Systems and methods for the capture and separation of microparticles

US9090663B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US

Inventors

• Qiao Lin · Chengdu, CN
• Yao Zhou · Suzhou, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 21, 2010
• Grant date: Jul 28, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 16, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B03C2201/26
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles. In one aspect, a method for capturing target microparticles is disclosed. The method includes: forming a fluid including the target microparticles, non-target microparticles, and magnetic beads, the magnetic beads having a stronger affinity with the target microparticles than with the non-target microparticles; flowing the fluid through a multidirectional microchannel; and applying a magnetic field to the fluid while the fluid is flowing through at least a portion of the microchannel to effect capture of at least a portion of the target microparticles onto the magnetic beads. Such a method can further includes passing the fluid having exited from the microchannel through a separator while subjecting the fluid to a second magnetic field so as to isolate the target microparticles. In addition, devices and systems are disclosed for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles based on magnetic manipulation.