Importance

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Abstract

A cassette is used with a chemical immobilization and treatment system. The system with the cassette performs various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns ('mini-columns'), having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber. The inventive system reads the machine readable instruction code and performs chemistries on the analyte, including mixing solvents, reactants and buffers; detaching and shuttling the analyte back and forth performing complex chemistries either on or off-column; solvation of powdered or lyophillized reagents; and performing in-line, on-board analysis. These protocols are performed automatically pursuant to instructions contained on a bar code, without having to remove the cassette or interface from the CTS, or otherwise require human intervention. The same chemistries may be performed on all sample mini-column addresses, or a separate completely independent set of protocols may be defined for each address, or for each block of addresses pursuant to the instructions contained in the machine readable code on the cassette.

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First Claim