Ex-vivo multi-dimensional system for the separation and isolation of cells, vesicles, nanoparticles, and biomarkers

US8932447B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Michael J. Heller · Encinitas, US
• Benjamin Sullivan · San Diego, US
• Rajaram KRISHNAN · San Diego, US
• Dennis A. Carson · Del Mar, US
• Sadik C. Esener · Solana Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 25, 2013
• Grant date: Jan 13, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N30/0005
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices. The devices and techniques described can also carry out the assisted self-assembly of molecules, polymers, nanocomponents and mesoscale entities into three dimensional higher order structures.