example, <FIG> illustrates an exemplary device <NUM>", not forming part of the invention, including source <NUM>" of light and sensor <NUM>", both of which are located above upper reservoir surface <NUM> and respectively configured to transmit light to and receive light from liquid within reservoir <NUM> only through upper reservoir surface <NUM>. Alternatively, source <NUM>" of light and sensor <NUM>" both can be located below lower reservoir surface <NUM> and respectively configured to transmit light to and receive light from liquid within reservoir <NUM> only through lower reservoir surface <NUM>. Source <NUM>" can be configured similarly as light source <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and sensor <NUM>" can be configured similarly as sensor <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The configuration illustrated in <FIG> can be considered to be a "reflection-mode" configuration.

In some configurations such as exemplified by <FIG>, light can be generated by a suitable light source, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>', or <NUM>" and can be received by a suitable sensor, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>', or <NUM>" which generates an electrical signal based upon which information about the liquid within reservoir <NUM> can be obtained. For example, the light can be partially or fully absorbed by the liquid within reservoir <NUM> generating an interpretable signal within the electrical signal generated by the sensor, and information about the liquid can be obtained by analyzing the electrical signal. As another example, the light can cause the liquid within reservoir to fluoresce, such fluorescence generating an interpretable signal within the electrical signal generated by the sensor, and information about the liquid can be obtained by analyzing the electrical signal. However, a light source need not necessarily be required in order to obtain information about the liquid within reservoir <NUM> via light that the sensor receives. For example, the light can be generated by chemiluminescence of the liquid, such chemiluminescence generating an interpretable signal within the electrical signal generated by the sensor, and information about the liquid can be obtained by analyzing the electrical signal. Other suitable configurations for obtaining and analyzing light from liquid within reservoir <NUM> can be implemented.

As noted above with reference to <FIG>, the present devices can include or be coupled to another structure <NUM> within which the liquid's meniscus can be located. For example, <FIG> schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary devices with wells attached to optically readable reservoirs, according to various configurations provided herein. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM> includes lower reservoir surface <NUM>, upper reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> defining a reservoir <NUM> configured similarly as described with reference to <FIG>. Device <NUM> optionally also can include a source of light and/or sensor configured similarly as described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM>, not forming part of the invention, optionally can include channel <NUM> coupled to reservoir sidewall <NUM>. In some configurations, device <NUM> optionally further includes a well <NUM> that is fluidically coupled to the reservoir <NUM> via the channel <NUM>. The meniscus <NUM> can have any suitable location within device <NUM>. For example, in some configurations such as illustrated in <FIG>, meniscus <NUM> is located within the well <NUM>, while in other configurations such as illustrated in <FIG>, meniscus <NUM> is located within the channel <NUM>.

Optionally, well <NUM> can be or include an assay chamber. By "assay chamber" it is meant a reservoir in which a liquid can be assayed, e.g., mixed with one or more reagents with which the liquid chemically and/or biologically reacts to generate a change in the liquid that can be detected optically (e.g., using a sensor such as described with reference to <FIG>). For example, in configurations such as illustrated in <FIG>, well <NUM> can define an assay chamber <NUM> that is fluidically coupled to reservoir <NUM> via channel <NUM>. The assay chamber optionally can include an inlet <NUM>, and as a further option can include a reagent <NUM> within the assay chamber <NUM>. Reagent <NUM> can be configured to react with liquid which is received in the assay chamber <NUM> via the inlet <NUM>. The reagent <NUM> can be dry or wet prior to addition of the liquid via inlet <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, reagent <NUM> can be dispersed throughout or dissolved in the liquid. Exemplary reagents include, but are not limited to, an antibody, enzyme, or particle. However, note that use of reagent is optional, in which case element <NUM> may be considered simply to be a well.

Note that liquid added into assay chamber <NUM> (which also can be considered a well), e.g., via inlet <NUM>, may not necessarily flow under its own power into reservoir <NUM> via channel <NUM>. In some configurations, channel <NUM> is configured to convey the liquid from the assay chamber to the reservoir responsive to application of a force to assay chamber <NUM>. For example, device <NUM> can include a source of gas (not specifically illustrated) configured to apply the force via the gas. Such gas can be introduced to assay chamber <NUM> via inlet <NUM> and can force liquid through channel <NUM> and into reservoir <NUM> so as to completely fill the reservoir in a manner such as described with reference to <FIG>. In other exemplary configurations, the force can include a centrifugal force. For example, device <NUM> can include a rotatable disc in which reservoir <NUM> is disposed, wherein rotating the disc generates the centrifugal force. An exemplary rotatable disc is described herein with reference to <FIG>.

In the nonlimiting configuration illustrated in <FIG>, assay chamber <NUM> (which also can be considered a well) can include lower assay chamber surface <NUM>, upper assay chamber surface <NUM>, and assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> extending between the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Any suitable combination of lower assay chamber surface <NUM>, upper assay chamber surface <NUM>, assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM>, channel <NUM>, lower reservoir surface <NUM>, upper reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> can be formed as discrete elements that are attached to one another, or can be integrally formed with one another, and can have any suitable shape and dimensions. In a nonlimiting example, reservoir <NUM> and/or well <NUM> each can have a volume of about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL. As used herein, "about" means within <NUM>% of the stated value.

Note that in configurations in which meniscus <NUM> is located within well <NUM> such as shown in <FIG>, the meniscus can be oriented substantially parallel to the upper and/or lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and can have a surface area similar to that of the lower surface <NUM> and/or upper surface <NUM> as a result of gravitational effects. In comparison, in configurations in which meniscus <NUM> is located within channel <NUM> such as shown in <FIG>, the meniscus can be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the length of the channel, and can have a surface area similar to that of the height and width of the channel as result of surface tension and capillary action. In such a configuration, the liquid can have a smaller meniscus and can experience a lower rate of evaporation in the configuration of <FIG> relative to that in the configuration of <FIG>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate views of alternative devices with an optically readable liquid reservoir, not according to the invention. In the nonlimiting configuration of device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, lower assay chamber surface <NUM>, assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM>, lower surface of channel <NUM>, lower reservoir surface <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> are integrally formed with one another, while upper assay chamber surface <NUM>, upper surface of channel <NUM>, and upper reservoir surface <NUM> are integrally formed with one another. Referring again to <FIG>, assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> optionally can be integrally formed with one another in a manner similar to that of assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM>, while other suitable components of device <NUM> can be integrally formed with one another or discrete from one another For example, the upper assay chamber surface <NUM> and the upper reservoir surface <NUM> optionally can be integrally formed with one another in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG> and can be attached to such an integrally formed assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM>. As another example, lower assay chamber surface <NUM> and lower reservoir surface <NUM> can be integrally formed with one another in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG> and attached to such an integrally formed assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM>. In still other examples, assay chamber sidewall <NUM>, one or more surfaces of channel <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall <NUM> can be integrally formed with one another in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG>. In yet other configurations, assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> optionally can be discrete elements in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG>. As a further option, upper assay chamber surface <NUM> and upper reservoir surface <NUM> can be discrete elements and/or lower assay chamber surface <NUM> and lower reservoir surface <NUM> can be discrete elements in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, optionally assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM>, one or more surfaces of channel <NUM>, and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> can be discrete elements in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring still to <FIG>, note that channel <NUM> and assay chamber (well) <NUM> each are optional. If present, such features can be integrally formed with, or discrete from, one or more features of reservoir <NUM> which features also can be integrally formed with, or discrete from, one another. For example, one or more surfaces (and optionally all surfaces) of optional channel <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> can be integrally formed with one another, or can be discrete elements. In the nonlimiting configuration illustrated in <FIG>, lower reservoir surface <NUM>', upper reservoir surface <NUM>', and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM>' are all formed integrally with one another. In another configuration, lower reservoir surface <NUM>', upper reservoir surface <NUM>', and sidewall(s) <NUM>' are discrete elements attached to one another in a manner such as illustrated in <FIG>.

Additionally, reservoir sidewall(s) and assay chamber (well) sidewall(s) such as provided herein can have any suitable cross section. For example, the sidewall(s) of the reservoir and/or assay chamber can define a circular, rectangular, square, or irregular cross section of the reservoir and/or assay chamber. A non-limiting example such sidewall(s) defining a rectangular cross-section is illustrated in <FIG>, and such a cross-section similarly can be defined by the sidewall(s) of the assay chamber (well). <FIG> illustrates a circular cross section that can be defined by sidewall(s) of the reservoir <NUM>" and/or assay chamber <NUM>".

Still other variations of the present devices readily can be envisioned. For example, <FIG> schematically illustrate perspective and plan views of components of an alternative device <NUM> with an optically readable liquid reservoir, according to various configurations provided herein. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM> includes a lower reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated), upper reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated), and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> defining a reservoir <NUM> configured similarly as described with reference to <FIG>. Device <NUM> optionally also can include a source of light and/or sensor configured similarly as described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, device <NUM> optionally can include channel <NUM> coupled to reservoir sidewall <NUM>. In some configurations, device <NUM> optionally further includes a well <NUM> that is fluidically coupled to the reservoir <NUM> via the channel <NUM>. The meniscus (not specifically illustrated) can have any suitable location within device <NUM>. For example, in some configurations similar to those illustrated in <FIG>, the meniscus is located within the well <NUM>, while in other configurations similar to those illustrated in <FIG>, meniscus <NUM> is located within the channel. Optionally, well <NUM> can be or include an assay chamber configured in a manner similar to that described with reference to <FIG>. The assay chamber optionally can include an inlet <NUM>, and as a further option can include a reagent (not specifically illustrated) within the assay chamber <NUM> which is configured to react with liquid which is received in the assay chamber <NUM> via the inlet <NUM>.

In the nonlimiting configuration illustrated in <FIG>, assay chamber <NUM> (which also can be considered a well) can include lower assay chamber surface <NUM>, upper assay chamber surface (not specifically illustrated), and assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM> extending between the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. Any suitable combination of lower assay chamber surface <NUM>, upper assay chamber surface (not specifically illustrated), assay chamber sidewall(s) <NUM>, channel <NUM>, lower reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated), upper reservoir surface (not specifically illustrated), and reservoir sidewall(s) <NUM> can be formed as discrete elements that are attached to one another or can be integrally formed with one another in a manner such as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and can have any suitable shape and dimensions in a manner such as described with reference to <FIG> and 4C. In some variations, the device <NUM> can include a cover <NUM> and/or a bottom surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, assay chamber sidewall <NUM> optionally includes a first portion <NUM> extending substantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. Assay chamber sidewall <NUM> includes a second portion <NUM> extending at an obtuse angle, from the lower assay chamber surface <NUM>. Responsive to application of a force such as described herein with reference to <FIG>, liquid that is deposited within assay chamber <NUM> can be conveyed upward along the second portion and into the channel. For example, <FIG> schematically illustrates a plan view of a device <NUM> including multiple of the devices <NUM> of <FIG>, according to various configurations provided herein. More specifically, devices <NUM> can be disposed within a rotatable disc configured so as to be centrifugally spun at a sufficient rate to transfer liquid disposed within assay chamber <NUM> into reservoir <NUM> for optical analysis.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary flow of operations in a method of using the devices of <FIG>, according to various configurations provided herein. Method <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can include completely filling a reservoir with a liquid (<NUM>). The reservoir can include a lower reservoir surface; an upper reservoir surface; and a reservoir sidewall extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces, e.g., such as described with reference to <FIG>. During operation <NUM>, the liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, and a meniscus of the liquid can be located outside of the reservoir, e.g., such as described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Method <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also includes transmitting light through at least one the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface (<NUM>), for example such as described with reference to <FIG>.

The device used in method <NUM> can has a configuration and combination of features such as described with reference to <FIG> A channel is coupled to the reservoir sidewall. The meniscus optionally can be located within the channel. In various optional configurations, the channel and the sidewall can be integrally formed with one another, or can be discrete elements. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally the lower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the sidewall are discrete elements attached to one another. Additionally, or alternatively, the reservoir sidewall defines a circular, rectangular, square, or irregular cross section. In various optional configurations, the reservoir has a volume of about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL, or about <NUM>-<NUM>µL.

In some optional configurations, a well optionally can be fluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel, wherein the meniscus optionally can be located within the well. An assay chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir via the channel. The assay chamber includes an inlet. A reagent optionally can be within the assay chamber. Optionally, the reagent includes an antibody, enzyme, or particle.

In some configurations, method <NUM> optionally further includes receiving the liquid in the assay chamber via the inlet, and reacting the liquid with the reagent in the assay chamber. Additionally, method <NUM> optionally includes applying a force to the assay chamber, and conveying, by the channel, the liquid from the assay chamber to the reservoir responsive to application of the force. The force optionally can include a centrifugal force. For example, the reservoir optionally can be disposed in a rotatable disc, wherein applying the force includes generating the centrifugal force by rotating the disc. As another example, the force optionally can be applied via a gas.

Optionally, in the device used in method <NUM>, the assay chamber includes a lower assay chamber surface, an upper assay chamber surface, and an assay chamber sidewall extending between the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall optionally includes a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces. The assay chamber sidewall includes a second portion extending at an obtuse angle, from the lower assay chamber surface. Optionally, method <NUM> includes, responsive to application of the force, the liquid being conveyed upward along the second portion and into the channel.

Additionally, or alternatively, in the device used in method <NUM> the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall optionally are integrally formed with one another. As a further option, the upper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can be integrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. Optionally, the lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface are integrally formed with one another and attached to the integrally formed assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall. In various optional configurations of the device used in method <NUM>, the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoir sidewall can be integrally formed with one another. In various optional configurations of the device used in method <NUM>, the assay chamber sidewall and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements. In various optional configurations of the device used in method <NUM>, the upper assay chamber surface and the upper reservoir surface can be discrete elements. In various optional configurations of the device used in method <NUM>, the lower assay chamber surface and the lower reservoir surface can be discrete elements. In various optional configurations of the device used in method <NUM>, the assay chamber sidewall, the channel, and the reservoir sidewall can be discrete elements.

Optionally, method <NUM> includes generating the light of operation <NUM>. Optionally, the light can be generated by a laser, light emitting diode, or lamp. Optionally, method <NUM> includes transmitting the light into the column through the upper reservoir surface. Method <NUM> further includes transmitting the light through the column and then through the lower reservoir surface. Alternatively, method <NUM> optionally can include transmitting the light into the column through the lower reservoir surface. As a further option, method <NUM> can include transmitting the light through the column and then through the upper reservoir surface.

Additionally, or alternatively, method <NUM> further can include receiving, by a sensor, the light transmitted through the at least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface. For example, the sensor optionally receives the light through the upper reservoir surface. As another example, the sensor optionally receives the light through the lower reservoir surface. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally the light is generated by fluorescence or chemiluminescence.

Note that devices such as described herein with reference to <FIG> and methods such as described herein with reference to <FIG> suitably can be used to read out information from any type of liquid. One nonlimiting example of a liquid is a bodily fluid, such as whole blood, blood plasma, blood cells, urine, or spit. Other nonlimiting examples of a liquid include a food sample or a water sample. In yet another example, the liquid can include a purified nucleic acid. In still another example, the liquid can include a pharmaceutical compound. Additionally, or alternatively, the liquid can include a buffer or reagent. Such buffer or reagent optionally can be mixed with one or more other liquids such as exemplified herein. In one specific, nonlimiting example, the liquid includes blood plasma which is mixed with a buffer and with a reagent within an assay chamber such as described herein with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG> prior to using centrifugal force to move the mixture into a read well for optical analysis.

The present devices can be constructed using any suitable materials or combination of materials, such as any suitable combination of polymer, glass, metal, and semiconductor. Additionally, the present devices can be constructed using any suitable fabrication technique(s), such as molding, 3D printing, machining, laminate assemblies, thermoforming, chemical or laser etching, casting, and/or hot embossing.

It will be appreciated that the current subject matter provides many advantages. For example, the designs provided herein can limit the rate of evaporation by restricting the surface area of the fluid that is in contact with air. In particular, the current designs can constrict the air interface (meniscus) to the channel or to another area outside the reservoir such as the well.

As another example, the liquid reservoir designs provided herein can limit the movement of beads (used to capture analytes such as small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) in solution when the reservoir is filled with fluid. Such an arrangement is advantageous for imaging purposes as it is desirable for the beads to not move during the imaging process. Beads in solution in the read chamber will settle over time to partially cover the bottom surface of the reservoir. Given that the bead solution is incompressible, and there is no head room in the reservoir, the fluid and beads in solution do not substantially move when the liquid reservoir is spun (i.e., by centrifugal force, etc.) or is otherwise agitated. This arrangement allows for beads in solution within the reservoir to be effectively imaged even when a device including such reservoir (e.g., disc-shaped cassette, etc.) is in motion.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) comprising:
a lower reservoir surface;
an upper reservoir surface, wherein the upper reservoir surface is without an opening; and
a reservoir sidewall (<NUM>) extending between the upper and lower reservoir surfaces,
wherein:
the lower reservoir surface, the upper reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall define a reservoir (<NUM>),
the reservoir is configured to be completely filled by a liquid such that the liquid forms a column contacting the upper reservoir surface, the lower reservoir surface, and the reservoir sidewall, with a meniscus of the liquid being outside of the reservoir, and
at least one of the upper reservoir surface and the lower reservoir surface is configured to transmit light, the device further comprising:
an assay chamber (<NUM>) fluidically coupled to the reservoir via a channel (<NUM>), wherein the channel is coupled to the reservoir sidewall (<NUM>);
wherein the assay chamber (<NUM>) includes a lower assay chamber surface (<NUM>), an upper assay chamber surface, and an assay chamber sidewall (<NUM>) extending between the upper and lower assay chamber surfaces;
wherein the channel (<NUM>) is located adjacent to the upper reservoir surface and the upper assay chamber surface;
wherein the assay chamber sidewall (<NUM>) includes a portion (<NUM>) extending at an obtuse angle from the lower assay chamber surface (<NUM>) and towards the channel (<NUM>); and
wherein the assay chamber (<NUM>) includes an inlet.