Patent ID: 12188954

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION

Hereinafter, aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements in each drawing, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals, if possible, although they are shown in different drawings. Further, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

In addition, terms, such as first, second, (a), (b), (i), (ii), or the like may be used herein when describing components or steps of the present invention. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from other elements of this invention, and a property, an order, a sequence and the like of a corresponding element are not limited by the term.

The phrase “at least one of A and B” or “A and/or B” means A, B or A and B.

Magnet Module100

Referring toFIG.1A, an embodiment of a magnet module100comprises a rod110comprising magnetic force-generating material for collecting magnetic beads, a rod-supporting part112connected to the rod110, and a first coupling part114on the rod-supporting part112, which is configured to couple the rod-supporting part112with a first moving module420.

The rod110may be connected to the rod-supporting part112in a manner that the rod110is inserted into the tube210.

FIG.1Bis a sectional view of an embodiment of a connecting structure between the rod110and the rod-supporting part112in the magnet module100.

FIG.1Cis a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a first coupling part114of a magnet module100.

FIGS.1D and1Eshow other specific embodiments of the magnet module100having two rows of rods110.

Rod110

The rod110comprises magnetic force-generating material to collect magnetic beads. The magnetic force-generating material refers to material capable of producing magnetic field and for example may be a magnet. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

According to an embodiment, a part of the rod110or a whole rod110may consist of magnetic force-generating material.

According to an embodiment, separate magnetic force-generating material102may be connected to an end of the rod110.

According to a more specific embodiment, a separate magnet102may be connected to the rod110through a screw hole102aformed on one end of the rod110.

The rod110may be made of metal, alloyed metal, or non-metal material. The metal material may include, but not limited to, aluminium, steel, stainless steel and alloys thereof. The non-metal material may include plastic material and mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material may include, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

According to an embodiment, the rod110may be made of aluminium material or aluminium alloy material due to its lightness and good machinability.

When the rod110is made of aluminium material, the rod110may be subjected to a surface hardening treatment. One example of the surface hardening treatment may be an anodizing method.

The rod110may be connected to the rod-supporting part112through its upper end portion, particularly its upper end. According to an embodiment, the upper end of the rod110may be protruded upward from the rod-supporting part112, when the upper end portion of the rod110is involved in connection.

According to an embodiment, the upper end portion of the rod110ranges in length from the upper end of the rod110to the point corresponding to 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less or 10% or less of the length of the rod110.

According to an embodiment, the magnet module100may comprises one rod, two rods, three or more rods. The number of rod110can be adjusted as necessary and may be for example, but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2-8, 2-10, 2-13, 2-16, 2-18, 2-20, 2-30. 2-40, 2-50, 2-60, 2-80, 2-90, or 2-100. Although an embodiment may be explained such that the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110in this specification, but the number of rod110is not limited to this.

According to an embodiment, the rod110may have a stick shape, more specifically a cylindrical stick shape.

When the rod110has a cylindrical stick shape, the length of the rod110may be 10-200 mm and the diameter of the rod110may be 1-15 mm but not limited to these ranges. In particular, the length of the rod110may be for example, but not limited to, 10-150 mm, 10-100 mm, 10-90 mm, 10-80 mm, 10-70 mm, 10-60 mm, or 10-50 mm. The diameter of the rod110may be for example, but not limited to, 1-10 mm, 1-9 mm, 1-8 mm, 1-7 mm, or 1-6 mm.

Rod-Supporting Part112

The rod110is connected to a rod-supporting part112and the rod-supporting part112may support the rod110. The rod110may be connected to a rod-supporting part112in a manner that the rod110is inserted into the tube210.

The rod-supporting part112may play a role as a connection mediator between the rod110and a coupling part114. In particular, when the magnet module100comprises one rod110, the rod-supporting part112may be a connection mediating part between the rod110and the coupling part114.

Referring toFIG.1A, the rod110is connected to the rod-supporting part112through its one end. The upper end of the rod110may be connected to the rod-supporting part112with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to each other.

According to an embodiment, when each of the plurality of rods110is connected to the rod-supporting part112, the plurality of rods110is arranged in one row or in two or more rows at regular intervals.

According to an embodiment, two or more rows of the rods110may be adjacent to each other or apart from each other.

Referring toFIG.1D, two rows of the rods110are adjacent to each other. Referring toFIG.1E, two rows of the rods110are apart from each other.

The rod-supporting part112may have, but not limited to, a shape of bar or plate having a flat plane.

The rod110and the rod-supporting part112may be made in an integral single body at a time, or may be made separately and afterwards connected to each other.

When the rod110and the rod-supporting part112are made separately and then connected to each other, a connecting hole104capable of receiving the rod110may be formed on the rod-supporting part112in the longitudinal axis direction and the rod110is inserted into the connecting hole104and fastened to the rod-supporting part112.

In a specific embodiment, a female screw-thread is formed on an inner circumference surface of the connecting hole104, a male screw-thread is formed on an outer circumference surface of an end of the rod110, and the end of the rod110is inserted into the connecting hole104with its rotation to be fastened to the rod-supporting part112.

FIG.1Bis a sectional view of an embodiment of a connecting structure between the rod110and the rod-supporting part112in the magnet module100.

Referring toFIG.1B, a rod hole103, of which a female screw-thread is formed on an inner circumference surface, is formed on an end of the rod110in the longitudinal axis direction, and the end of the rod110is inserted into the connecting hole104and fastened to the rod-supporting part112by rotating and tightening a screw106which is inserted into the rod hole103.

The rod-supporting part112may be made of metal, alloyed metal, or non-metal material. The metal material may include, but not limited to, aluminium, steel, stainless steel and alloys thereof. The non-metal material may include plastic material and mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material may include for example, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

The rod-supporting part112and the rod110may be made of the same material or of the different material.

According to an embodiment, the rod-supporting part112may be made of aluminium material or aluminium alloy material due to its lightness and good machinability.

When the rod-supporting part112is made of aluminium material, the rod-supporting part112may be subjected to a surface hardening treatment. One example of surface hardening treatment may be an anodizing method.

According to an embodiment, the rod-supporting part112may have a shape of bar or plate having a flat plane112a, and the length of the rod-supporting part112may be 10-300 mm, the width of the rod-supporting part112may be 1-200 mm and the thickness of the rod-supporting part112may be 1-30 mm, but not limited to these ranges. In particular, the length of the rod-supporting part112may be for example, but not limited to, 10-250 mm, 10-200 mm, 10-200 mm, 10-150 mm, 10-100 mm. The width of the rod-supporting part112may be for example, but not limited to, 1-200 mm, 1-150 mm, 1-100 mm, 1-90 mm, 1-80 mm, 1-70 mm, 1-60 mm, 1-50 mm, 1-40 mm, 1-30 mm, 1-20 mm, or 1-15 mm. The thickness of the rod-supporting part112may be for example, but not limited to, 1-30 mm, 1-25 mm, 1-20 mm, 1-15 mm, 1-10 mm, or 1-5 mm.

First Coupling Part114

A coupling part114of the magnet module100is on the rod-supporting part112and is configured to couple the rod-supporting part112and the rod110connected to it with a first moving module420. The coupling part114may play a role as a connection mediator between the magnetic module100and the first moving module420.

The coupling part114of the magnet module100is also referred to as the first coupling part114herewith to distinguish it from the coupling part214of the cover module200.

A first coupling part114may be on the rod-supporting part112in various forms. For example, a first coupling part114may be protruded upward or downward from the rod-supporting part112. A first coupling part114may be protruded both upward and downward from the rod-supporting part112. A first coupling part114may be embedded in the rod-supporting part112without protrusion.

According to an embodiment, the first coupling part114of the magnet module100may not be limited to an element having a specific structure.

For example, when the first moving module420is a pipettor module comprising a pipetting head, the first coupling part114comprises a structure (or shape) configured to be coupled to a pipetting head. For example, the first coupling part114may be a portion of the rod-supporting part112to which the first moving module420is coupled. In a specific embodiment, when the first moving module420is a gripper module comprising a gripping finger, the portion of the rod-supporting part112which the gripping finger of the gripper module grasps may be the first coupling part112. The portion to be grasped may comprise an additional protrusion or depression structure (or shape) for enhancing grip.

According to an embodiment, the first coupling part114may be a female coupling part or a male coupling part configured to be joined to an end of the first moving module420. When the first coupling part114is a female coupling part, the first moving module420has a male coupling part particularly at its end, on the contrary, when the first coupling part114is a male coupling part, the first moving module420may has a female coupling part particularly at its end.

According to an embodiment, the first coupling part114may have a shape of a hollow column. According to an embodiment, the lower end of the column is fixed to the rod-supporting part112, particularly to the top of the rod-supporting part112and the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the first moving module420.

According to an embodiment, the upper end of the column is fixed to the rod-supporting part112, particularly to the bottom of the rod-supporting part112, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the first moving module420and the lower end of the column is closed or opened. In this case, the portion of the rod-supporting part112, which is connected to the column, has a hole for a first moving module420insertion.

According to an embodiment, the column penetrates the rod-supporting part112, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the first moving module420and the lower end of the column is closed or opened.

According to an embodiment, the column includes a hole formed in the rod-supporting part112for coupling, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the first moving module420and the lower end of the column is closed or opened.

The coupling of the first coupling part114with the first moving module420may be performed in such a manner that the first moving module420moves to the first coupling part114in a downward direction.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of side of the first coupling part114may be opened for insertion by moving of the first moving module420in a lateral direction.

According to an embodiment, the magnet module100may have one, two or more first coupling parts114.

When the magnet module100has one first coupling part114, the first coupling part114may be located on a central portion of the rod-supporting part112so that a moving force provided by the first moving module420can be transferred uniformly to the rod-supporting part112.

When the magnet module100has two or more first coupling parts114, the first coupling parts114may be located on such a position that a moving force provided by the first moving module420can be transferred uniformly to the rod-supporting part112.

When the rod-supporting part112has a shape of bar or plate having a flat plane112a, the first coupling part114may be on the flat plane112aof the rod-supporting part112.

The first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112may be made in an integral single body. On the other hand, the first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112may be made separately and then connected to each other.

When the first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112are made separately first and then connected to each other, the first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112may be connected to each other by a screw-type connection.

FIG.1Cshows a partial sectional view of the first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112of the magnet module100.

Referring toFIG.1C, a screw hole107is formed on the rod-supporting part112, where a female screw-thread is formed on an inner circumference surface of the screw hole107, and an opening114cis formed on an inner bottom of the first coupling part114. The positions of the opening114cand the screw hole107are matched each other so that a screw can pass through the opening114cand be inserted into the screw hole107. Finally, the connation between the first coupling part114and the rod-supporting part112is fastened by inserting a screw through the opening114cand the screw hole107.

The method of connecting the first coupling part114to the rod-supporting part112is not limited to the screw-type connection but other methods known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

The first coupling part114may be made of various material, for example metal, alloyed metal, or non-metal material. The metal material may include, but not limited to, aluminium, steel, stainless steel and alloys thereof. The non-metal material may include plastic material and a mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material may include for example, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

The first coupling part114may be made of the same material or a different material of which the rod110and the rod-supporting part112are made.

According to an embodiment, the first coupling part114may be made of the same material of which the first moving module420particularly the end of the first moving module420is made so that an abrasion of the first coupling part114can be prevented, the abrasion may be generated by the first moving module420particularly the end of the first moving module420during the repetitive a coupling and an uncoupling.

According to a specific embodiment, the first coupling part114may be made of stainless steel (e.g. SUS) when the first moving module420particularly the end of the first moving module420is made of stainless steel (e.g. SUS).

According to an embodiment, when the first coupling part114is a female coupling part as illustrated inFIGS.1A and1C, an outer diameter of the first coupling part114may be 5-20 mm, 5-15 mm, or 5-10 mm, an inner diameter of the first coupling part114may be 4-15 mm, 4-13 mm, or 4-12 mm, and a height of the first coupling part114may be 5-30 mm, 5-25 mm, 5-20 mm, or 5-15 mm, but not limited to these numerical ranges.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.1C, the first coupling part114may comprise a plurality of inner circumference surfaces114a,114bhaving different diameters and the plurality of inner circumference surfaces114a,114bmay be formed as stepped surfaces.

When the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110, the plurality of rods110may be arranged in one row, each end of which is connected to the rod-supporting part112as illustrated inFIG.1A. On the other hand, the plurality of rods110may be arranged in two or more rows.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of rods110of the magnet module100may be arranged in two or more rows being adjacent to each other.FIG.1Dshows a specific embodiment of the magnet module100having a plurality of rods110arranged in two rows being adjacent to each other.

According to other embodiment, the plurality of rods110of the magnet module100may be arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other.FIG.1Eshows a specific example of the magnet module100having a plurality of rods110arranged in two rows being apart from each other.

According to an embodiment, when the plurality of rods110of the magnet module100is arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other, the rod-supporting parts112of the respective rod rows may be linked to each other by an extension part115of the rod-supporting part112.

In an embodiment, when a magnet module100has a plurality of rods110arranged in two or more rows, the magnet module100may have two or more first coupling parts114, and the first coupling parts114may be located on such a position that a moving force provided by the first moving module420is transferred uniformly to the rod-supporting part212.

In an embodiment, when the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110arranged in two or more rows being adjacent to each other or apart from each other, the first coupling part114may be located on a central portion of the rod-supporting part112.

In an embodiment, when the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other, the first coupling part114may be located on a portion of the rod-supporting part112, which is positioned between the two or more rows of the rods110. Referring toFIG.1E, the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110arranged in two rows being apart from each other and the first coupling part114is located on an extension part115of the rod-supporting part112.

Cover Module200

Referring toFIG.2A, an embodiment of a cover module200comprises a tube210, a tube-supporting part212and a second coupling part214. The cover module200comprises a tube210for guiding the rod110when the rod100is inserted into the tube210and the inserted rod110moves up and down in the tube210, a tube-supporting part212connected to the tube210, and a second coupling part214configured to couple the tube-supporting part212with a second moving module430.

The tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212in a manner that the rod110is inserted into the tube210.

FIG.2Bis a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a second coupling part214of a cover module200.

FIGS.2C-2Gshow other embodiments of the cover module200according to this invention.

FIGS.2H-2Jshow embodiments of forms of a second coupling part214on a tube-supporting part212.

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may be used in combination with the magnet module100for transferring magnetic beads, wherein the rod110of the magnet module100is inserted into the tube210of the cover module200as illustrated inFIG.3Aand the inserted rod110moves up and down in the tube210during the process of extraction of nucleic acids using magnetic beads. When the magnet module100comprises a plurality of rods110, the cover module200may also comprise a plurality of tubes210. According to other embodiment, two cover modules200may be used together in combination with one magnet module100as illustrated inFIG.3B.

Tube210

The tube210of the cover module200is configured to guide the rod110of the magnet module100when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and the inserted rod110moves up and down in the tube210.

The rod110of the magnet module100may be insertable into the tube210of the cover module200.

The tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212through its upper end portion, particularly its upper end. According to an embodiment, the upper end of the tube210may be protruded upward from the tube-supporting part212, when the upper end portion of the tube210is involved in connection.

According to an embodiment, the upper end portion of the tube210ranges in length from the upper end of the tube210to the point corresponding to 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less or 10% or less of the length of the tube210.

According to an embodiment, one end of the tube210, particularly the upper end of the tube210, may be opened for the rod110to be inserted and the opposite end of the tube210, particularly the lower end of the tube210, may be closed. The one end of the tube210, which is opened, may be connected to the tube-supporting part212. The portion of the tube-supporting part212, which is connected to the one end of the tube210, may have a hole for a rod insertion.

The tube210of the cover module200may protect the inserted rod110of the magnet module100from direct contact with reagents contained in a vessel. Also, the tube210of the cover module200may make the reagents in a vessel mix well by its up-down movement in the vessel. The tube210of the cover module200may move in the direction of up-down in the vessel to mix the reagents particularly after the rod110is moved out of the vessel.

According to an embodiment, the tube210of the cover module200may have a protrusion202.

According to an embodiment, the protrusion202may be formed on the outer circumference face of the tube210.

According to an embodiment, the protrusion202may be formed on the tube210at its lower end portion opposite to the upper end portion where an opening for the rod110insertion is formed.

The protrusion202formed on the tube210enhances the mixing effect of reagents contained in a vessel by producing turbulence when the tube210moves up and down in the vessel.

More specifically, the turbulence produced by the protrusion202in the reaction vessel makes such processes being performed well as the biding of target molecules (e.g., nucleic acids) to magnetic beads, washing of target molecules bound to magnetic beads, and elution of target molecules from magnetic beads.

The shape of the protrusion202is not limited to a specific one but may comprise for example helical shape, circular shape, triangle shape, polygonal shape, interrupted swelling shape, or arrow shape.

When the rod110is inserted into the tube210which is located in a vessel containing reagents, magnetic beads mixed with the reagents in the vessel selectably adhere to the surface of the tubes210by the magnetic force provided by the magnetic force-generating material of the rods110.

The tube210of the cover module200may be made of any material which does not interrupt the magnetic force from the rods110and does not have a chemical reaction with reagents in a reaction vessel.

The tube210may be made of plastic material and mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material includes for example, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may comprises one tube, two tubes, or three or more tubes210. The number of tube210can be adjusted as necessary and may be for example, but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2-8, 2-10, 2-13, 2-16, 2-18, 2-20, 2-30. 2-40, 2-50, 2-60, 2-80, 2-90, or 2-100. Although an embodiment may be explained such that the cover module200comprises a plurality of tubes210, but the number of the tube210is not limited to this.

According to an embodiment, the tube210may have, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape, stick shape, bar shape, more particularly a cylindrical stick shape.

According to an embodiment, the length of the tube210may be 12-220 mm, the inner diameter of the tube210may be 2-12 mm and the outer diameter of the tube210may be 2-15 mm, but not limited to these ranges. In particular, the length of tube210may be for example, but not limited to, 12-170 mm, 12-140 mm, 12-110 mm, 12-100 mm, 12-90 mm, 12-80 mm, 12-70 mm, 12-60 mm, 12-50 mm, 15-50 mm, 20-50 mm, or 30-50 mm. The inner diameter of the tube210may be for example, but not limited to, 2-12 mm, 2-10 mm, 2-8 mm, 2-6 mm, 2-4 mm, or 3-7 mm. The outer diameter of the tube210may be for example, but not limited to, 2-15 mm, 2-14 mm, 2-12 mm, 2-10 mm, 2-8 mm, 2-6 mm, 3-8 mm, or 3-7 mm.

Tube-Supporting Part212

The tube210is connected to the tube-supporting part212and the tube-supporting part212may support the tube210. The tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212in a manner that the rod110is inserted into the tube210.

The tube-supporting part212may play a role as a connection mediator between the tube210and a second coupling part214. In particular, when the cover module200comprises one tube210, the tube-supporting part212may be a connection mediating part between the tube210and the second coupling part214.

According to an embodiment, the tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212through its one end.

According to an embodiment, one end of the tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to each other.

According to an embodiment, an upper end of the tube210may be connected to the tube-supporting part212. The upper end of the tube210, which is connected to the tube-supporting part212, is opened for the rod110insertion and the lower end of the tube210is closed. The portion of the tube-supporting part212, which is connected to the tube210, has a hole for a rod110insertion.

According to an embodiment, when the plurality of tubes210is connected to the tube-supporting part212, the plurality of tubes210is arranged in one row or in two or more rows at regular intervals.

According to an embodiment, two or more rows of the tubes210may be adjacent to each other or apart from each other.

Referring toFIG.2F, two rows of the tubes210are adjacent to each other. Referring toFIG.2G, two rows of the tubes210are apart from each other.

The tube-supporting part212may have, but not limited to, a shape of bar or plate having a flat plane.

The tube210and the tube-supporting part212may be made in an integral single body at a time, or may be made separately and afterwards connected to each other.

According to an embodiment, a hole linked to the opening and the inner space of the tube210may be formed on the tube-supporting part212, particularly on the flat plane of the tube-supporting part212.

According to an embodiment, when the tube210and the tube-supporting part212are made separately first and then connected to each other, the tube210may be connected to the hole formed on the flat plane of the tube-supporting part212.

The tube-supporting part212may be made of plastic material or a mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material includes for example, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

The tube-supporting part212and the tube210may be made of the same material or of the different material.

According to an embodiment, when the tube-supporting part212has a shape of a long bar or plate having a flat plane212a, the length of the tube-supporting part212may be equal to that of the rod supporting part112or longer than that of the rod-supporting part112. For example, the length of the tube-supporting part212may be 10-300 mm, the width of the tube-supporting part212may be 1-200 mm and the thickness of the tube-supporting part212may be 1-30 mm, but not limited to these ranges. In particular, the length of the tube-supporting part212may be for example, but not limited to, 10-300 mm, 10-250 mm, 10-200 mm, 10-150 mm, 10-100 mm. The width of the tube-supporting part212may be for example, but not limited to, 1-200 mm, 1-150 mm, 1-100 mm, 1-90 mm, 1-80 mm, 1-70 mm, 1-60 mm, 1-50 mm, 1-40 mm, 1-30 mm, 1-20 mm, or 1-15 mm. The thickness of the tube-supporting part212may be for example, but not limited to, 1-30 mm, 1-25 mm, 1-20 mm, 1-15 mm, 1-10 mm, or 1-5 mm.

Second Coupling Part214

A coupling part214is on the tube-supporting part212and is configured to couple the tube-supporting part212and the tube210connected to it with the second moving module430. The coupling part214may play a role as a connection mediator between the cover module200and the second moving module430.

The coupling part214of the cover module200is also referred to as the second coupling part214herewith to distinguish it from the coupling part114of the magnet module100.

A second coupling part214may be on the tube-supporting part212in various forms. For example, a second coupling part214may be protruded upward (seeFIG.2A) or downward (seeFIG.2H) from the tube-supporting part212. A second coupling part214may be protruded both upward and downward from the tube-supporting part212(seeFIG.2I). A second coupling part214may be embedded in the tube-supporting part212without protrusion (seeFIG.2J).

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214of the cover module200may not be limited to an element having a specific structure. For example, when the second moving module430is a pipettor module comprising a pipetting head, the second coupling part214comprises a structure (or shape) configured to be coupled to a pipetting head. For example, the second coupling part214may be a portion of the tube-supporting part212to which the second moving module430is coupled. In a specific embodiment, when the second moving module430is a gripper module comprising a gripping finger, the portion of the tube-supporting part212which the gripping finger of the gripper module grasps may be the second coupling part214. The portion to be grasped may comprise a protrusion or depression structure (or shape) for enhancing grip.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214may be a female coupling part or a male coupling part configured to be joined to an end of the second moving module430. When the second coupling part214is a female coupling part, the second moving module430has a male coupling part particularly at its end, on the other hand, when the second coupling part214is a male coupling part, the second moving module430has a female coupling part, particularly at its end.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214has a shape of a hollow column. According to an embodiment, the lower end of the column is fixed to the tube-supporting part212, particularly to the top of the tube-supporting part212and the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the second moving module430(seeFIG.2D).

According to an embodiment, the upper end of the column is fixed to the tube-supporting part212, particularly to the bottom of the tube-supporting part212, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the second moving module430and the lower end of the column is closed or opened (seeFIG.2H). In this case, the portion of the tube-supporting part212, which is connected to the column, has a hole for a second moving module430insertion.

According to an embodiment, the column penetrates the tube-supporting part212, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the second moving module430and the lower end of the column is closed or opened (seeFIG.2I).

According to an embodiment, the column includes a hole formed in the tube-supporting part212for coupling, the upper end of the column is opened for joining to the end of the second moving module430and the lower end of the column is closed or opened (seeFIG.2J).

The coupling of the second coupling part214with the second moving module430may be performed in such a manner that the second moving module430moves to the second coupling part214in a downward direction.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of side of the second coupling part214may be opened for insertion by moving of the second moving module430in a lateral direction.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214may be located at the position being out of the moving path of the rod110and/or the rod-supporting part112.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214may be located at a position on the tube-supporting part212, which is out of a moving path of the rod-supporting part112, wherein the moving path of the rod-supporting part112is a path of a moving of the rod-supporting part112when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and moves up and down. Specifically, the second coupling part214may be located at a position on the tube-supporting part212, which is apart from a region overlapped with the rod-supporting part112when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and moves up and down. Particularly, the second coupling part214may be located at a position on the tube-supporting part212so as not to disturb the moving of the rod110and the rod-supporting part112when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and moves up and down.

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may comprise one or two or more second coupling parts214.

When the cover module200comprises two second coupling parts214, each of the two second coupling parts214may be located on both axial ends of the tube-supporting part212so that two second moving modules430are coupled with the two second coupling parts214respectively.

According to other embodiment, the second coupling part214of the cover module200may be located on a side of the tube-supporting part212.

According to a specific embodiment, two second coupling parts214of the cover module200may be located on a portion protruded from the side of the tube-supporting part212.

Referring toFIG.2C, two second coupling parts214are located on the portion protruded from the side of the tube-supporting part212positioned in a diagonal direction each other.

When the cover module200comprises one second coupling part214, the one second coupling part214may be on any one end of the tube-supporting part212.

The position(s) of the second coupling part(s)214is not limited to an end portion of the tube-supporting part212provided that the tube-supporting part212does not tip to one side when the cover module200moves up and down by the coupled second moving module430.

According to an embodiment, one or two or more cover modules200having one second coupling part214may be used in combination with one magnet module100.

In an embodiment, two or more cover modules200having respectively one second coupling part214may be coupled with two or more second moving modules430respectively through their respective second coupling parts214and each of them may move independently by the respective coupled second moving modules430.

According to an embodiment, when two cover modules200having one respective second coupling part214are used together in combination with one magnet module100, the second coupling part214may be located on one end or on a side of the tube-supporting part212.

FIG.2Dillustrates an embodiment of the two cover modules200having one second coupling part214respectively, in which the second coupling part214is located on each end of the tube-supporting parts212.

FIG.2Edepicts other embodiment of the two cover modules200having one second coupling part214respectively, in which each second coupling part214is located on the side at one end portion of the respective tube-supporting parts212such that the two second coupling parts214are positioned in a diagonal direction each other when the two cover modules200are used together in combination with one magnet module100.

According to still other embodiment, when the second coupling part214is located on the side of the tube-supporting part212, a protrusion may be formed from the side of the tube-supporting part212and the second coupling part214may be on this protrusion portion.

Referring toFIG.2A, when the tube-supporting part212has a shape of bar or plate having a flat plane, the second coupling part214may be located on the flat plane212aof the tube-supporting part212.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214and the tube-supporting part212may be made in an integral single body.

According to other embodiment, the second coupling part214and the tube-supporting part212may be made separately and then connected to each other.

When the second coupling part214and the tube-supporting part212are made separately first and then connected to each other, the second coupling part214and the tube-supporting part212may be connected by a screw-type connection.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214may be made of various material for example plastic material and a mixture of plastic material and other material. The plastic material includes for example, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, melamine resin, phenol resin and mixture thereof.

According to an embodiment, the second coupling part214may be made of the same material or a different material of which the tube210and the tube-supporting part212are made.

According to a specific embodiment, the cover module200may be made of inexpensive non-metal material. For example, the cover module200may be made of plastic material because it may be a disposable element.

According to an embodiment, when the second coupling part214is a female coupling part as illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, an outer diameter of the second coupling part214may be 5-20 mm, 5-15 mm, or 5-10 mm, an inner diameter of the second coupling part214may be 4-15 mm, 4-13 mm, or 4-12 mm, and a height of the second coupling part214may be 5-30 mm, 5-25 mm, 5-20 mm, or 5-15 mm, but not limited to these numerical ranges.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.2B, the second coupling part214may comprise a plurality of inner circumference surfaces214a,214bhaving different diameters and the plurality of inner circumference surfaces214a,214bmay be formed as stepped surfaces.

FIG.3A. illustrates an embodiment of the component in which the plurality of rods110of the magnet module100are inserted into the plurality of tubes210of the cover module200.

Referring toFIG.3A, the second coupling part214of the cover module200is located at the position, which is out of a moving path of the rod100and/or the rod-supporting part112, wherein the moving path of the rod-supporting part112is a path of a moving of the rod-supporting part when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and moves up and down. Specifically, the second coupling part214is located at a position on the tube-supporting part212so as not to disturb the moving of the rod110and the rod-supporting part112when the rod110is inserted into the tube210and moves up and down. For example, where the longitudinal length of the rod-supporting part112is defined as L1 and the two second coupling parts214are located on both ends of the tube-supporting part212, the interval of the two second coupling parts214defined as L2 is larger than L1 so that the rod-supporting part112can be positioned on and be moved in the space between the two second coupling parts214when the plurality of rods110is inserted into the plurality of tubes210.

When the cover module200comprises a plurality of tubes210, the plurality of tubes210may be arranged in one row each end of which is connected to the tube-supporting part212as illustrated inFIG.2A. On the other hand, the plurality of tubes210of the cover module200may be arranged in two or more rows.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of tubes210of the cover module200may be arranged in two or more rows being adjacent to each other.FIG.2Fshows a specific embodiment of the cover module200having a plurality of tubes210arranged in two rows being adjacent to each other.

According to other embodiment, the plurality of tubes210of the cover module200may be arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other.FIG.2Gshows a specific embodiment of the cover module200having a plurality of tubes210arranged in two rows being apart from each other.

According to other embodiment, when the plurality of tubes210of the cover module200is arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other, the tube-supporting parts212of the respective rows may be linked to each other by an extension part215of the tube-supporting part212.

Even when a cover module200has a plurality of tubes210arranged in two or more rows, the cover module200may have two or more second coupling parts214.

According to an embodiment, when the cover module200comprises a plurality of tubes210arranged in two or more rows, the cover module200may comprise two or more second coupling parts214, and the second coupling parts214may be located on such a position that a moving force provided by the second moving module430is transferred uniformly to the tube-supporting part212.

According to an embodiment, when the cover module200comprises a plurality of tubes210arranged in two or more rows being apart from each other, the second coupling part214may be located between the rows being apart from each other.

With reference toFIG.2G, according to a specific embodiment, when a plurality of tubes210of the cover module200is arranged in two rows being apart from each other, the second coupling part214may be located on an extension part215of the tube-supporting part212.

FIG.3Cshows a view of an embodiment of the component in which a plurality of rods110arranged in two rows being adjacent to each other is inserted into a plurality of tubes210arranged in two rows being adjacent to each other.

FIG.3Dshows a view of an embodiment of the component in which a plurality of rods110arranged in two rows being apart from each other is inserted into a plurality of tubes210arranged in two rows being apart from each other.

First Moving Module420and Second Moving Module430

As described in the above, the moving module420is configured to be coupled with the magnet module100through the first coupling part114and to move the magnet module100from one position to other position. The moving module420which is coupled with the magnet module100is also referred to as the first moving module420herewith to distinguish it from the moving module430which is coupled with the cover module200.

The moving module430is configured to be coupled with the cover module200through the second coupling part214and to move the cover module200from one position to other position. The moving module430which is coupled with the cover module200is also referred to as the second moving module430herewith to distinguish it from the moving module420which is coupled with the magnet module100.

According to an embodiment, an end of the first moving module420may be joined to the first coupling part114of the magnet module100; and an end of the second moving module430may be joined to the second coupling part214of the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be movable in the up-down and left-right directions; up-down and back-forth directions; or up-down, left-right and back-forth directions.

According to other embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be movable in the X-axis and Z-axis directions; Y-axis and Z-axis directions; or X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions in X Y Z coordinates system.

According to other embodiment, the term “left-right direction” can be used interchangeably with “X-axis direction”, the term “back-forth direction” with “Y-axis direction” and the term “up-down direction” with “Z-axis direction”.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420may comprise a male coupling part or a female coupling part at its end for a male-female coupling with a female coupling part or a male coupling part of the first coupling part114of the magnet module100.

According to an embodiment, the second moving module430may comprise a male coupling part or a female coupling part at its end for a male-female coupling with a female coupling part or a male coupling part of the second coupling part214of the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, the male coupling part of the first moving module420or the second moving module430may comprise a rod-shaped part, bar-shaped part or cylindrical rod-shaped part.

According to an embodiment, one or two or more first moving modules420may be coupled with one magnet module100.

According to an embodiment, one or two or more second moving modules430may be coupled with one cover module200.

According to an embodiment, the coupling of the first moving module420to the magnet module100may be performed in such a manner that an end of the first moving module420moves to the first coupling part114in a downward direction.

According to an embodiment, the coupling of the second moving module430to the cover module200may be performed in such a manner that an end of the second moving module430moves to the second coupling part214in a downward direction.

The diameter of the female coupling part of the first coupling part114or the second coupling part214may be selected so that it can properly be joined to the male coupling part of the first moving module420or the second moving module430.

According to a specific embodiment, the male coupling part of the first moving module420may be joined to the female coupling part of the first coupling part114in a force-fitting manner.

According to a specific embodiment, the male coupling part of the second moving module430may be joined to the female coupling part of the second coupling part214in a force-fitting manner.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be a moving module of an automated liquid handling apparatus.

The term used herein “automated liquid handling apparatus” refers to an apparatus capable of automatically and programmatically aspirating and/or dispensing a desired amount of reagents, samples or other liquid from or into a designated container for the purpose of automation of chemical or biochemical laboratories. Various configurations of the automated liquid handling apparatus are known to those skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430of the automated liquid handling apparatus may comprise a transport mechanism and a multi-function probe.

The term used herein “transport mechanism” refers to a device configured to move the multi-function probe in the three dimensional space of the automated liquid handling apparatus. Specifically, the transport mechanism is configured to move the multi-function probe in the up-down and left-right directions; up-down and back-forth directions; or up-down, left-right and back-forth directions. Particularly, in the view of X Y Z coordinates system, the transport mechanism is configured to move the multi-function probe in the X-axis and Z-axis directions; Y-axis and Z-axis directions; or X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The transport mechanism may be connected to a moving control device. Typically, the movement of the transport mechanism is controlled in an automated manner by a software program loaded in the apparatus defining specific movements without a repetitive input command. The transport mechanism may comprise for example a robotic arm or robot gantry system.

The term used herein “multi-function probe” refers to a device mounted on the transport mechanism and performing a multi-function. The term used herein “multi-function” refers to being able to conduct or conducting at least one function other than moving the magnet module100or moving the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430of the automated liquid handling apparatus is a pipettor module or a gripper module.

The term used herein “pipettor module” refers to a moving module of the automated liquid handling apparatus comprising a transport mechanism and a pipettor as a multi-function probe. The “pipettor” in this invention may conduct moving the magnet module100or the cover module200and on the other hand conduct pipetting. The term of “pipetting” refers to a function of metering, dispensing, aspirating or transferring liquid as well known to those skilled in the art. The pipettor may comprise a pipetting head which is to have a direct contact with the pipetting tip. Typically, the pipettor is configured with a pipetting head fitted with pipetting tip, which then acts as a syringe to draw liquid from a container into the pipetting tip and convey liquid to another container, where it is then dispensed into the container. The pipettor may be coupled to and suspended from the transport mechanism by an extension arm. Particularly, when the first moving module420is a pipettor module, the pipettor conducts the dual function of moving the magnet module100and pipetting; and when the second moving module430is a pipettor module, the pipettor conducts the dual function of moving the cover module200and pipetting.

The term used herein “gripper module” refers to a moving module of the automated liquid handling apparatus comprising a transport mechanism and a gripper. The “gripper” in this invention may conduct moving the magnet module100or the cover module200and on the other hand conduct gripping. The term of “gripping” refers to a function to pick up and transport labwares (e.g., containers, deep-well plates) from one location to other location on the automated liquid handling apparatus. The gripper may comprise a gripping finger to grasp the labwares and an arm connected to transport mechanism. Particularly, when the first moving module420is a gripper module, the gripper conducts the dual function of moving the magnet module100and gripping; and when the second moving module430is a gripper module, the gripper conducts the dual function of moving the cover module200and gripping.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430of the automated liquid handling apparatus may be a moving module configured to be used only for moving the magnet module100or cover module200.

In a specific embodiment, when the first moving module420or the second moving module430is a pipettor module, the coupling between the moving module420,430and the coupling part114,214may be conducted in a manner that the pipetting head of the pipettor is coupled with the coupling part114or214by a force-fitting.

In other specific embodiment, when the first moving module420or the second moving module430is a gripper module, the coupling between the moving module420,430and the coupling part114,214may be conducted in a manner that the gripping finger of the gripper grasps the first coupling part114of the magnet module100or the second coupling part214of the cover module200.

When both the magnet module100and the cover module200are coupled with the respective pipettor modules, the pipettor module coupled with the magnet module100may be referred to as a first pipettor module, and the pipettor module coupled with the cover module200may be referred to as a second pipettor module.

When both the magnet module100and the cover module200are coupled with the respective gripper modules, the gripper module coupled with the magnet module100may be referred to as a first gripper module, and the gripper module coupled with the cover module200may be referred to as a second gripper module.

Detailed descriptions for various constructions and operation works for the liquid handling apparatus and pipettor module are disclosed in the prior art documents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,324,480, 7,105,129, 7,628,960, 8,007,741, 8,900,527, 9,086,394, and 9,579,646 which are incorporated herein as a reference.

Fastening Part108,204

According to an embodiment, the first coupling part114of the magnet module100may comprise a fastening part108for aiding or reinforcing the coupling of the magnet module100to the first moving module420, and the second coupling part214may comprise a fastening part204for aiding or reinforcing the coupling of the cover module200to the second moving module430.

The fastening part108of the magnet module100is also referred to as the first fastening part108herewith to distinguish it from the fastening part204of the cover module200. Moreover, the fastening part204of the cover module200is also referred to as the second fastening part204herewith to distinguish it from the fastening part108of the magnet module100.

According to an embodiment, the first fastening part108may comprise a first annular coupling groove109, and the second fastening part204may comprise a second annular coupling groove209.

The first annular coupling groove109and the second annular coupling groove209are configured to aid or reinforce the coupling of the magnet module100and the cover module200to the first moving module420and the second moving module430. The number of annular coupling groove is not limited to certain numerical range but may be one or two or more.

According to an embodiment, the first and the second annular coupling grooves109,209may be formed on the inner surfaces114a,214aof the female coupling part of the first coupling part114or the second coupling part214extending in the direction of circumference.

According to a specific embodiment, an O-ring seal may be provided on an outer circumference surface of the male coupling parts of the first moving module420and the second moving module430.

When the first moving module420and the second moving module430are coupled with the first coupling part108and the second coupling part204respectively, the O-ring seals are disposed respectively in the first annular coupling groove109and the second annular coupling groove209.

According to an embodiment, after the O-ring seals are disposed in the first annular coupling groove109and the second annular coupling groove209respectively, it may be expanded circumferentially to strengthen the coupling of the first coupling part108and the second coupling part204with the first moving module420and the second moving module430.

The circumferentially expanded O-ring seal may return to the original un-expanded state to expedite the uncoupling of the first moving module420and the second moving module430from the first coupling part108of the magnet module100and the second coupling part204of the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, the O-ring seal of the male coupling part of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be made of expandable material for example elastomeric material.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420and the second moving module430may further comprise a device configured to expand the O-ring seal circumferentially or to return the expanded O-ring seal to the original state.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420or the second moving module430comprising the O-ring seal may be the first pipettor module or the second pipettor module of the automated liquid handling apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be the same pipettor module of the automated liquid handling apparatus.

Detailed descriptions for the components and operating mechanisms of the pipettor module comprising the O-ring seal of the automated liquid handling apparatus are disclosed in the prior art documents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,063,790, and 7,033,543 which are incorporated herein as a reference.

Automated System for Extracting Nucleic Acids

An automated system for extracting nucleic acids from a sample by using magnetic beads may comprise a magnet module100; a cover module200; a first moving module420for being coupled with the magnet module100and moving the magnet module100from one position to other position; and a second moving module430for being coupled with the cover module200and moving the cover module200from one position to other position.

In an embodiment, the rod110of the magnet module100may be insertable into the tube210of the cover module200.

In other embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be movable in the up-down, left-right and back-forth directions.

In other embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be movable in the X-axis and Z-axis directions; Y-axis and Z-axis directions; or X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions in X Y Z coordinates system.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be automatically coupled with at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, the first moving module420may move the magnet module100in the up-down, left-right and back-forth directions when the first moving module420is coupled with the magnet module100.

According to an embodiment, the second moving module430may move the cover module200in the up-down, left-right and back-forth directions when the second moving module430is coupled with the cover module200.

According to an embodiment, the automated system may be an automated liquid handling apparatus.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may comprise a transport mechanism and a multi-function probe.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be a pipettor module or a gripper module.

Extraction of Nucleic Acids by Using Magnet Module and Cover Module

The method of extracting nucleic acids comprises the steps of coupling the first moving module420and the second moving module430with the magnet module100and the cover module200respectively; moving the magnet module100and the cover module200to an upper space of a vessel; locating the tube210into an inner space of the vessel by lowering the cover module200; moving the cover module200up and down; inserting the rod110into the tube210by lowering the magnet module100; and moving the rod110and the tube210out of the vessel by lifting the magnet module100and the cover module200.

The extraction of nucleic acids from a sample may be performed in an apparatus having a first moving module420and a second moving module430by using the magnet module100and cover module200for transferring magnetic beads from one vessel to other vessel.

The term used herein “sample” refers to any cell, tissue, or fluid from a biological source, or any other medium that can advantageously be evaluated according to this invention, including virus, bacteria, tissue, cell, blood, serum, plasma, lymph, milk, urine, faeces, ocular fluid, saliva, semen, brain extracts, spinal cord fluid (SCF), appendix, spleen and tonsillar tissue extracts, amniotic fluid, ascitic fluid and non-biological samples (e.g., food and water). In addition, the sample includes natural-occurring nucleic acid molecules isolated from biological sources and synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

The magnet module100and the cover module200may comprise their respective elements as described above.

According to an embodiment, the vessel may contain a sample, magnetic beads and a lysis reagent for the lysis process.

According to an embodiment, the vessel may contain also a washing reagent or an elution reagent for the washing process or elution process.

According to an embodiment, the vessel may be a deep well.

According to an embodiment, a deep-well plate having a plurality of deep wells arranged in a plurality of rows may be used as the vessel.

Although the method is described to be performed on a deep-well plate410, but not limited to this, other various containers capable of containing reagents, a sample and magnetic beads such as a well, a tube, a deep well, a well-plate, a tube-plate, a deep-well plate, and tubes in a rack can be used in the method.

Referring toFIG.4A, a deep-well plate410having a plurality of deep wells440arranged in a plurality of rows is placed on the deck of an apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may be an automated liquid handling apparatus having the first moving module420and the second moving module430.

Referring toFIG.4A, the first moving module420and the second moving module430are coupled with the magnet module100and the cover module200respectively through the first coupling part114and the second coupling part214on a deep-well plate410.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the couplings of the first moving module420and the second moving module430with the magnet module100and the cover module200may be performed on a position where at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200is placed.

According to an embodiment, the step of “coupling of the first moving module420and the second moving module430with the magnet module100and the cover module200respectively” may comprise the steps of “moving at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430to a position on which at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200is placed” and “coupling at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430with at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200at the position.”

According to an embodiment, at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200may be placed at any position within an apparatus provided that at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430can reach the magnet module100or the cover module200.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be movable in the up-down and left-right directions; up-down and back-forth directions; or up-down, left-right and back-forth directions.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200may be placed on a container which is positioned within the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the container, on which the magnet module100or the cover module200is placed, may be any one capable of housing the magnet module100or the cover module200and of maintaining stably their positions or postures when these modules100,200are coupled with the moving modules420,430. For example, the container may include, but not limited to, a well, a tube, a deep well, a well-plate, a tube-plate, a deep-well plate, and tubes in a rack.

Referring toFIG.4B, at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200can be moved in the up-down and left-right directions; up-down and back-forth directions; or up-down, left-right and back-forth directions by the first moving module420or the second moving module430which is coupled to the respective modules100,200.

According to an embodiment, the magnet module100and the cover module200may be moved independently or synchronized each other by the coupled first moving module420and the second moving module430.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may be an automated liquid handling apparatus.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430of the automated liquid handling apparatus may comprise a transport mechanism and a multi-function probe.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be a pipettor module or a gripper module.

According to an embodiment, the pipettor module may comprise a pipetting head and the gripper module may comprise a gripping finger.

When the magnet module100or the cover module200are used in association with other apparatus than an automated liquid handling apparatus, the first moving module420or the second moving module430may be ones provided by other apparatus. In other words, the first moving module420or the second moving module430may be any one which is included in other apparatus for other use besides an automated liquid handling apparatus.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be uncoupled from the magnet module100or the cover module200in an automated manner by using the movement of the moving modules420,430and then may be re-coupled with other magnet module100or other cover module200.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method of extracting nucleic acids using a magnet module100and a cover module200for transferring magnetic bead in an automated liquid handling apparatus is described.FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating the respective steps S610-S620of performing a nucleic acid extraction using modules associated with an automated liquid handling apparatus.

Cell Lysis and Nucleic Acids Binding to Magnetic Beads

Referring toFIG.5, a deep-well plate410having a plurality of deep wells440arranged in a plurality of rows is placed on an automated liquid handling apparatus.

The plurality of rows of deep wells440may be divided into separate rows according to their uses for (i) cell lysis and nucleic acids binding to magnetic beads, (ii) washing of magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids, and (iii) release of nucleic acids from magnetic beads.

Specifically, the plurality of rows of deep wells440in the deep-well plate410may be divided into a lysis row413,417in which a cell is lysed and nucleic acids bind to magnetic beads, a washing row414,418in which magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids is washed, and an elution row415,419in which the bound nucleic acids are released from magnetic beads.

According to an embodiment, reagents for cell lysis, nucleic acids binding, washing, or elution may be dispensed automatically to the lysis row413,417, the washing row414,418, or the elution row415,419with a tip coupled to the pipetting head of the pipettor module in the automated liquid handling apparatus.

As described in the above, the magnet module100is coupled with the first moving module420of the automated liquid handling apparatus or the cover module200is coupled with the second moving module430of the automated liquid handling apparatus (S610).

According to an embodiment, at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200may be coupled to at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430respectively on the same position in which particularly the rod110is inserted into the tube210.

According to other embodiment, the magnet module100is located on the different position from that of the cover module200, and the magnet module100or the cover module200may be coupled with the first moving module420or the second moving module430respectively on the different positions.

According to other embodiment, at least one of the magnet module100and the cover module200may be coupled with at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430on a pre-determined position in an automated liquid handling apparatus, for example on the position near the vessel containing reagents for a nucleic acid extraction.

According to a specific embodiment, the magnet module100and the cover module200may be coupled to the first moving module420and the second moving module430respectively on a start row412,416of a deep-well plate410. The deep wells of the start row412,416do not contain any reagents.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be automatically coupled with at least one of the first coupling part114of the magnet module100and the second coupling part214of the cover module200in the automated liquid handling apparatus.

The expression of “be automatically coupled” used herein means that the movements required for the coupling of the modules can be performed sequentially by a software program loaded in the apparatus defining specific movements without a repetitive input command.

The magnet module100or the cover module200coupled to the first moving module420or the second moving module430is moved to an upper space of a deep wells440of the lysis row413(S612).

According to an embodiment, the plurality of deep wells440in the lysis row413may contain a sample, a lysis reagent for cell lysis and magnetic beads.

The tube210of the cover module200is located into an inner space of a deep well440of the lysis row413by lowering the cover module200(S614).

According to an embodiment, the step of “the tube210of the cover module200is located into an inner space of the vessel (e.g., a deep well) by lowering the cover module” is performed in parallel with the step of “the rod110of the magnet module100is inserted into an inner space of the vessel (e.g., a deep well) by lowering the magnet module100.

In particular, the step of “the tube210of the cover module200is located into an inner space of the vessel by lowering the cover module” is performed in parallel with the step of “the rod110of the magnet module100is inserted into an inner space of the tube210, which is also located in the inner space of the vessel by lowering the magnet module100.

The cover module200is moved up and down particularly by the coupled second moving module430(S616).

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may be moved up and down with the tube210being located in an inner space of a deep well440of the lysis row413.

The up and down moving of the tube210of the cover module200may accelerate the cell lysis of a sample and the mixing of the lysed cell components with magnetic beads.

According to an embodiment, the step of “the cover module200is moved up and down” may be performed after the step of “the rod110of the magnet module100is moved out of the vessel (e.g., a deep well)”.

The rod110of the magnet module100is inserted into the tube210of the cover module200by lowering the magnet module100(S618).

When the rod100having magnetic force-generating material is located into the tube210, magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids adhere to the outer surface of the tube210by the magnetic force of the rod100.

The rod110of the magnet module100and the tube210of the cover module200are moved out of the deep well440by lifting the magnet module100and the cover module200(S620).

According to an embodiment, the magnet module100and the cover module200may be lifted with the rod110being located in the tube210.

After completing the steps above described in the lysis row413, then washing of magnetic beads and elution of nucleic acids are performed in the washing row414and the elution row415.

Washing Process for Magnetic Beads

The washing of magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids can be performed by carrying out the above described steps excepting the step of “coupling the first moving module420and the second moving module430with the magnet module100and the cover module200respectively” as to a vessel containing reagents for washing.

After the rod110and the tube210are moved out of the deep well440of the lysis row413by lifting the magnet module100and the cover module200, the magnet module100and the cover module200are moved to an upper space of a deep well of a washing row414(S612).

According to an embodiment, the magnet module100and the cover module200may be moved to a deep well of the washing row414with the rod110being inserted in the tube210to ensure a strict adherence of magnetic beads to the outer surface of the tube210.

The deep well440in the washing row414may contain reagents for washing.

In the upper space of the deep well440of the washing row414, the tube210is located into an inner space of the deep well440of the washing row414by lowering the cover module200(S614).

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may be lowered with the rod110being inserted in the tube210to still ensure a strict adherence of magnetic beads to the outer surface of the tube210. After locating the rod110and the tube210into the deep well440, by lifting the magnet module100, the rod110is moved out of the tube210and thus is also moved out of the deep well440.

The cover module200is moved up and down particularly by the coupled second moving module430(S616).

According to an embodiment, the cover module200may be moved up and down with the tube210being located in an inner space of a deep well440of the washing row414. The moving up and down of the tube210may accelerate the washing of magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids.

The rod110is inserted into the tube210by lowering the magnet module100after completing the moving up and down of the tube210(S618). When the rod100having magnetic force-generating material is located into the tube210, magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids adhere to the outer surface of the tube210by the magnetic force of the rod100.

The rod110and the tube210are moved out of the deep well440of the washing row413by lifting the magnet module100and the cover module200. (S620).

According to an embodiment, the washing process above described may be repeated more than two times as to more than two washing rows414.

Elution Process of Nucleic Acids from Magnetic Beads

After completing the washing of magnetic beads bound with nucleic acids in the washing row414, then an elution process of nucleic acids from magnetic beads is performed in an elution row415.

The elution of nucleic acids from magnetic beads may be performed with the same steps as described in the above washing process except for being carried out in a vessel containing reagents for elution instead of washing.

Referring toFIG.5, after the first process for extracting nucleic acids is completed through the start row412, lysis row413, washing row414and elution row415of the deep-well plate410in the automated liquid handling apparatus as described above, the second round of process for extracting nucleic acids from another samples may be performed in the second rows of the start low416, lysis row417, washing row418and elution row419. In other words, after the nucleic acid extraction in the samples contained in the deep wells440of the first lysis row413is completed, another nucleic acid extraction for other samples contained in the deep wells of the second lysis row417may be performed.

Before starting a second round of a nucleic acid extraction on the second lysis row417, the cover module200having been used in the first round of extraction may be uncoupled from the second moving module430and a new cover module200may be coupled with the second moving module430.

According to an embodiment, the uncoupling of the cover module200from the second moving module430may be performed automatically by using the movement of the second moving module430.

Uncoupling of Magnet Module or Cover Module from Moving Modules

According to an embodiment, after completing the elution process, at least one of the first moving module420and the second moving module430may be uncoupled from the first coupling part114of the magnet module100and the second coupling part214of the cover module200respectively.

In an embodiment, at least one of the uncouplings of the first moving module420and the second moving module430from the first coupling part114and the second coupling part214may be performed automatically in the automated liquid handling apparatus. The term of “performed automatically” used herein means that the movements required for the uncoupling of the modules can be performed sequentially by a software program defining specific movements without a repetitive input command.

In other embodiment, at least one of the uncouplings of the first moving module420and the second moving module430from the first coupling part114and the second coupling part214may be performed by hand power.

According to an embodiment, after uncoupling of a magnet module or a cover module from moving modules, particularly uncoupling of a cover module from the second moving module, a new round of purification process proceeds with performing to couple a magnet module or a cover module from moving modules, particularly to couple a cover module to the second moving module.

Referring toFIGS.3C and7A, by using the magnet module100and the cover module200having respectively a plurality of rods110and tubes210which are arranged in two rows being adjacent to each other, the nucleic acid extraction for the samples contained in the deep wells arranged in the two adjacent lysis rows413,417can be performed simultaneously. This type of magnet module and cover module make it possible to shorten the time for nucleic acid extraction compared to the magnet module and the cover module having respectively a plurality of rods and tubes arranged in only one row.

Referring toFIGS.3D and7B, by using the magnet module100and the cover module200having respectively a plurality of rods110and tubes210which are arranged in two rows being apart from each other, the nucleic acid extraction for the samples contained in the deep wells of two separate lysis rows413,417can be performed simultaneously. This type of magnet module and cover module also make it possible to shorten the time for nucleic acid extraction compared to magnet module and the cover module having respectively a plurality of rods and tubes arranged in only one row.

According to an embodiment, when a extraction of nucleic acids is performed by using a magnet module and a cover module having respectively a plurality of rods and tubes arranged in two or more rows being adjacent each other or apart from each other, a means for preventing reagents attached to outer surface of tubes from dropping into other deep wells during the movement of the cover module, for example an anti-dropping plate, may be additionally included in the automated liquid handling apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the automated liquid handling apparatus400of the present invention may be connected to an computer system commanding a performance of an extraction of nucleic acids from a sample. The computer system is able to command a performance of an extraction of nucleic acids by software program comprising instructions to perform the processes of an extraction of nucleic acids. This software program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium and be copied to another computer system. The computer-readable storage medium may include, but not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disc, optical storage medium, flash memory, hard disk drive, nonvolatile memory card, EEPROM, and web serve. The automated liquid handling apparatus400may automatically perform a method for extracting nucleic acids from a sample in accordance with the command by the computer system.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiment. The scope of the present invention shall be construed on the basis of the accompanying claims in such a manner that all of the technical ideas included within the scope equivalent to the claims belong to the present invention.