Abstract: We have performed separation of bacterial and cancer cells from peripheral human blood in microfabricated electronic chips by dielectrophoresis. The isolated cells were examined by staining the nuclei with fluorescent dye followed by laser induced fluorescence imaging. We have also released DNA and RNA from the isolated cells electronically and detected specific marker sequences by DNA amplification followed by electronic hybridization to immobilized capture probes. Efforts towards the construction of a “laboratory-on-a-chip” system are presented which involves the selection of DNA probes, dyes, reagents and prototyping of the fully integrated portable instrument.

Abstract: We have performed separation of bacterial and cancer cells from peripheral human blood in microfabricated electronic chips by dielectrophoresis. The isolated cells were examined by staining the nuclei with fluorescent dye followed by laser induced fluorescence imaging. We have also released DNA and RNA from the isolated cells electronically and detected specific marker sequences by DNA amplification followed by electronic hybridization to immobilized capture probes. Efforts towards the construction of a “laboratory-on-a-chip” system are presented which involves the selection of DNA probes, dyes, reagents and prototyping of the fully integrated portable instrument.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for desalting a low volume solution for use in connection with an electronically addressable microarray. The apparatus comprises a tubular molecular weight cut-off membrane embedded within a ion exchange resin filled chamber. The apparatus provides a very high surface to volume ratio of membrane pore surface to exchange resin capacity for absorbing charged molecules. The design facilitates the speedy removal of charged molecules from test solutions with the resultant desalted solution having a very low ionic strength suitable for use in the electronic transport of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells.