MX2008005115A - Cassette for sample preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

A cassette for preparing a sample includes a mixing chamber to receive a sample of cells, a holding chamber and an enzyme in the holding chamber The enzyme is transferable into a mixing chamber to break the cells and release nucleic acid from the cells to create bulk material and the nucleic acid in the bulk material A second holding chamber has magnetic particles, the magnetic particles being transferable to the mixing chamber to bind with the nucleic acid, and a magnet to attract the magnetic particle with the nucleic acid, and to separate the nucleic acid from the bulk material in the mixing chamber.

Description

CÁSETE PARA PREPARACIÓN DE MUESTRA BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology devices and in particular to devices and methods for preparing samples. 2. Discussion of Related Technique DNA can be used to develop new drugs or to bind someone with a crime. However, before this can be done, the DNA must be isolated from a sample. These samples include, for example, blood, urine, human cells, hair, bacteria, yeast and tissue. Each of these samples includes cells, which include nucleic acid. Nucleic acid is a nucleotide chain, which carries genetic information. The most common forms of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. To isolate the nucleic acid from the samples, the prior art devices use a tray having several exposed ties. The sample is placed in one of the ties and conventional processing steps are used to isolate the DNA from the sample. This prior art system has several disadvantages, including contamination. Since the ties are exposed, contaminants can easily affect DNA. In addition, the prior art system requires the preparation of several samples at a time. It is difficult to prepare one or two samples at a time using the devices of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cassette is described here to prepare a sample. The cassette includes at least one mixing chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to at least one mixing chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create a loose material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a second containment chamber; magnetic particles in the second containment chamber, the magnetic particles being transferable to at least one mixing chamber for binding to the nucleic acid; and at least one magnet, which can be placed to attract the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid and at least partially separate the nucleic acid from the loose material in at least one mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a top surface, the top surface having an opening therein. A removable lid is also provided to access the opening of the mixing chamber. The enzyme may be proteinase K. First and second pistons may also be provided in the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber, each mobile piston being for transferring the enzyme and magnetic particles, respectively, into the mixing chamber. A thin film that breaks can also be provided to transfer the enzyme and magnetic particles through the respective openings in the thin film into the mixing chamber. First and second pistons can also be provided in the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber, each movable piston being for breaking the thin film and transferring the enzyme and magnetic particles, respectively, to the mixing chamber. A third containment chamber and a lysis solution may also be provided in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferable to the mixing chamber to solubilize the loose material. A fourth containment chamber and a binding solution may also be provided in the fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the mixing chamber to join the nucleic acid in the magnetic particles. A heating element can also be provided to heat the mixing chamber. The cassette may also include a first part of separation having a surface; a first transfer part having a surface with a ty in it, at least one magnet that transfers the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid to the ty in the surface of the first transfer part, the first mobile transfer part being relation to the first separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the mixing chamber and pass to the surface of the first separation piece; and a first receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the first separation piece. The cassette may further include a second part of separation having a surface; a second transfer piece having a surface with a cavity therein, the second transfer piece being mobile relative to the second separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the first chamber of reception and along the surface of the second part of separation; and a second receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after they move along the surface of the second separation piece. The cassette may further include a third part of separation having a surface; a third transfer piece having a surface with a cavity therein, the third transfer piece being movable relative to the third separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the second chamber of reception and along the surface of the third part of separation; and a third receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after they move along the surface of the third separation part. The first receiving chamber can be a washing chamber and the cassette can further include a washing solution in the washing chamber. The second receiving chamber can be a washing chamber, and the cassette can further include a washing solution in the washing chamber. The third receiving chamber can be an elution chamber, and the cassette can further include an elution buffer in the elution chamber to separate the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. A cassette is described here to prepare a sample. The cassette includes at least one mixing chamber to receive a sample of cells, an enzyme being added in the mixing chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create loose material and nucleic acid in the loose material, being the magnetic particles added to the mixing chamber to bind with the nucleic acid; a first part of separation having a surface; a first transfer piece having a surface with a cavity in it; a magnet, positionable to attract the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid and at least partially separate the nucleic acid from the loose material in at least one mixing chamber and to transfer the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid into the cavity of the surface of the the first transfer piece, the first mobile transfer piece being relative to the first separation piece so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the mixing chamber and along the surface of the first piece from separation; and a first receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the first separation piece. The second piece can be rotatable in relation to the first piece. The first receiving chamber can be a washing chamber, and the cassette can further include a washing solution in the washing chamber. The cassette may also include an elution chamber, and an elution buffer in the elution chamber to separate the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. The cassette may also include a second separation piece having a surface, a second transfer piece having a surface, a cavity therein, the second transfer piece being movable relative to the second separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid are bound out of the first receiving chamber and along the surface of the second separation piece, the elution chamber receiving the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the first separation piece. The second transfer piece can be movable relative to the second separation piece so that the magnetic particles move out of the elution chamber, leaving the nucleic acid in the elution chamber. The secondary chamber can be an elution chamber and the cassette can further include an elution buffer in the elution chamber to separate the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. The cassette may also include a second separation part having a surface, a second transfer part having a surface with a cavity therein, the second transfer part being movable relative to the second separation part, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out from the first receiving chamber and along the surface of the second separation piece, and a second receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving to along the surface of the second part of separation. The cassette may further include a third part of separation having a surface, a third transfer part having a surface with a cavity therein, the third transfer part being movable relative to the third part of separation, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out from the second receiving chamber and along the surface of the third separation piece, and a third separation piece to which it receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving to along the surface of the third part of separation. The second receiving part can be a washing chamber, and the cassette can further include a washing solution in the washing chamber. The third receiving chamber may be an elution chamber, and the cassette may further include an elution buffer in the elution chamber to separate the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. A cassette is described here to prepare samples.

The cassette includes an enclosure, the enclosure comprising a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber including an opening for receiving a sample of cells having nucleic acid; a plurality of contention chambers having content, the content of one of the plurality of containment chambers comprising magnetic particles, and the content of one of the plurality of containment chambers comprising a proteinase K solution; a plurality of pistons, each of the plurality of pistons corresponding to one of the plurality of containment chambers, to transfer the contents of the plurality of containment chambers to the mixing chamber, breaking the proteinase K solution the cells to release the nucleic acid and joining the nucleic acid to the magnetic particles in the mixing chamber; a first valve, coupled to the mixing chamber, the first valve including a magnet positioned to attract the magnetic particles; a washing chamber, coupled to the first valve; a second valve, coupled to the first washing chamber, the second valve including a magnet that can be positioned to attract the magnetic particles; and an elution chamber, coupled to the second valve, the elution chamber including an opening for removing the nucleic acid from the elution chamber. One of the plurality of containment chambers may include a binding solution and one of the plurality of containment chambers may include a lysis solution, and wherein one of the plurality of pistons may transfer the binding solution into the mixing chamber and wherein one of the plurality of pistons can further transfer the lysis solution to a mixing chamber.

A cassette is described here to prepare a sample. The cassette includes a reaction chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to the reaction chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create loose material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a particle chamber; particles to be bound with the nucleic acid in the particle chamber; a second containment chamber; an elution buffer in the second containment chamber for releasing the nucleic acid from the particles; and an elution chamber for receiving the elution buffer and releasing the nucleic acid, wherein the elution buffer is transferable from the containment chamber to the reaction chamber, through the particle chamber, and into the elution chamber. The cassette may include a third containment chamber and a lysis solution in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferable to the reaction chamber to solubilize the loose material. The cassette may include a fourth containment chamber and a binding solution in a fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the reaction chamber to join the nucleic acid to the particles.

The reaction chamber can be aligned with the particle chamber and the elution chamber can be alienable with the particle chamber. The cassette may include a waste chamber to receive the enzyme from the loose material. The cassette may include a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the waste chamber. The cassette may include a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the elution chamber. The cassette may include a valve in each of the first and second containment chambers to transfer the contents of each of the first and second containment chambers to the reaction chamber. The valve may include a piston for transferring the contents of the valve into the reaction chamber. Another cassette for preparing samples is also described here. The cassette includes an enclosure, the enclosure including a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber including an opening for receiving a sample of cells having nucleic acid. A plurality of containment chambers; an enzyme in one of the plurality of containment chambers; a lysis buffer in one of the plurality of containment chambers; a joining damper in one of the plurality of containment chambers; an elution buffer in a plurality of containment chambers; a particle chamber; particles in the particle chamber; the particles to releasably bind with the nucleic acid; and an elution chamber for receiving the nucleic acid released; the elution chamber including an opening for removing the nucleic acid from the enclosure. The enclosure may include a waste chamber. Each of the plurality of containment chambers may include a piston for transferring the contents of the plurality of containment chambers to the reaction chamber. The cassette may include one or more wash dampers in one or more of the plurality of containment chambers. The containment chamber can be aligned with the particle chamber and where the elution chamber can be aligned with the particle chamber. An additional cassette is also described here to prepare a sample. The cassette includes a reaction chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to the reaction chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create the dissolved material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a particle chamber; particles to be bound with the nucleic acid in the particle chamber; a second containment chamber; an elution buffer in the second containment chamber to release the nucleic acid? of the particles; and an elution chamber for receiving the elution buffer and the nucleic acid released, wherein each of the containment chambers comprises an external housing having a first chamber in the and at least one opening, at least receiving the first chamber a valve , the valve comprising: an internal housing having a second chamber in it and at least one opening, in the internal housing and rotatable relative to the external housing, at least one opening of the internal housing alignable with at least one opening of the external housing, the second chamber having a content; and a piston in the second chamber for transferring the contents of the second chamber through at least one opening of the inner housing and at least one opening of the outer housing when at least one opening of the inner housing and at least one opening of the outer housing are aligned The cassette may include a third containment chamber and a lysis solution in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferable to the reaction chamber to solubilize the loose material. The cassette may include a fourth containment chamber and a binding solution in the fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the reaction chamber to bind the nucleic acid to the particles. The cassette may include a waste chamber to receive the enzyme and the loose material. The cassette may include a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the waste chamber. The cassette may include a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the elution chamber. The reaction chamber can be aligned with the particle chamber and where the elution chamber can be aligned with the particle chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a cassette for preparing samples according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a cassette for preparing samples according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing a sample being placed in the cassette using a pipette, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a feeder, in which the cassette of FIGURE 1 is used, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of an instrument, in which the feeder of FIGURE 4 is used, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of a PK solution in a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of a lysis solution in a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of a binding solution to a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of metal beads to the mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the metal beads attached to a first valve, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of metal beads from a mixing chamber, to a washing chamber, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 12 is a perspective view from one end of a valve for use in the cassette of FIGURE 1, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing metal beads attached to a second valve, according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of metal beads from the first wash chamber to a second wash chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing metal beads attached to a third valve, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of metal beads from a second wash chamber to an elution chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the transfer of metal beads from an elution chamber to a second wash chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the cassette of FIGURE 1, showing the removal of a prepared sample from an elution chamber according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of a feeder in which a multichannel pipette is used to access a plurality of samples from a plurality of cassettes. FIGURE 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the cassette of FIGURE 1, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 21 is a detailed perspective view of a component of the cassette assembly of FIGURE 20, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 22 is a detailed perspective view of a piston of the cassette of FIGURE 20, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 23 is a detailed perspective view of a valve of the cassette according to an embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 24 is a detailed perspective view of the valve of FIGURE 23, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a cassette for preparing samples, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25; FIGURE 27 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a valve for use in the cassette of FIGURE 25; FIGURE 28 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the valve of FIGURE 25; FIGURE 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the addition of a sample to a mixing chamber, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 30 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the transfer of a PK solution in a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 31 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the transfer of a lysis solution to a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the transfer of a binding solution to a mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 33 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the transfer of a sample through particles and into a waste chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 34 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of a wash buffer into the mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 35 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of the wash buffer through the particles, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 36 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of a second wash buffer to the mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 37 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of the second wash buffer through the particles, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 38 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of an elution buffer to the mixing chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 39 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the pumping of the elution buffer through the particles and into the elution chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 40 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIGURE 25, showing the removal of the sample from the elution chamber, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a cassette 10, which can be used to prepare cell samples. The cassette 10 includes a housing 12, a mixing chamber 14, first, second, third and fourth, containing chambers 16, 18, 20, 22, first, second, third and fourth pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30, first , second and third valves 32, 34 and 36, first and second wash chambers 38 and 40, an elution chamber 42, first, second, third and fourth pumps 44, 46, 48 and 50, first and second covers 52 and 54 , first and second heating elements 56 and 58 and a magnet 60. Each of the chambers 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 38, 40 and 42, pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30, valves 32, 34 and 36, pumps 44, 46, 48 and 50, and heating elements 56 and 58 are enclosed within of the accommodation. The covers 52 and 54 are movably attached to the housing 12. The magnet 60 is removably positioned in the first valve 32, the second valve 34 and the third valve 36. The mixing chamber 14 has an upper surface 62, a bottom surface 64 and opposed side surfaces 66, 68. The upper surface 62 of the mixing chamber includes an opening 70 therein. The first lid 52 is configured to provide access to the opening 70 in the upper surface 62 of the mixing chamber. The first cover 52 and the opening 70 are coaxial. The first lid 52 is shown being movably attached to the housing 12, so that when the lid 52 is open or turned off, the opening 72 is accessible if the lid 52 is closed or turned on, the opening 70 is not accessible.

A thin film 74 forms a wall in the mixing chamber 14. The thin film 74 is breakable, so that the mixing chamber 14 is accessible when the thin film 74 has been broken or disturbed. The first containment chamber 16, the second containment chamber 18, the third containment chamber 20 and the fourth containment chamber 22 are shown located next to the mixing chamber 14 and aligned vertically with each other. Each of the containment chambers 16, 18, 20, 22 has an opening 76 following the thin film 74 of the mixing chamber 14. The cassette 10 may also include magnetic particles of iron in the form of magnetic iron beads in the first containment chamber 16. The cassette 10 further includes a bonding solution in the second containment chamber 18. The cassette 10 further includes a lysis solution in the third containment chamber 20. The cassette 10 further includes a proteinase solution K (PK) in the fourth containment chamber 22. The first, second, third and fourth pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30 are located in the first, second, third and fourth containment chambers 16, 18, 20 and 22, respectively. Each of the pistons 16, 18, 20, 22 includes the base 78, a shaft 80 and a piercing element 82. The shaft 80 extends from the base 78. The piercing element 82 is at the opposite end of the shaft 80 to base 78 and it is pointed. The piercing element 82 is configured to break or burst into the thin film 74 of the mixing film 14. The first pump 44 is a bellows pump having a pumping portion and a nozzle portion. The nozzle portion of the first pump 44 is located within the mixing chamber 14. The pump portion of the first pump 44 is located outside the mixing chamber, so that the pump portion is operable. A heating element 56 is provided on the lower surface 64 of the mixing chamber 14 for heating the contents of the mixing chamber 14. The heating element 56 may be a variable heating element. The opposite side surface 68 of the mixing chamber 14 also includes an opening 84. A first valve 32 is provided between the opening 84 and the side 68 of the mixing chamber 14 and the first washing chamber 38. The first valve 32 has a first stationary part 86, and a second moving part 88, the second part 88 being movable relative to the first part 86. The first stationary part 86 includes a first opening 90 and a second opening 92 and has a surface 94. The second piece 88 has an opening 94 therein for receiving the magnet 60. The second piece 88 has a surface 96 with a cavity 98 therein. The magnet 60 is formed to correspond to the opening 94 in the second part 88. The magnet 60 moves in the opening 94 of the second part 88, and is removable from the second part 88. The cassette 10 includes a washing solution in the first wash chamber 38. The second pump 46 is also a bellows pump, and the nozzle portion of the second pump 46 is located in the first wash chamber 38. The second valve 34 is provided between the first water chamber. washing 38 and the second washing chamber 40. The second valve 34 is structurally and functionally the same as the first valve 43, and also includes a first stationary part 86 and a second moving part 88. The first stationary part 86 includes a first opening 90 and a second opening 92 and has a surface 94. The second moving part 88 has a surface 96 with a cavity 98 therein. The cassette 10 includes a washing solution in the second washing chamber 40. The third pump 48 is also a bellows pump, and the nozzle portion of the third pump 48 is located in the second washing chamber 40. The third valve 36 is provided between the second wash chamber 40 and the elution chamber 42. The third valve 36 is structurally and functionally the same as the first valve 32 and the second valve 34., and also includes a first stationary part 86 and a second moving part 88. The first stationary part 86 includes a first opening 90 and a second opening 92 and has a surface 94. The second moving part 88 has a surface 96 with a cavity 98. in her. The cassette 10 includes a washing solution in the elution chamber 42. The fourth pump 50 is also a bellows pump, and the nozzle portion of the fourth pump 50 is located in the elution chamber 42. An element of heating 58 on the lower surface of the elution chamber 42 to heat the contents of the elution chamber 42. The heating element 58 can be a variable heating element. The elution chamber 42 includes an opening 100 on its upper surface to access the contents of the elution chamber 42. The second cover 54 is configured to provide access to the opening 100 in the upper surface of the elution chamber 42. second lid 54 is coaxial with opening 100. Second lid 54 is shown being movably attached to housing 12, so that when lid 54 is opened or turned off, opening 100 is accessible and if first lid 54 is closed or on, the opening 100 is not accessible. With reference to Figure 2, as described above, the cassette 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a first mounting component 102, a second mounting component 104 and a third mounting component 106. The first mounting component 102 includes the mixing chamber 14, the washing chambers 38 and 40, the elution chamber 42 and the first stationary part 86 of each of the valves 32, 34 and 36. The first mounting component 102 also includes connecting parts. 108, 110 (see Figure 1) at one of its ends and a connecting piece 112 (see Figure 1). The second mounting component 104 includes the containment chambers 16, 18, 20 and 22 and an opening for receiving the first pump 44. The second mounting component 104 also includes junction receiving portions 114, 116, (see Figure 1). The third mounting component 106 includes openings for receiving the second, third and fourth pumps 46, 48 and 50, respectively, and includes covers 52 and 54. The cassette 10 is assembled by inserting the joining components 108, 110 of the first mounting component 102 into the joining receiving components 114, 116 of the second mounting component 104. , respectively. The third mounting component 106 is then secured to the first mounting component using the connecting piece 112, thereby forming the mounted cassette 10, as illustrated in Figure 2. The pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30, the pumps 44, 46, 48 and 50 and the second moving part 88 of each of the valves 32, 34 and 36, are inserted in the cassette 10. In use, as shown in Figure 3, the first cover 52 is removed for provide access to the opening 70 of the mixing chamber 14. A sample of cells is placed in a mounted cassette 10 using a pipette 118. Cells in the sample include nucleic acid. The pipette 118 having the sample therein is placed in the mixing chamber 14. The sample is released from the pipette 118. As shown in Figure 4, the cassette 10 is closed by closing the first lid 52. The cassette 10 is then placed together with similar cassettes 10 in a feeder 120, or holder, to hold a series of cassettes 10. As shown in Figure 5, the feeder 120 is placed in an instrument 122. A protocol can be selected to prepare the sample in cassette 10 on instrument 122. As shown in Figure 6, the PK solution is added to the sample. The PK solution is added by moving the piston 30 in the fourth containment chamber 22.

A force is applied to the base 78 of the piston 30 to move the piston. When the piercing element 82 of the piston 30 advances towards the mixing chamber 14, the piercing element 82 pierces and breaks the thin film 74. The breaking in the thin film 74 provides access to the mixing chamber 14. The continuous movement of the piston 30 transfers the content (for example, the PK solution) of the first containment chamber 22 to the mixing chamber 14. The PK solution is mixed with the sample by pumping the mixture with the first pump 44. The PK solution It destroys the walls of the sample cells, creating a loose material and nucleic acid and loose material. As shown in Figure 7, the lysis solution is added to the sample. The piston 28 operates in the same manner as the piston 30 to transfer the lysis elution in the third containment chamber 20 to the mixing chamber 14. The sample is pumped to mix the lysis buffer in the PK solution and the sample of cells. The lysis solution is typically a salt or detergent. The lysis solution is used to solubilize the loose material. The lysis solution typically does not solubilize proteins. The heating element 56 can be used to heat the lysis solution and the sample. The heating element 56 can be controlled by the instrument 122. As described here above, the temperature of the heating element 56 can be variable, and is selected to optimize the effectiveness of the lysis solution. As shown in Figure 8, the binding solution is added to the sample, the PK solution and the lysis buffer solution. The piston 26 operates in the same manner as the piston 30 to transfer the binding solution in the second containment chamber 18 to the mixing chamber 14. The solution is pumped to mix the binding solution with the solution of PK, solution of lysis and sample. The binding solution is typically hydrophobic and increases the salt in the solution. The binding solution causes the nucleic acid to be magnetically charged. As shown in Figure 9, the magnetic beads are added to the solution and pumped for approximately two minutes. The piston 24 operates in the same manner as the piston 30 to transfer the lysis solution into the first containment chamber 18 in the mixing chamber 14. The magnetic beads are attached to the magnetically loaded nucleic acid. As shown in Figure 10, the magnetic beads, together with the nucleic acid, are attached to the first valve 32. The removably positionable magnet 60 is placed on the first valve 32 and slides to a position on the first valve. 32 to attract the magnetic beads, which are joined to the nucleic acid, from the mixing chamber 14 to the first valve 32. As shown in Figure 11, the magnetic beads, together with the nucleic acid, are then moved from the mixing chamber 14 and are received in the first washing chamber 38. Figure 12 is a detailed view of the valves 32, 34 36, 36, illustrating the movement of the magnetic beads from the mixing chamber 14 to the first chamber of washing 38. As discussed above, each of the valves 32, 34 and 36 includes a first stationary part 86 and a second moving part 88, the first moving part 88 being movable relative to the first part 86. The magnet 60 is inserted into the opening 94 of the second part 88. The magnet 60 is inserted in a position corresponding to the openings 90 and 92 of the first part 86. The magnet 60 attracts the magnetic beads of the mixing chamber 14 through the opening 90 to the first piece 86 either the cavity 98 in the second piece 88. The second piece 88 rotates so that the magnetic beads are sealed in the activity 98 of the second piece 88, between the surfaces of the second piece 88 and the first piece 86. The second piece 88 rotates along the surface 94 of the first piece 86, so that the cavity 98 is accessible to the opening 92 of the first piece 86. The magnet 60 is then removed from the opening 94 in the second piece 88 to release the magnetic beads from the cavity 98 in the second piece 88. As shown in Figure 13, the magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are then washed with the washing solution by pumping the solution with the second pump 46. L The magnetic beads, together with the nucleic acid, are then joined to the second valve 34 by inserting the magnet 60 into the second valve 34, as described above with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figure 14, the magnetic beads , together with the nucleic acid, are then moved from the first washing chamber 38 to the second washing chamber 40 using the second valve 34. The second valve 34 transfers the magnetic beads and nucleic acid from the first washing chamber 38 to the second wash chamber 40, as described above with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figure 15, the magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are then washed with the wash solution a second time by pumping the solution with the third pump 48. The magnetic beads, together with the nucleic acid, are then joined to the third valve 36 by placing the magnet 60 to the third valve 36, as described above with n reference to Figure 12.

As shown in Figure 16, the magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are then turned from the second washing chamber 40 to the elution chamber 42. The magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are transferred from the second washing chamber 40 to the elution chamber 42 using the procedure described above with reference to Figure 12. An elution buffer solution is then mixed with the magnetic beads and the nucleic acid by pumping the solution with the fourth pump 50. The heating element 58 can be used for heat the elution buffer, the magnetic beads and the nucleic acid. The heating element 58 can be controlled by the instrument 122. The temperature can be variable and can be selected to optimize the release of the nucleic acid from the magnetic beads. The magnetic beads alone are then reattached to the third valve 36 by placing the magnet 60 in the third valve 36 as described above with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figure 17, the magnetic beads alone then move from the Elution chamber 42 again towards the second washing chamber 40, leaving the nucleic acid in the elution chamber 42. The magnetic beads are transferred from an elution chamber 42 to the second washing chamber 40 using the procedure described above with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figure 18, the prepared sample of nucleic acid may be accessible using a second pipette 124. The second cover 54 is removed to provide access to the opening 100 in the elution chamber 42. The pipette 124 is inserted into the aperture 100 and the prepared sample of nucleic acid is removed. As shown in Figure 19, a multi-channel pipette 126 can be used to access a plurality of samples from a plurality of cassettes 10. Figure 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cassette 10. The cassette 10a illustrated in Figure 20 differs from the cassette 10 illustrated in Figure 1 in which the mounting component 104a includes a seal 130, the pistons 24a, 26a, 28a and 30a each include seals 132, 134, 136 and 138, respectively, and the valves 32a, 34a, and 36a have different arrangement, as discussed here later. Figure 21 illustrates the mounting component 104a in greater detail. The mounting component 104a includes a seal 130. The illustrated seal 130 is a double elastomer, which extends along the circumference of the mounting component 104a. Figure 22 illustrates the piston 24a in more detail. The piston 24a includes a seal 132. The illustrated seal 132 is also a double elastomer, which extends along the circumference of the piston 24a. It will be appreciated that each of the pistons 26a, 28a and 30a could also have a similar arrangement. Figures 23 and 24 illustrate valve 32a in greater detail. It will be appreciated that valves 34a and 36a also have a similar arrangement. The valve 32a includes a magnet 60a, a housing 142, and an axis 144. The housing 142 includes a first opening (not shown) for receiving the magnet 60a and a second opening 148 for exposing the magnet 60a and receiving the particles 146. The magnet 60a is formed to correspond to opening 148 and selected to attract particles 146. Housing 142 also includes a third opening (not shown) for receiving shaft 144. As shown in Figure 24, shaft 144 may include a coined member 150. The coined member 150 is formed to engage the cassette 10a. It will be appreciated that the shaft may be a removable or integrated member of the valve 32a. It will also be appreciated that the housing 142 can, alternatively, include the coined member. The shaft 144 is engageable with the housing 142 and the magnet 60a to rotate the housing 142 and the magnet 60a relative to the cassette 10a to move the particles 146 of the mixing chamber 14a to the washing chamber 38a. It will be appreciated that the valves 34a and 36a operate in a similar manner to transfer the particles 146 from the washing chamber 38a to the washing chamber 40a and from the washing chamber 40a to the elution chamber 42a, respectively. In one embodiment, a total of approximately 200 μl of sample is placed in the cassette. The sample is mixed with a total of about 50 μL of the PK solution by pumping the sample mixture and PK solution for about 1 minute. A total of approximately 200 μL of lysis solution is added to the sample and PK solution, and the solutions are pumped for approximately 1 minute to mix the solutions. The mixture is then heated to about 60 ° C for about 10 minutes, and the mixture is allowed to cool for about 5 minutes. The mixture is further pumped while cooling. A total of approximately 500 μL of binding solution is added to the mixture. The solutions are pumped for approximately 1 minute. The magnetic beads are added to the solution and pumped for approximately two minutes. The magnetic beads are transferred and washed as described above. A total of approximately 700 μL of wash solution is provided in each of the wash chambers. A total of about 200 μL of elution solution is provided in the elution chamber. The magnetic beads are mixed with the elution solution by pumping the mixture for about 1 minute. The mixture is then heated for approximately 90 CC for about 2 minutes. The process continues as described above. Although the cassette 10 has been described as having the mixing chamber 14, two washing chambers 38 and 40 and an elution chamber 42, it was contemplated that, alternatively, only one washing chamber or no washing chamber could be provided. . Although the cassette has been described as using a single mobile magnet 60, it was contemplated that each valve may include a positionable magnet, so that the magnet does not need to be removed. The magnet 60 can be rotatable, and used to rotate the second part of the valves. Alternatively, the magnet can only slide into each of the valves, and the second part is rotated independent of the magnet. It was contemplated that a cassette 10 that does not use valves as described herein can be used to transfer the magnetic particles from the mixing chamber to the elution chamber. In that embodiment, a slidable magnet can be provided to transfer the magnetic particles from one chamber to the next. Although the cassette 10 has been described as using a solution of PK, lysis solution, binding solution and magnetic beads to release the nucleic acid and the magnetic beads, it was contemplated that it may be possible to practice the invention without using each of the previous solutions. In addition, although the solution was described as using a PK solution to break cells; it was contemplated that an enzyme that causes the cells to break to release the nucleic acid in the invention may be used. It was contemplated that the housing 12 may be transparent, so that the process can be seen. In one embodiment, the thin film 74 is a lamination. In one embodiment, the caps 52 and 54 may be threaded top caps. In one embodiment, caps 52, 54 include a hydrophobic membrane, which allows gases to be vented through the cap, but does not allow liquids to escape from cassette 100. In one embodiment, pump 50 is insertable into the opening 100. In one embodiment, the pump 50 can also be used as a pipette to remove the sample from the cassette 10. It was also contemplated that the mixing chamber 14 can be provided without a pierceable thin film 74, In that embodiment, the pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30 would not need a piercing element 82. Instead, the pistons 24, 26, 28 and 30 would have a sealing element to prevent leakage of the contents of the containment chamber 16, 18, 20 and 22, associated with each piston 24, 26, 28 and 30, respectively, until the piston is moved. Figure 25 illustrates a cassette 200, which can be used to prepare cell samples. The cassette 200 includes a housing 210, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth containment chambers 204a-h, respectively. Each of the containment chambers 204a-h includes a mounting valve 206a-h therein. A locking element 207 may also be provided. Figure 26 illustrates the cassette 200 in greater detail. Cassette 200 further includes a reaction chamber 208, a particle chamber 210, a waste chamber 212, a waste overflow chamber 214, an elution chamber 216, a piston 218, and first and second covers 220 and 222, respectively. The cassette 200 may also include one or more heating elements (not shown). Each of the containment chambers 204a-h, valve assemblies 206a-h, reaction chamber 208, particle chamber 210, debris chamber 212, debris chamber 214, and piston 218 are enclosed within the housing 202. The covers 222, 224 are removably and removably attached to the housing 202. The reaction chamber 208 has an upper surface 226, a lower surface 228 and opposed side surfaces 230, 232. The upper surface 226 of the reaction chamber 208 includes an opening 234 therein. The first cover 222 is configured to provide access to the opening 234 in the upper surface 226 of the reaction chamber 208.

The illustrated lid 222 is a threaded upper lid; however, any other cap that provides (removably) access to the opening 234. The lower surface 228 of the reaction chamber 208 includes an opening 236 therein. The opening 236 allows a reaction chamber 208 to be in fluid communication with the particle chamber 210. The side surface 232 includes openings 238a-h therein. The openings 238a-h allow the reaction chamber 208 to be in fluid communication with the containment chamber 204-h, respectively. The cassette 200 includes a bonding solution in a junction chamber 204a. The cassette 200 includes a lysis solution in a containment chamber 204b. The cassette 200 further includes a solution of proteinase K (PK) in a containment chamber 204c. The cassette 200 further includes a wash solution in one or more containment chambers 240d-e. The cassette 200 also includes an elution solution in a containment chamber 204f. The piston 218 and the first cap 222 are shown joined together to form an integral piston system. The piston 218 is compressible to pump the contents of the reaction chamber 208. Alternatively, a separate pump may be provided to pump the contents of the reaction chamber 208. The piston 218 also moves inside the reaction chamber 208 to pushing the contents of the reaction chamber 208 through the particle chamber 210. The containment chambers 204a-h are formed in a housing 202 of the cassette 200. Each of the containment chambers 204a-h includes a guide 240a- h engageable with the corresponding slot in the valve assembly 206. The containment chambers 204a-h also include at least one opening 242a-h, engageable with the corresponding openings in the valve assembly 206a-h. The housing 202 also includes slots 244a-h, engageable with the corresponding guides in the valve assembly 206a-h. The particle chamber 210 includes a body 250, having a first opening 252, a second opening 254, and a plurality of particles 256 therein. The particles can be magnetic or non-magnetic, depending on the application of cassette 200. The particles can be, for example, cellulose, plastic or iron. The particle chamber 210 is shown aligned with a reaction chamber 208.

The waste chamber 212 and the elution chamber 216 are integrated with each other and rotate relative to the housing 202. The waste overflow chamber 214 is placed near the waste chamber 212 and may be in fluid communication with the waste chamber 212. The waste chamber 212 and the elution chamber 216 are alignable with the particle chamber and can be in fluid communication with the particle chamber 210. The waste chamber 212 for an upper surface 270, the lower surface 272, a inner surface 274 and an outer surface 276. The waste overflow chamber 214 has an upper surface 278, a lower surface 280 and opposing side surfaces 282, 284. The elution chamber 216 also has an upper surface 286, a lower surface 288 , an inner surface 290 and an outer surface 292. It will be appreciated that the outer surface 276 of the waste chamber 212 and the supe External surface 292 of elution chamber 216 are integrated with each other. It will also be appreciated that the internal surface 274 of the waste chamber 212 is the same as the internal surface 290 of the elution chamber 216. The upper surface 270 of the waste chamber 212 and the upper surface 286 of the elution chamber 216 each have aperture 294, 296 respectively. Those openings 294, 296 are alignable with the opening 252 in the particle chamber 210 to provide a fluid communication path between the particle chamber 210 and the waste chamber 212 and the elution chamber 216. The external surface 276 of the chamber waste 212 includes an opening 298 therein. One of the side surfaces 282, 284 of the waste overflow chamber 214 includes an opening 300 therein. The opening 298 and the opening 300 are alignable, so that the fluid flowing into the waste chamber 212 can flow from the waste chamber and into the waste overflow chamber 214. The lower surface 288 of the elution chamber 216 includes an opening 302 therein. The second cap 224 is configured to provide access to the opening 302 in the lower surface 288 of the elution chamber 216. The illustrated cap 224 is a threaded top cap. However, any other (removable) lid provides access to the opening 302. Figures 27 and 28 illustrate a valve assembly 206 in greater detail. The valve assembly 206 includes a housing 310. The housing 310 includes a chamber 312 therein, a slot 314 and projections 316 extending thereover. The camera 312 includes a pump 318 therein. A cap 320 is provided at one end of the housing for sealing the chamber 310. The cap includes first and second openings 322, 324, which extend therethrough and provide fluid communication with a chamber 312. When the openings 322, 324 are not align with openings 238a-h, the contents of chamber 312 are sealed within the valve assembly; however, when the openings 322, 324 are not aligned with the openings 238a-h, the contents of the chamber 312 are releasable from the chamber 312. The slot 314 is used to guide the openings 322, 324 to the place where the openings 322 , 324 are aligned with the openings 238a-h. The pump 318 is used to transfer the contents of the chamber 312 and into the reaction chamber 214 through the openings 322, 324. The cassette 200 is assembled by inserting the valve assemblies 206a-h into the containment chambers 204a-h of the accommodation. The locking element 207 may be connected to the housing to secure the valve assemblies 206a-h in the containment chambers 204a-h. The waste chamber assembly and the elution chamber 216 is inserted into the housing 202 and the cover 224 is secured to the housing 202. The piston 218 is also inserted into the reaction chamber 208 and the cover 222 is secured to the housing. In use, as shown in Figure 29, the first cap 222 is removed to provide access to the opening 234 of the reaction chamber 208. A sample of cells 350 is placed in the cassette 200 using a pipette 352. The cells in The sample includes nucleic acid. The pipette 352 having the sample therein is placed in the reaction chamber 208. The sample is released from the pipette 352. As shown in Figure 30, the PK solution is added to the sample. The PK solution is added by rotating the valve assembly 206c relative to the housing 202. At least one of the openings 322, 324 of the valve assembly 206c aligning with the opening 242c in the containment chamber 204c to release the solution of PK of containment chamber 204c and to reaction chamber 208 through opening 238c in housing 202. The PK solution is mixed with the sample by pumping the mixture with piston 218. As described here above, the PK solution destroys the cell wall of the sample, creating loose material and nucleic acid in the loose material. As shown in Figure 31, the lysis solution is added to the sample. The valve assembly 206b operates in the same manner as the valve assembly 206c to transfer the lysis solution in the containment chamber 204b to the reaction chamber 208. The sample is typically pumped to mix the lysis solution with the solution of PK and sample mixed. The lysis solution is typically a salt or detergent, and is used to solubilize the loose material, as discussed hereinabove.

As shown in Figure 32, a binding solution is added to the sample, the PK solution and lysis solution. The valve assembly 206a operates in the same manner as the valve assembly 206c to transfer the binding solution in a containment chamber 204a to the reaction chamber 208. The solution is pumped to mix the binding solution with the PK solution. , the lysis solution and the sample. The binding solution is typically hydrophobic and increases the solution. As shown in Figure 33, the solution is pumped through the particles in the particle chamber 210. The nucleic acid is attached to the particles in the particle chamber, while the remaining solution flows into the waste chamber 212. , and if necessary, the waste overflow chamber 214. As described above, when the opening 298 in the waste chamber 212 is aligned with the opening 300 in the waste overflow chamber 214, the solution can flow into the waste chamber 214. waste overflow chamber 214 of the waste chamber 212. As shown in Figure 34, the wash solution is added to the reaction chamber 208 by operating the valve assembly 206d in the same manner as the valve assembly 206c for transferring the wash solution from the containment chamber 204d to the reaction chamber 208.

As shown in Figure 35, the first wash solution is pumped through the particle chamber 210 and into the waste chamber 212, and if necessary, into the waste overflow chamber 214. As shown in Figure 36, a second wash solution is added to the reaction chamber 208 by operating a valve assembly 206c in the same manner as the valve assembly 206c to transfer the wash solution from the containment chamber 204e to the reaction chamber 208 As shown in Figure 37, the second wash solution is pumped through the particle chamber 210 and into the waste chamber 212, and if necessary, the waste overflow chamber 214. As shown in FIG. Figure 38, an elution solution is added to the reaction chamber 208 by operating a valve assembly 206f in the same manner as the valve assembly 206c to transfer the elution solution from the containment chamber 204f to the reaction chamber 208. The waste chamber assembly and elution chamber is rotated to align the opening 296 of the elution chamber 216 with the opening 252 of the particle chamber 210, so that the elution solution is transferable into the elution chamber 216. It will be appreciated that the opening 296 may be aligned with the opening 252 before or after the elution solution is added to the reaction chamber 208. As shown in Figure 39, the solution The elution is pumped through the particle chamber 210 to elute the bound nucleic acid. The nucleic acid and the elution solution flow into the elution chamber 216. As shown in Figure 40, the prepared sample of nucleic acid may be accessible using a pipette 354. The second cap 224 is removed to provide access to the aperture. 302 in the elution chamber 216. The pipette 354 is inserted into the opening 302 and the prepared sample of nucleic acid removed. It will be appreciated that the cassette 200 may be placed with similar cassettes in a feeder or holder to hold a series of cassettes. The feeder or holder may be placed in an instrument, or a protocol may be selected to prepare the sample in the cassette 200 in the instrument. The cassette 200 may include one or more heating elements as described hereinafter with respect to the cassette 100. The cassettes 100, 200 may be disposable. It will be appreciated that although the cassettes 100, 200 have been described with respect to the disruption of cells to extract nucleic acid, the cassettes 100, 200 can be used to break cells to extract other cellular components such as, for example, protein. Also, although a lysis solution such as that used to break cells has been described, it will be appreciated that any substance that can break cells, such as, for example, reagents, enzymes, cataphotic salts, other lysis solutions and the like. The cassettes described herein are advantageous because they are closed. There is no contamination of the sample during the process. In addition, a smaller number of samples can be prepared, including as few as one sample. The above description with the attached drawings is only illustrative of possible modalities of the described method and should not be constituted as such. Other experts in the art will understand that many other specific modalities are possible that fall within the scope and spirit of the present idea. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. Any and all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalence of the following claims are considered within its scope. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (56)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property. A cassette for preparing a sample, characterized in that it comprises: at least one mixing chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to at least one mixing chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create loose material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a second containment chamber; magnetic particles in the second containment chamber, the magnetic particles being transferable to at least one mixing chamber for binding to the nucleic acid; and at least one magnet, which can be placed to attract the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid and at least partially separate the nucleic acid in the loose material in at least one mixing chamber. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing chamber has an upper surface, the upper surface having an opening therein. 3. The cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a removable lid to access the opening of the mixing chamber. 4. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the enzyme comprises proteinase K. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises first and second pistons in the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber , each mobile piston being to transfer the enzyme and magnetic particles, respectively, to the mixing chamber. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing chamber comprises a thin film that is broken to transfer the enzyme and magnetic particles through the respective breaks in the thin film into the mixing chamber. The cassette according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises first and second pistons to the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber, each mobile piston being for breaking the thin film and transferring the enzyme to magnetic particles, respectively to the mixing chamber. The cassette according to claim 7, characterized in that the pistons comprise a perforating element for breaking the thin film. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third containment chamber and a lysis solution in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferable to the mixing chamber to solubilize the loose material. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fourth containment chamber and a binding solution in the fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the mixing chamber to join the nucleic acid to the particles magnetic The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a heating element for heating the mixing chamber. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first separation piece having a surface; a first transfer part having a surface with a cavity in it, transferring at least one magnet and the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid in the cavity with the surface of the first transfer part, the moving transfer part being to the first separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the mixing chamber and along the surface of the first separation piece; and a first receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the first separation piece. The cassette according to claim 12, characterized in that the first transfer part rotates relative to the first separation part. The cassette according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises: a second separation piece having a surface; a second transfer piece having a surface with a cavity in it, the second transfer piece being movable relative to the second separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the first chamber of reception and along the surface of the second part of separation; and a second receiving chamber which receives magnetic particles and nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the second separation piece. 15. The cassette according to claim 14, characterized in that the second transfer part rotates relative to the second separation part. The cassette according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: a third part of separation having a surface; a third transfer piece having a surface with a cavity in it, the third transfer piece being movable relative to the third separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the second chamber of reception and along the surface of the third part of separation; and a third receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the third separation part. 17. The cassette according to claim 16, characterized in that the third transfer part rotates relative to the third separation part. The cassette according to claim 12, characterized in that the first receiving chamber is a washing chamber, and in that it also comprises a washing solution in the washing chamber. The cassette according to claim 14, characterized in that the second receiving chamber is a washing chamber, and in that it also comprises a washing solution in the washing chamber. 20. The cassette according to claim 16, characterized in that the third receiving chamber is an elution chamber, and in that it further comprises an elution buffer in the elution chamber for separating the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. The cassette according to claim 20, characterized in that it also comprises a heating element for heating the elution chamber. 22. A cassette for preparing a sample, characterized in that it comprises: at least one mixing chamber for receiving a mixture of cells, an enzyme being added to the mixing chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create material loose and the nucleic acid in the loose material, the magnetic particles being added to the mixing chamber to bind with the nucleic acid; a first part of separation having a surface; a first transfer piece having a surface with a cavity in it; a magnet, positionable to attract the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid and at least partially separate the nucleic acid from the loose material in at least one mixing chamber to transfer the magnetic particles with the nucleic acid in the cavity on the surface of the first transfer piece, the first mobile transfer piece being relative to the first separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the mixing chamber and along the surface of the first piece from separation; and a first receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the first separation piece. 23. The cassette in accordance with the claim 22, characterized in that the first transfer part rotates relative to the first separation part. The cassette according to claim 22, characterized in that the first receiving chamber is a washing chamber, and in that it also comprises a washing solution in the washing chamber. The cassette according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises an elution chamber, an elution buffer in the elution chamber for separating the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid, a second separation part having a surface, a second transfer piece on a surface with a cavity in it, the second transfer piece being movable relative to the second separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the receiving chamber and along the surface of the second separation piece, with the elution chamber receiving the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving to along the surface of the first part of separation. 26. The cassette according to claim 19, characterized in that the second transfer part rotates relative to the second separation part, so that the magnetic particles move out of the elution chamber, leaving the nucleic acid in the elution chamber. 27. The cassette according to claim 22, characterized in that the first receiving chamber is an elution chamber and in that it further comprises an elution buffer in the elution chamber for lubricating the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. The cassette according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises a second separating part having a surface, a second transfer part having a surface with a cavity therein, the second mobile transfer part being relative to the second separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the first receiving chamber and along the surface of the second separation piece, and a second receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the second separation piece. 29. The cassette according to claim 28, characterized in that the second transfer part rotates relative to the second separation part. 30. The cassette according to claim 28, characterized in that it further comprises a third separating part having a surface, a third transfer part having a surface with a cavity therein, the third mobile transfer part being relative to the third separation piece, so that the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid move out of the second receiving chamber and along the surface of the third separation part, and a third receiving chamber which receives the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid after moving along the surface of the third part of separation. 31. The cassette according to claim 30, characterized in that the third transfer part rotates relative to the third separation part. 32. The cassette according to claim 28, characterized in that the second receiving chamber is a washing chamber, and in that it also comprises a washing solution in the washing chamber. The cassette according to claim 30, characterized in that the third receiving chamber is an elution chamber, and in that it further comprises an elution buffer in the elution chamber for separating the magnetic particles and the nucleic acid. 34. A cassette for preparing samples, characterized in that it comprises: an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber including an opening for receiving a sample of cells having nucleic acid; a plurality of contention chambers having content, the contents of one of the plurality of containment chambers comprising magnetic particles, and the content of one of the plurality of containment chambers comprising a solution of proteinase K; a plurality of pistons, each of the plurality of pistons corresponding to one of the plurality of containment chambers, transferring the content of the plurality of containment chambers to the mixing chamber, breaking the proteinase K solution to the cells to release the nucleic acid and the nucleic acid that binds the magnetic particles to the mixing chamber; a first valve, coupled to the mixing chamber, including the first valve, a positionable magnet for attracting the magnetic particles; a washing chamber, coupled to the first valve; a second valve, coupled to the first washing chamber, the second valve including a magnet that can be positioned to attract the magnetic particles; and an elution chamber, coupled to the second valve, the elution chamber including an opening for removing the nucleic acid from the elution chamber. 35. The cassette according to claim 34, characterized in that one of the plurality of containment chambers comprises a joining solution and one of the plurality of containment chambers comprises a lysis solution, and wherein one of the plurality of pistons transfers the solution for joining to the mixing chamber and where one of the plurality of pistons transfers the lysis solution to the mixing chamber. 36. A cassette for preparing a sample comprising: a reaction chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to the reaction chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create loose material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a particle chamber; particles to be bound with the nucleic acid in the particle chamber; a second containment chamber; an elution buffer in the second containment chamber for releasing the nucleic acid from the particles; and an elution chamber for receiving the elution buffer and the nucleic acid released; wherein the elution buffer is transferable from the containment chamber to the reaction chamber, through the particle chamber, and to the elution chamber. 37. The cassette in accordance with the claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a third containment chamber and a lysis solution in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferred to the reaction chamber to solubilize the loose material. 38. The cassette according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a fourth containment chamber and a binding solution in the fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the reaction chamber for binding the nucleic acid to the particles. 39. The cassette according to claim 36, characterized in that the reaction chamber is aligned with the particle chamber and where the elution chamber is alignable with the particle chamber. 40. The cassette according to claim 36, characterized in that it also comprises a waste chamber for receiving the enzyme and the loose material. 41. The cassette according to claim 40, characterized in that it further comprises a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the waste chamber. 42. The cassette according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a piston for transferring contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the elution chamber. 43. The cassette according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a valve in each of the first and second containment chambers for transferring the contents of each of the first and second containment chambers to the reaction chamber. 44. The cassette according to claim 43, characterized in that the valve comprises a piston to transfer the content of the valve to the reaction chamber. 45. A cassette for preparing samples, characterized in that it comprises: an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber including the opening for receiving a mixture of cells having nucleic acid; a plurality of containment chambers; an enzyme in one of the plurality of containment chambers; a lysis buffer in one of the plurality of containment chambers; a joint damper in one of the plurality of containment chambers; an elution buffer in one of the plurality of containment chambers; a particle chamber; particles in the particle chamber, the particles for releasably binding with the nucleic acid; and an elution chamber for receiving the nucleic acid released, the elution chamber including an opening for removing the nucleic acid from the enclosure. 46. The cassette according to claim 45, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a waste chamber. 47. The cassette according to claim 45, characterized in that each of the plurality of containment chambers comprises a piston for transferring the content of the plurality of containment chambers to the reaction chamber. 48. The cassette according to claim 45, characterized in that it further comprises one or more wash dampers in one or more of the plurality of containment chambers. 49. The cassette in accordance with the claim 45, characterized in that the reaction chamber is aligned with the particle chamber and where the elution chamber is aligned with the particle chamber. 50. A cassette for preparing a sample, characterized in that it comprises: a reaction chamber for receiving a sample of cells; a first containment chamber; an enzyme in the first containment chamber, the enzyme being transferable to the reaction chamber to break the cells and release the nucleic acid from the cells to create loose material and the nucleic acid in the loose material; a particle chamber; particles to be bound with the nucleic acid in the particle chamber; a second containment chamber; an elution buffer in the second containment chamber to release the nucleic acid from the particles; and an elution chamber for receiving the elution buffer and the released nucleic acid, wherein each of the containment chambers comprises an external housing having a first chamber therein and at least one opening, the first chamber receiving a valve, comprising the valve: an internal housing having a second chamber in it and at least one opening, the internal housing rotatable relative to the external housing, at least one opening of the internal housing alignable with at least one opening of the external housing, the second chamber having content; and a piston in the second chamber for transferring the contents of the second chamber through at least one opening of the inner housing and at least one opening of the outer housing when at least one opening of the inner housing and at least one opening of the outer housing are aligned 51. The cassette according to claim 50, characterized in that it further comprises a third containment chamber and a lysis solution in the third containment chamber, the lysis solution being transferable to the reaction chamber to solubilize the loose material. 52. The cassette according to claim 50, characterized in that it further comprises a fourth containment chamber and a binding solution in the fourth containment chamber, the junction solution being transferable to the reaction chamber for binding the nucleic acid to the particles . 53. The cassette in accordance with the claim 50, characterized in that it also comprises a waste chamber for receiving the enzyme and the loose material. 54. The cassette according to claim 53, characterized in that it further comprises a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and to the waste chamber. 55. The cassette according to claim 50, characterized in that it further comprises a piston for transferring the contents of the reaction chamber through the particle chamber and into the elution chamber. 56. The cassette according to claim 50, characterized in that the reaction chamber is aligned with the particle chamber and where the elution chamber is aligned with the particle chamber.