Abstract:
Microfluidic devices are described that include a microfluidic channel, a first array of one or more magnets above the microfluidic channel, each magnet in the first array having a magnetic pole orientation opposite to a magnetic pole orientation of an adjacent magnet in the first array, and a second array of one or more magnets beneath the microfluidic channel, each magnet in the second array having a magnetic pole orientation opposite to a magnetic pole orientation of an adjacent magnet in the second array. The first array is aligned with respect to the second array such that magnetic fields emitted by the first array and second array generate a magnetic flux gradient profile extending through the channel. An absolute value of the profile includes a first maximum and a second maximum that bound a local minimum. The local minimum is located within the microfluidic channel or less than 5 mm away from a wall of the microfluidic channel. Methods of using the new devices are also described.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an analyte detection device comprising: a sample chamber for storing a mixture solution of a sample comprising an analyte and a reactant comprising particles; a detection chamber for storing a detection solution; and a channel placed between the sample chamber and the detection chamber to prevent the mixture solution and the detection solution from being mixed with each other, the analyte detection device characterized by detecting the analyte by moving the particles from the sample chamber to the detection chamber using moving means.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for target particle separation and isolation are disclosed. The apparatuses are flow chambers that include an infusion port configured to introduce a sample, and an elution flow port configured to receive an elution buffer. The flow chamber also includes an electrode coupled to a floor of the flow chamber, wherein the electrode includes at least a first zone with a first inter-electrode pitch and a second zone with a second inter-electrode pitch. The first zone generates a first electric field and the second zone generates a second electric field of a different magnitude than the first electric field when an electric signal is applied. The first electric field and the second electric field separate the target particle from the fluidic suspension via dielectrophoresis. The flow chamber also includes a waste disposal port that discharges the waste material, and a collection port configured that collects a target particle enriched sample.
Abstract:
The invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.
Abstract:
The disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for the production of nucleic acid molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for the microscale generation of nucleic acid molecules, optionally followed by assembly of these nucleic acid molecules into larger molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for efficient production of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., large nucleic acid molecules such as genomes).
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a method for enriching target cells from a sample of cells characterized by: a) contacting the sample with a cell aggregation agent and first magnetic particles having an iron content of 0.1 pg to 5000 pg, coupled to a first antigen recognizing moiety; and second magnetic particles having an iron content of 0.05 fg to 100 fg and coupled to a second antigen recognizing moiety to obtain mixture a) b) applying a first magnetic field gradient to the mixture a) thereby removing the cells bound to the first antigen recognizing moiety coupled to the first magnetic particles, to obtain a mixture b) and obtaining an agglomerate comprising the cells of mixture a) bound to the cell aggregation agent c) applying a second magnetic field gradient to the mixture b) thereby immobilizing the cells bound to the second antigen recognizing moiety d) recovering the immobilized cells from the second magnetic field gradient as target cells.
Abstract:
A magnetic separation device has a membrane having a plurality of pores, a magnetically soft material layer disposed on the membrane, and a passivation layer disposed on the magnetically soft material layer. The magnetic separation device may be part of a microfluidic device having a lateral flow channel and a vertical flow magnetic separation filter. The magnetic separation device may be used to separate magnetically tagged particles, such as cells.
Abstract:
A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described, The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one outlet and a length between the same inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes and a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length. The present invention also includes a method of using said device for separating at least one cell type.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a magnetic separation assembly. The assembly includes a base having at least one opening. The assembly also includes a holder positioned securely inside the at least one opening of the base. The holder includes a magnet. The assembly also includes a retainer securely inserted into the holder.
Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods are presented that facilitate electronic manipulation and detection of submicron particles. Time-multiplexed dielectrophoresis can be employed by cycling between two or more disparate electric fields during separate portions of a duty cycle. By cycling between these two or more disparate electric fields, two or more disparate particle types can be separated from one another based on differences in electrical properties of the two or more disparate particle types.