Electrophoretic Or Electro-osmotic Apparatus Patents (Class 204/600)
  • Publication number: 20100101951
    Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis device comprises a loading channel, an injection channel, and a separation channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The injection channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection. The separation channel is connected to the injection channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first and second reservoir, and wherein the injection channel is in fluid communication with a third reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the third reservoir, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the third reservoir and form a sample plug in the second intersection, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Tian, Shashi Thutupalli, Li Zhu, Anthony John Murray, Erin Jean Finehout, Jun Xie
  • Patent number: 7704363
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting the concentration of a polar analyte in an alternating electric field. In the method, a relative translation of the polar analyte and an alternating electric field along a translation path is effected. A portion of the polar analyte is then trapped and concentrated in a concentration zone formed by the intersection of the translation path and the alternating electric field. Also disclosed are various devices for carrying out the forgoing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Zbigniew T. Bryning, Theresa B. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100096266
    Abstract: A device for generating droplets includes a substrate comprising a reservoir site configured to hold a liquid and including a first electrode, a droplet creation site including a second electrode, and droplet separation site disposed between the reservoir site and the droplet creation site and containing an electrode. The device includes control circuitry operatively coupled to the first, second, and third electrodes. The control circuitry is configured to measure the fluid volume on the electrodes and independently adjust an applied voltage to increase/decrease the quantity of fluid. The device can move fluid onto the creation site or back onto to the reservoir site. When the fluid volume is at the desired value or range, a driving voltage is delivered to the first and second electrodes to form a new droplet. The device may generate droplets having a uniform or user-defined size smaller than the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chang-Jin Kim, Jian Gong
  • Patent number: 7695603
    Abstract: Electroosmotic flow controllers and methods of fluid flow control are described. The invention uses an electroosmotically generated flow component in conjunction with a pressure driven flow component to modulate fluid flow. The devices and methods of the invention may include salt bridges for making electrical connection between a power supply and a channel filled with a porous dielectric material and a fluid. Embodiments including flow controllers and flow splitters are described as is their use in a variety of fluid handling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Eksigent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip H. Paul, Don Wesley Arnold, Christopher G. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7691244
    Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for the mixing and pumping of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using, devices of this invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jeremy Levitan, Martin Z. Bazant, Martin Schmidt, Todd Thorsen
  • Publication number: 20100073279
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrophoretic display device includes forming a gate electrode, a gate line, a data line and a thin film transistor having a semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode on a substrate having a display region, the thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines; forming a gate insulating layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the gate electrode and the gate line; forming a passivation layer over the thin film transistor; forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor; forming an align; attaching an electrophoresis film including an adhesive layer, an ink layer having a charged particle, a common electrode and a base film onto the pixel electrode, the ink layer disposed between the adhesive layer and the base film, the adhesive layer being on the pixel electrode; forming a color filter layer on the base film using the align mark for aligning the color filter layer with the pixel regions, the color fil
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Oh-Nam Kwon, Jong-Kwon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100059380
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conducting electrophoretic separation concurrently in a plurality of gels with improved reproducibility among the gels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. JACKSON, Adam S. Henry, Joseph W. Amshey, Roumen A. Bogoev
  • Publication number: 20100059379
    Abstract: The invention describes a detection system (1) for analytical separation processes, particularly for electrophoresis, characterized by an optoelectronic sensor layer (5) made from organic semiconductor materials extending along the carrier layer (2) for the sample to be tested, for detecting the separated sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Nanoident Technologies AG
    Inventor: Max Sonnleitner
  • Publication number: 20100057371
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus make a determination of a level of integrity of a sample of biomolecules. For example, the determination of the integrity of RNA in a sample may be done in a fast and reproducible manner, such that the user can be assured of accuracy of a test (e.g. quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR) on the sample and compare results of different samples. The determination of integrity of an RNA sample is performed by comparing a size profile to reference size profiles (degradation standards) obtained from degradation over different lengths of times. As the reference scale of the level of integrity is derived from the actual degradation that occurs in a sample, high accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Vladimir Denisov
  • Patent number: 7672039
    Abstract: To stabilize the supply of color material particles as well as reduce the wasteful amount of color material particles used and suppress deformation or damages of the outer walls of a plurality of cell regions partitioned by partition walls provided upright, an interval holding section having a first height dimension for holding an interval between a non-display area of the surface of a substrate for a display panel, which has an electrode at each of the cell regions, and a non-transfer area of the surface of an electrophotographic transfer body, is provided between the non-display area of the surface of the substrate and the non-transfer area of the surface of the transfer body, at a predetermined value at the time when the transfer body transfers the color material particles to the substrate, and the color material particles are transferred to the substrate from the transfer body while biasing the substrate toward the transfer body in such a way that the interval holding section holds the interval between th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichi Fujiwara, Tatsuya Ezaka, Sachiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 7666289
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for assaying and concentrating analytes in a fluid sample using dielectrophoresis. As disclosed, the methods and devices utilize substrates having a plurality of pores through which analytes can be selectively prevented from passing, or inhibited, on application of an appropriate electric field waveform. The pores of the substrate produce nonuniform electric field having local extrema located near the pores. These nonuniform fields drive dielectrophoresis, which produces the inhibition. Arrangements of electrodes and porous substrates support continuous, bulk, multi-dimensional, and staged selective concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Blake A. Simmons, Eric B. Cummings, Gregory J. Fiechtner, Yolanda Fintschenko, Gregory J. McGraw, Allen Salmi
  • Patent number: 7666287
    Abstract: A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingqi Zhao, Mark Huang, Stan Thomas, Peter Krulevitch
  • Patent number: 7662268
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventor: Ching-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20100032293
    Abstract: The invention provides nonlimiting examples of structures for and methods of dispensing droplets in a droplet actuator. The droplet actuator structures and methods of the invention exhibit numerous advantages over droplet actuators of the prior art. In various embodiments, the structures and methods of the invention provide, among other things, improved efficiency, throughput, scalability, and/or droplet uniformity, as compared with existing droplet actuators. Further, in some embodiments, the droplet actuators provide configurations for improved methods of loading and/or unloading fluid and/or droplets. In yet other embodiments, the droplet actuators provide fluid loading configurations for loading numerous fluid reservoirs in a substantially simultaneous and/or substantially sequential manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20100035291
    Abstract: A fragmenting reaction of peptide is achieved while maintaining the isolated state of peptide. Isolated peptide fractions isolated by electrophoresis are prepared in flow paths. Subsequently, prepared peptide fractions are dried by each of the flow paths. Then, dried peptide fractions are in contact with protease. Then, independent liquid membranes of a solvent are formed over the surfaces of peptide fractions, which have been in contact with protease, disposed on the flow paths, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji MIYAZAKI, Yo Tabuse, Hiroko Someya, Wataru Hattori, Hisao Kawaura
  • Publication number: 20100025242
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Michael G. Pollack, Richard B. Fair
  • Publication number: 20100028982
    Abstract: A device (100) for analysing a sample, the device (100) comprising a beam sensitive structure (101) adapted such that an electric property of a portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) is locally modified by a beam (102) impinging on the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101), and a sample accommodating unit (103) adapted for accommodating the sample, wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) and the sample accommodating unit (103) are arranged such that the local modification of the electric property of the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) locally modifies the analysis of the sample in a corresponding portion of the sample accommodating unit (103), wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) comprises an organic photoconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Murray Fulton Gillies, Marc Wilhelmus Gijsbert Ponjee, Mark Thomas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100018861
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to achieve manipulation of particles and/or solutions through the induction of electromagnetic fields inside liquid contained inside vessels are disclosed. A “vessel” denotes specifically either a microtitter plate (microplate or well-plate, 1536, 3456 or any other format) well or hybridization solution placed on microarrays for hybridization experiment purposes or more generally any volume containing liquid solution. The manipulation is performed by bringing the active part of the device into contact with the fluidic solution, wherein electromagnetic fields and/or induced fluid flow are used to perform specific manipulations including transport, separation, concentration, mixing, reaction and electroporation. The invention can be used to enhance processing in a number of standard assays and protocols, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction, kinase-based assays, ELISA assays and electroporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Igor Mezic, Frederic Bottausci
  • Patent number: 7651598
    Abstract: In a microfluidic device, respective motion of a plurality of objects along corresponding trajectories is achieved by determining a force field, such as an underlying fluid flow which, when applied to the plurality of object, moves each object along its corresponding trajectory. The force field is a linear superposition of a subset of all force fields supported by the physical characteristics of the microfluidic device. Once the fields have been ascertained, a plurality of actuation signals corresponding to the fields is applied to actuators installed on the microfluidic device to cause the force on each object. By implementing a feedback structure, corrections for positional errors may be made by computing a corrective force for each object and adjusting the actuation signals appropriately thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Benjamin Shapiro, Satej V. Chaudhary, Michael D. Armani, Roland Probst
  • Patent number: 7648619
    Abstract: A hydrogel-driven micropump, comprising: two fluid chambers; a fluid channel, connecting the two fluid chambers; a first substrate plate and a second substrate plate, which are glass wafers produced by micromechanical working, each having accommodation chambers which are filled in hydrogel which are placed next to the two fluid chambers and connected by inward extending bridges, with electric terminals leading to the accommodation chambers; a middle substrate, sandwiched between the first and second substrate plates and made by a bulk micromachining process, having separated accommodation chambers close to ends thereof. A separating block is placed between the accommodation chambers. The middle substrate between the first and second substrate plates forms a micropump body. All of the substrates are separated by membranes. The accommodation chambers for electrophoretic fluid are located between the membranes and the first and second substrate plates, respectively, and insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research
    Inventors: Sway Chuang, Morris Liang, Frank Fan, Wae-Honge Chen
  • Publication number: 20100006436
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables short-time, high-accuracy measurement of hemoglobin, in particular stable hemoglobin A1c, which is used as a diagnostic indicator of diabetes mellitus, and an electrophoresis apparatus that is suitably used in this measurement method. The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobins using electrophoresis, which includes: using a migration path having an inner surface coated with a cationic substance to be immobilized on the inner surface or a migration path having an inner surface made of a cationic material; and using a buffer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having an anionic group as an electrophoresis buffer solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Oishi, Izumi Omoto, Eriko Kusaka, Toshiki Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20100005959
    Abstract: A layered structure can be formed having immobilized or segregated pH buffering groups that can be used to separate carbon dioxide or other gases. The pH buffering groups can be immobilized within a matrix, confined within a gel, or segregated by a semi-permeable membrane. The pH buffering groups can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system by maintaining a desirable pH profile within the cell and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while controlling diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Karl Anthony Littau, Francisco E. Torres
  • Patent number: 7645368
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, system, and apparatus for providing an orientation independent electroosmotic pump. In some embodiments, the method includes an anode and a cathode at different electrical potentials, the anode and cathode are each sealed in an ion-exchange membrane and at least partially immersed in an electrolyte contained in a reservoir of an electroosmotic pump, collecting gases generated by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolyte within a space defined by the ion-exchange membranes that seal the anode and cathode, recombining the collected gases to produce a liquid using a catalyst, the catalyst being located outside of the reservoir, and introducing the produced liquid into the fluid reservoir through an osmotic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Alan M. Myers, Juan Santiago, Shuhuai Yao, Jonathan D. Posner
  • Publication number: 20090321262
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid transfer device which controls electrically liquid position. The surface of the liquid transfer device is provided with unevenness in order to solve a problem of having a large number of electrodes for controlling voltage. The number of electrodes for controlling voltage can be halved by utilization of restoring force of liquid to a spherical shape by surface tension, in addition to electrical force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Kunio Harada, Hideo Enoki, Hironobu Yamakawa, Nobuhiro Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20090314644
    Abstract: A device for manipulating an object present in a fluid by electrokinetics is disclosed. The device comprises a substrate forming a flow chamber. The device further comprises a plurality of electrically biasable electrode structures and at least one electrically floating electrode structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Saar Golan, Uri Dinnar, David Elata, Meir Orenstein
  • Publication number: 20090314643
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to inject smoothly a precursor to be a support and make an excellent support in which a boundary between a separation gel and a concentration gel after the injection is not ill-defined in the cassette which is made by combining two plates made of a synthetic resin, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provides an electrophoresis cassette made by combining plates made of a synthetic resin which has a cavity for forming a support, wherein the surface of the plate which contacts with the support is covered with a SiOx film, and the SiOx film has a contact angle to water of 30° or less, and preferably 10° or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicants: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., National Institute of Advanve Industrial Scienc and Technology, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Katayanagi Institute
    Inventors: Koji Sakairi, Chie Hayashida, Ichiji Namatame, Kenji Yokoyama, Atsunori Hiratsuka, Kisho Shiseki
  • Publication number: 20090308750
    Abstract: Provided is an electro-phoresis device that includes a light control layer, a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode. The light control layer may include a plurality of electro-phoresis particles. The first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field to control of the electro-phoresis particles such that the electro-phoresis particles move towards at least one of the electrodes. The third electrode may be electrically connected to any one of the first and second electrodes and may have an electric polarity opposite to the other of the first and second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jaeeun Jang, Seungnam Cha, Jaeeun Jung, Jaiyong Han
  • Patent number: 7632406
    Abstract: A computer designed nanoengineered membrane for separation of dissolved species. One embodiment provides an apparatus for treatment of a fluid that includes ions comprising a microengineered porous membrane, a system for producing an electrical charge across the membrane, and a series of nanopores extending through the membrane. The nanopores have a pore size such that when the fluid contacts the membrane, the nanopores will be in a condition of double layer overlap and allow passage only of ions opposite to the electrical charge across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Wilson, Charlene M. Schaldach, William L. Bourcier, Phillip H. Paul
  • Patent number: 7632388
    Abstract: A liquid actuator, which contains: an electrolyte layer (14, 114) containing a liquid, two or more electrically separated electrode parts (13a, 13b, 113a, 113b) on one or both sides of the electrolyte layer, and a water-repellent layer (12, 112) having a porous structure on an outside surface of at least one of the electrode parts, in which the electrolyte layer (14, 114), the electrode parts (13a, 13b, 113a, 113b), and the water-repellent layer (12, 112) form a structural body, wherein voltage is applied across the plural electrode parts (13a, 113a) including the one provided with the water-repellent layer (12, 112), and the applied voltage is adjusted to change the superficial wettability of the structural body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Hiroaki Rikihisa, Tetsuya Hamaguchi, Takeshi Ooi
  • Publication number: 20090301885
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
  • Publication number: 20090301884
    Abstract: An electrophoretic system having a plurality of separation lanes is provided with an automatic calibration feature in which each lane is separately calibrated. For each lane, the calibration coefficients map a spectrum of received channel intensities onto values reflective of the relative likelihood of each of a plurality of dyes being present. Individual peaks, reflective of the influence of a single dye, are isolated from among the various sets of detected light intensity spectra, and these can be used to both detect the number of dye components present, and also to establish exemplary vectors for the calibration coefficients which may then be clustered and further processed to arrive at a calibration matrix for the system. The system thus permits one to use different dye sets to tag DNA nucleotides in samples which migrate in separate lanes, and also allows for in-situ calibration with new, previously unused dye sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Changsheng Liu, Hequan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090301883
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Publication number: 20090294286
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling biological samples. Segments of ionic liquid can provide voltage across segments of immiscible liquid to concentrate or separate charged species in the biological samples. Reactants in biological samples can be contacted and reacted in segments of immiscible liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Zbigniew T. Bryning, Timothy Z. Liu
  • Publication number: 20090288950
    Abstract: A liquid prime mover is provided that includes a support member for holding a contiguous liquid entity (e.g. a water droplet) having a defined dimension “d”. An ion permeable exchange membrane is mounted on the support member. Also, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are mounted on the support member with a distance between them. Importantly, the ion permeable membrane is positioned between the respective electrodes and the liquid entity. A voltage source is connected between the electrodes to establish an ion flow passing through the exchange membrane, and through the liquid entity when “d” overlays the distance between the electrodes, to thereby move the liquid entity on the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Tihiro Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20090291463
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Jaishree Trikha
  • Patent number: 7618524
    Abstract: A “cast-in-place” monolithic microporous polymer salt bridge for conducting electrical current in microfluidic devices, and methods for manufacture thereof is disclosed. Polymeric salt bridges are formed in place in capillaries or microchannels. Formulations are prepared with monomer, suitable cross-linkers, solvent, and a thermal or radiation responsive initiator. The formulation is placed in a desired location and then suitable radiation such as UV light is used to polymerize the salt bridge within a desired structural location. Embodiments are provided wherein the polymeric salt bridges have sufficient porosity to allow ionic migration without bulk flow of solvents therethrough. The salt bridges form barriers that seal against fluid pressures in excess of 5000 pounds per square inch. The salt bridges can be formulated for carriage of suitable amperage at a desired voltage, and thus microfluidic devices using such salt bridges can be specifically constructed to meet selected analytical requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Shepodd, Mark S. Tichenor, Alexander Artau
  • Patent number: 7604718
    Abstract: A dynamically configurable electrode includes a first planar electrode and a planar array of pixels in a different plane, wherein a polarizable liquid medium (including electrolyte solutions) is to reside in the gap between electrodes. The pixels are individually addressable by a time-varying voltage, and adjacent pixels receive, at any instant in time, either the same voltage waveform or a different voltage waveform. Adjacent pixels receiving different voltage waveforms generate corresponding movement of dipolar entities, including dipolar particles, ions, or dipolar molecules in the polarizable liquid medium between the electrodes, which can in turn generate fluid flow and movement of particles suspended in the fluid along the planar array surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: BioArray Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Michael Seul
  • Publication number: 20090255801
    Abstract: This invention pertains to densely integrated programmable electrode arrays for sensing and manipulating biological cells and substances. Using the programmable electrode arrays according to a method of the invention, it is possible to generate arbitrary, dynamically reconfigurable electric field patterns on and around the electrodes at magnitudes which have been shown to induce neurite outgrowth and enhance cellular regeneration of damaged tissue. It is also possible to use the programmable electrode arrays to sense signals coupled to or in close proximity with the electrodes of the array, and to program arbitrary gain, calibration and offsets onto the individual electrodes of the array and/or their associated circuit elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred M. Haas
  • Patent number: 7597790
    Abstract: A flow controller which uses a combination of hydrostatic pressure and electroosmotic flow to control the flow of a fluid. A driving fluid (1204) whose flow rate is dependent on both hydrostatic pressures and electroosmotic flow can be used (a) directly as a working fluid in an operable device, for example a chromatograph, or (b) to displace a working fluid (1203) from a storage container (625) into an operable device (1301), or both (a) and (b). The driving fluid (1204) can be composed of one or more fluids. Part or all the driving fluid (1204) is passed through an electroosmotic device (100) so as to increase or decrease the flow rate induced by hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eksigent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Neyer, Phillip H. Paul, Don Wesley Arnold, Christopher G. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7597791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating tunable, uniform electric fields in fluidic applications for rapid separation of molecules, such as DNA, is provided. A region receives the molecules to be separated, the molecules being injected into the region by an injection channel connected thereto. Fluidic microchannels or resistor arrays connected to sides of the region inject currents into the region and produce electric fields in the region that can be oriented at any angle. The electric fields can separate the molecules according to size, and can be used to move or manipulate the molecules within the region. Further, the molecules can be separated by controlling fluid flows within the region to manipulate the molecules. One or more reservoirs can be attached to the fluidic microchannels for collecting the molecules after separation, movement, or manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Patent number: 7594986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for capillary zone electrophoresis includes a polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned in a capillary tube for analytical separations of macromolecules. The capillary comprises a passage defined by passage walls comprising fused silica. The polyelectrolyte multilayer is positioned within the passage adjacent the walls, and comprises an organic polyelectrolyte. The passage may further comprise nonporous silica particles coated with a multilayer including a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers. An apparatus includes a power supply having a positive electrode and a negative electrode for generating an electric field therebetween. The apparatus includes a capillary having a passage formed by passage walls and comprising therein a polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned substantially within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Schlenoff, Timothy W. Graul
  • Publication number: 20090236226
    Abstract: A “plug-n-play” modular microfluidic system is described herein which can be made by connecting multiple microfluidic components together to form a larger integrated system. For example, the modular microfluidic system includes a motherboard with interconnecting channels and integrated electrodes (or holes for electrodes to pass) which provide electronic connections to external data acquisition and system control devices. The modular microfluidic system can also include channel inserts (which are placed in the channels of the motherboard), heater units, actuator units, fitting components and microchips/modules with different functionalities which are placed on the motherboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Po Ki Yuen
  • Patent number: 7591936
    Abstract: The microfluidic device comprises at least one microchannel bounded by a bottom wall, side walls and a top wall and which is designed to contain at least one liquid and at least one fluid non-miscible with the liquid. The microfluidic device comprises means for stabilizing the interface between the liquid and the fluid. The means for stabilizing comprise at least one electrode arranged on at least one part of a first wall of the microchannel, over the entire length thereof, and at least one counter-electrode arranged over the entire length of the microchannel, on at least one part of a second wall, arranged facing the electrode. The electrode and counter-electrode are preferably respectively arranged on the bottom and top wall of the microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Nicolas Sarrut
  • Patent number: 7591933
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to an electrodeionization device that includes comprising a generally cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing includes a cylindrical inner core and an inner electrode that extends around the inner core. The cylindrical housing includes a leaf arranged as a spiral winding about the inner electrode and an outer electrode that extends about the spiral winding. Active treatment cells are defined by spaces within the spiral winding and by interleaf spaces thereof. One or more sealing bands extend between membranes of the spiral winding to define fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Grebenyuk, Oleg Grebenyuk, Keith J. Sims, William W. Carson, Russell J. MacDonald, Li Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090229983
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Network Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tan, Heung Chuan Lam, Gregory John Kellogg
  • Patent number: 7588671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microchip apparatus using liquids. More specifically, the invention provides a liquid mixing apparatus comprising at least two microchannels for introducing liquids and a mixing microchannel that connects to the at least two liquid-introducing microchannels, wherein the liquids are transported from the respective liquid-introducing microchannels toward the mixing microchannel, the apparatus further comprising means for enhancing the mixing of the liquids that converge in the mixing microchannel. The invention also provides an electrophoretic apparatus and a microchip electrophoretic apparatus for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Morita, Akiko Miya, Akira Fukuda, Motohiko Nomi, Katsunori Ichiki, Manabu Tsujimura, Shunsuke Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090223821
    Abstract: An electrophoretic device includes: an electrophoretic layer including a plurality of first particles having a relatively high mobility and charged with negative electricity and a plurality of second particles having a relatively low mobility and charged with positive electricity; a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other via the electrophoretic layer; and a control unit applying a first voltage between the first and the second electrodes to control such that the first electrode is at a higher potential than the second electrode and applying a pulse-form second voltage between the first and the second electrodes intermittently a plurality of number of times to control such that the first electrode is at a lower potential than the second electrode, each second voltage applied by the control unit the plurality of number of times having an approximately same pulse width and an approximately same voltage value, as well as the number of times of application of the second voltage being determined b
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke ABE
  • Publication number: 20090223824
    Abstract: A microbe testing device 10 comprises a measurement cell 1 for holding a sample liquid X, and a rotor 3 that is rotated, by magnetic force imparted from outside the measurement cell 1, along a bottom face 11b in the sample liquid X held in the measurement cell 1. The sample liquid X is stirred by rotating the rotor 3 so that only its end portions are in contact with the bottom face 11b of the measurement cell 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Kazufumi Oouchi
  • Publication number: 20090218221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulation and/or control of the position of particles by means of fields of force of an electrical nature in electrically conductive solutions. The fields of force can be of (positive or negative) dielectrophoresis, electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamics or electrowetting on dielectric, characterized by a set of points of stable equilibrium for the particles. Each point of equilibrium can trap one or more particles within the attraction basin. Said forces dissipate by the Joule effect an amount of power proportional to the square of the voltages applied, causing in a short time the death of the biological particles contained in the specimen. According to the present invention, the dissipated power can be removed through at least one of the substrates in order to maintain the temperature in the liquid suspension constant or reduce it during the entire step of application of the forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Gianni Medoro, Nicolo Manaresi
  • Publication number: 20090218222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a free flow electrophoresis microchip for the electrophoretic separation of charged components, a free flow electrophoresis separation system incorporating the same, and a free flow electrophoresis method of separating charged components, the microchip comprising: a separation chamber in which charged components are in use separated; a plurality of separation medium inlet channels having outlets fluidly connected to one, inlet side of the separation chamber through which flows of a separation medium are in use introduced into the separation chamber such as to develop a laminar flow having a flow direction through the separation chamber; a sample inlet channel having an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet side of the separation chamber through which a flow of a sample containing charged components is in use introduced into the separation chamber; a plurality of outlet channels having inlets fluidly connected to another, outlet side of the separation chamber opposite the inlet
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Manz, Chao-Xuan Zhang