Apparatus for magnetic separation of cells
US9267943B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03C2201/26
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Described here is an automated robotic device that isolates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other biological structures with extremely high purity. The device uses powerful magnetic rods covered in removable plastic sleeves. These rods sweep through blood samples, capturing, e.g., cancer cells labeled with antibodies linked to magnetically responsive particles such as superparamagnetic beads. Upon completion of the capturing protocol, the magnetic rods undergo several rounds of washing, thereby removing all contaminating blood cells. The captured target cells are released into a final capture solution by removing the magnetic rods from the sleeves. Additionally, cells captured by this device show no reduced viability when cultured after capture. Cells are captured in a state suitable for genetic analysis. Also disclosed are methods for single cell analysis. Being robotic allows the device to be operated with high throughput.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.