Capillary Electrophoresis Type Patents (Class 204/601)
  • Patent number: 7909974
    Abstract: A layer composition of an electrowetting system with a first electrode layer, an insulator layer on the first electrode layer, and a fluid layer over the insulator layer, wherein the fluid layer comprises at least two immiscible fluids which, under the influence of an applied voltage, reversibly change their wetting behavior of a surface allocated to the insulator layer, wherein the insulator layer being at least in part built of a material with a permittivity of ?r?20. The fluid layer is adjacent to at least one layer being repellent for the at least one of the fluids. On the surface of the repellent layer pointing away from the fluid layer is provided an adhesion enhancing layer before the subsequent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Display Technology AG
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Andriy Bitman, Dieter Jerosch
  • Patent number: 7909973
    Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobson, J. Michael Ramsey, Christopher T. Culbertson, William B. Whitten, Robert S. Foote
  • Patent number: 7906001
    Abstract: The invention concerns a free solution capillary electrophoresis method at alkaline pH for the analysis of samples comprising protein constituents including a lipoprotein constituent or constituents, characterized in that it comprises at least one step in which the sample is introduced into a capillary tube containing an analysis buffer, said analysis buffer further comprising at least one anionic surfactant type additive that is capable of hydrophobic interaction with the lipoprotein constituent(s) and of modifying the electrophoretic mobility. The invention also concerns a composition for capillary electrophoresis and a kit for analyzing protein constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sebia
    Inventors: Fréderic Robert, Denis Simonin
  • Publication number: 20110042216
    Abstract: A complete capillary electrophoresis (CE) system that is capable of providing a continuous flow of effluent at the exit of the flow-through outlet vial is provided. A self-contained capillary electrophoresis system with a flow-through outlet vial for interfacing with mass spectrometry includes a capillary having an upstream inlet end and a downstream terminus end; an electrically conductive hollow needle having an inner wall defining an internal tapered chamber, the internal tapered chamber dimensioned and configured to slidably accept the terminus end of the capillary, the capillary longitudinally inserted into and mounted within the internal tapered chamber to a distance whereby the terminus end of the capillary abuts the inner wall of the needle at the taper; and wherein a micro-reservoir is formed between the terminus end of the capillary and the downstream exit orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Elizabeth Jane Maxwell, Xuefei Zhong, Hong Zhang, David Da Yong Chen
  • Patent number: 7887686
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for free solution capillary electrophoresis at an alkaline pH to analyze samples comprising haemoglobin, in which the sample is passed through a capillary containing an analysis buffer, comprising at least one step in which the sample is introduced into a capillary tube containing a solution of analysis buffer, characterized in that the buffer is of the zwitterionic type and in that it is associated with at least one flow inhibitor. It also concerns the use of CE flow inhibitors associated with at least one zwitterionic buffer, and a kit for analyzing haemoglobin by capillary electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: SEBIA
    Inventors: Frédéric Robert, Denis Simonin, Jean-Baptiste Clement
  • Patent number: 7887690
    Abstract: A ligand DNA including a probe portion having a sequence that is complementary to a target DNA to be detected in a sample DNA, and a probe portion having a base sequence that is complementary to a base sequence of a marker DNA 2 in a conjugate DNA 10 is formed, and the sample DNA and the ligand DNA are combined to form a DNA complex, and further, the DNA complex is made to perform electrophoresis in the conjugate DNA. Therefore, it is possible to provide a DNA separation detection method which can appropriately separate the sample DNA and deal with various kinds of target sample DNAs in short time, without the necessity of searching for an optimum electrophoresis condition by complicatedly combining the amount of a bonding control agent to be contained in the conjugate DNA, the viscosity of linear polymer, the amount of the sample DNA, the amount of the conjugate DNA, and the like, for each DNA sequence as a detection target, when separating the sample DNA by electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Miho Hayashi, Kazuyoshi Mori, Mizuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 7883613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which a capillary is easily attached to and detached from a migration medium filling unit without mixing impurities into the capillary. Mixture of impurities such as dust is also prevented when a capillary negative-electrode end is brought into contact with a sample stored in a vessel. Furthermore, temperature control is efficiently performed in the capillary. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus, the whole of capillary array can be supported by grasping a grip portion by hand. A migration medium filling mechanism includes a slide mechanism which moves a polymer block with respect to a capillary head. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus includes a vessel in which a sample and a buffer can simultaneously be stored. Temperatures of the capillary and an irradiation and detection unit are controlled by a temperature control function provided in a thermostatic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Gomi, Ryoji Inaba, Motohiro Yamazaki, Hidenori Namba, Jin Matsumura, Hiromi Yamashita, Seiichi Ugai, Kazumichi Imai
  • Patent number: 7879215
    Abstract: An electrophoresis chip is provided with a channel that is filled with a solution in which a sample is dissolved, the electrophoresis chip being configured to carry out electrophoresis by applying voltage along the channel in a state in which the channel is hermetically sealed to separate the sample in the channel, and after this electrophoresis is performed, to carry out mass spectrometry by scanning a laser along the channel in a state in which the channel is open to an environment in which gas is present. A pattern is formed on the bottom surface of the channel to hold the solution as droplets. This pattern is made into a pattern in which hydrophilic areas are surrounded by hydrophobic areas and side-walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Hattori
  • Patent number: 7871575
    Abstract: A handling unit that comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and an actuation mechanism adapted for driving at least one of the clamping elements. When the at least one of the clamping elements is driven to a first position, a microfluidic device may be placed between the clamping elements or taken out of the clamping elements, and when the at least one of the clamping elements is driven to a second position, the microfluidic device is gripped and fastened by the clamping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Baeuerle, Hans-Georg Weissgerber
  • Publication number: 20110005931
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for manipulation of a micro component includes a gripper subsystem for lifting, holding, and releasing a micro component. The gripper subsystem includes a base substrate having a work side and an opposing side, a positive electrode secured to the work side of the base substrate, a negative electrode suitably spaced from the positive electrode and secured to the work side of the base substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the work side of the base substrate and the positive and negative electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer comprising a hydrophobic material with predictable electrowetting behavior formed over the dielectric layer such that the dielectric layer is between the work side of the base substrate and the hydrophobic layer. A method for manipulation of a micro component is also provided as well as a method of manufacturing the system for manipulation of a micro component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Jiang Zhe, Abhay Vasudev
  • Patent number: 7867776
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for priming sample substrates such as DNA sipper chips are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a priming system that is suitable for priming a substrate which has a plurality of wells and at least one channel includes a base unit and a top unit. The base unit is arranged to accommodate, or support, the substrate. The top unit, which is substantially physically separate from the base unit, fits over the substrate when the substrate is held by the base unit. The top unit includes an adapter portion that interfaces with the substrate. Included in the adapter portion is a first cavity that is used to facilitate pressurizing a first well of the substrate when the adapter portion is interfaced with the substrate such that the first cavity is aligned with the first well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kennedy, Alexander A. Gefter
  • Publication number: 20110000787
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl O. VOSS, Aldrich N. Lau
  • Publication number: 20110000791
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a capillary driven assay device, includes the steps of: a) providing a capillary substrate, b) modifying the hydrophilicity of the surface of the substrate, c) mixing a matrix and a capturing molecule in a solution to obtain a solution comprising capturing molecules covalently bound to the matrix, and d) depositing the solution in a distinct area in the at least one retaining zone. A capillary driven assay device is obtainable by the method permitting the substrate to be modified with one surface chemistry and capturing molecules to be deposited in an optimal matrix on desired areas. Less matrix material is consumed, permitting several different matrix materials to be used on one chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: AMIC AB
    Inventors: Jonas Melin, Christina Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7857955
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a capillary tube for electrophoresis that has a positively charged coating on the capillary inner surface that prevents positively charged analytes from adsorbing to the inner capillary surface. The capillary tube has an inner surface that is coated with a first polymer layer having a plurality of polymer groups comprising polyethylene imine, designated herein as (CH2CH2NH)x. The inner surface of the capillary typically has a second polymer layer covalently bonded to the first polymer layer. The invention includes a capillary tube where two or more than two polymer groups are covalently bonded to each other by a cross-linker. Also provided are an electrophoresis system the uses the coated capillary tubes, a method of performing electrophoresis that utilizes the coated capillary tubes, and a process for preparing the coated capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Chitra K. Ratnayake, Isabel C. Flores
  • Patent number: 7850834
    Abstract: In an electrophoresis method, a capillary plate having a capillary channel is maintained in a predetermined temperature to be processed, and a sample is filled into the capillary channel. A solution is prepared to have a temperature substantially the same as the predetermined temperature of the capillary plate, and the solution is injected into the capillary channel maintained in the predetermined temperature. Voltage is applied between two ends of the capillary channel to perform electrophoresis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hidesato Kumagai, Shin Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7846314
    Abstract: A method for handling samples in a microfluidic system is described. The microfluidic system includes an injection channel fluidically coupled to an injection point adapted for injecting an amount of fluid, a first sample well containing a first sample, the first sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel, and a second sample well containing a second sample, the second sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel. The method includes moving the second sample from the second sample well towards the first sample well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies , Inc
    Inventor: Marcus Gassmann
  • Patent number: 7842175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a target for measurement utilizing electrophoresis, particularly capillary electrophoresis efficiently in high sensitivity and in a short period of time. It also relates to a method for measuring said target separated by said method for separation. The invention provides a method for separating a target for measurement and a method for measuring said target separated by said method for separation, characterized by using a substance to which is bound a nucleic acid chain labeled by a marker and which has an affinity for said target for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Kawabata, Kenji Nakamura, Shinji Satomura
  • Publication number: 20100294663
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operation mode of electrophoresis, which separates and/or fractionates particles of differentiated electrophoretic mobility. More specifically, the invention relates to isotachophoresis (ITP), including free-flow and capillary isotachophoresis, and provides novel electrophoresis methods, as well as kits and devices for carrying out such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Gerhard Weber
  • Patent number: 7837848
    Abstract: A method for separating the constituents of a mixture M by electrophoresis in a single capillary includes (A) separating compounds of the mixture M in a single capillary according to the capillary electrophoresis technique; (B) isolating a fraction F of the compounds thus separated by evacuating part of the compounds having the highest migration speeds from the capillary and/or evacuating part of the compounds having the lowest migration speeds from the capillary; (C) introducing a separating medium MS having a higher migration speed than the compounds of the isolated fraction F into the capillary containing the isolated fraction F, and (D) the compounds contained in fraction F are separated in the new electrophoretic conditions thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Universite de Montpellier II
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Biron, Hervé Cottet
  • Publication number: 20100288641
    Abstract: A silica substrate for subjecting a sample to electrophoresis has an —OH concentration of less than 100 parts per million.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas E. KANE
  • Publication number: 20100290309
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manipulating fluids. The apparatus may include a microfluidic structure including inlet channels (1 and 2) and outlet channels (306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314) oriented among bifurcated (5), trifurcated (6) and merging junctions (7 and 8). The apparatus splits and merges fluids flowing in the channels to produce successive dilutions of the fluids within the outlet channels. Multiple apparatus may be combined in serial, parallel, combined serial and parallel and/or stacked configurations. One or more apparatus may be used alone or to provide various devices or chambers with the diluted fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: INDIANA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORA
    Inventors: James A. Glazier, Stephen C. Jacobson, Dragos Amarie
  • Patent number: 7834314
    Abstract: Methods and assemblies for ion detection in samples using a chip with elevated sample zones, also known as a “pillar chip.” Methods include analyzing such a sample by desorbing a sample from a chip, producing a described ion sample and detecting the same. The chip comprises a base having a surface and one or more structures protruding above the surface of the base. Each structure comprises a pillar and a sample zone, the latter containing a support material and the sample to be analyzed. Assemblies include a chip such as that described above and a conductive element that comprises an aperture of sufficient proportion to allow passage of a molecular ion and that is adapted to be at a different electrical potential than the base of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wagner, Mark A. Scalf, Frank Zaugg
  • Patent number: 7833399
    Abstract: The present invention provides a concentration method of a fine particle dispersion containing fine particles to be electrophoretically migrated, for concentrating the fine particle dispersion by allowing the fine particle dispersion to flow in a laminar flow in a channel having a micro-width to which an electric field is applied in a direction intersecting the direction of a fine particle dispersion flow. The invention also provides a concentration apparatus of a fine particle dispersion using the concentration method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Tetsuo Ohta
  • Patent number: 7828949
    Abstract: Provided are a biomolecule detection device, a mobile phone for biomolecule detection, and a biomolecule detection method. The biomolecule detection device includes an electrophoresis unit comprising an electrophoretic gel filtering erythrocytes and leukocytes in blood and transferring proteins and DNAs in the blood, and at least one type of a probe biomolecule, immobilized in the electrophoretic gel, reacting with a target biomolecule; a conversion unit converting a result of a reaction between the target biomolecule and the probe biomolecule to an electrical signal; and a lead-out unit receiving, converting, and transmitting the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Moon Youn Jung, Se Ho Park, Dong Ho Shin, Hyeon Bong Pyo
  • Publication number: 20100279309
    Abstract: Microfluidic chips, systems including at least one integrated microfluidic chip operably connected to hardware (e.g., docking device, high voltage electrodes, portable fluorescence microscope, computer, etc.), and methods for analyzing peptides (e.g., toxins), proteins (e.g., cancer biomarkers, recombinant human growth hormone, recombinant human erythropoietin), and protein expression in biological samples (e.g., human serum, urine, or tissue, marine organism, seafood, etc.) have been developed. On a single microfluidic chip as described herein, several sequential processes for analyzing a protein (e.g., cell culturing, cell lysis, protein enrichment, protein labeling, and protein detection) can be performed in an automated fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Florida Atlantic University
    Inventor: GUODONG SUI
  • Publication number: 20100270160
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable low power system for charged particle analysis using electro kinetic flow in a Microfluidic channel, which may be interfaced with a computing device. The system consists of three parts: A required hardware device, an optional software client application and an optional software server application. The hardware based device may control the flow of ions through a Microfluidic channel based on specific analysis protocols and analyzes the sample to identify the ions; the optional software based client and server applications may support the process by performing at least one of following functions: hosting the analysis, hosting newly detected and old analyte signature data, and analyzing the detected signatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: NAF TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Faisal Aezazuddin Shaikh, Faiz Aezazuddin Shaikh
  • Patent number: 7820023
    Abstract: An arrangement for two-dimensional separation of a complex analyte mixture is provided comprising a first separation device for the separation in a first dimension and a second device for the separation in the second dimension. In the area of the interface between the first and the second device a concentration zone is arranged for concentrating the individual sample fractions or components, respectively, leaving the first device before introduction into the second device. The concentration zone is defined in a segment between two or more electrodes seen in flow direction of the sample or sample fractions to be separated. The concentration is achieved by applying a voltage between two electrodes with polarity opposite to the charge of the components of the fraction, sufficiently strong to win the dragging force of the hydrodynamic flow. The introduction into the second device is carried out by turning off the potential difference between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Curcio
  • Patent number: 7820109
    Abstract: A testing chip that analyzes a specimen includes: a reagent storage section; a mixing and reaction flow channel to perform a series of operations to mix a specimen and aqueous reagent, make the specimen and reagent react with each other, and detect the reaction; and a liquid feed control section provided between an outlet flow channel of the reagent storage section and the inlet of the mixing and reaction flow channel. Herein, aqueous reagent, lipophilic liquid, and aqueous liquid having greater surface tension than that of the aqueous reagent are disposed in the reagent storage section in this order toward the outlet flow channel, the aqueous liquid being stored in contact with the liquid feed control section; and aqueous liquid passes the micro flow path of the liquid feed control section by applying a liquid feed pressure higher than or equal to a predetermined pressure to the reagent storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc.
    Inventors: Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 7815868
    Abstract: An SBS-formatted microfluidic device where the geometry of the plate defines an array of interrogation areas, and where each interrogation area encompasses at least one reaction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Jones, Paul Wyatt, Antoine Daridon, Jing Wang, Andrew May, David Cohen
  • Patent number: 7811523
    Abstract: A microfluidic analytical apparatus (10) comprising a microfluidic card pairing (12) with a corresponding circuit card (14) and the circuit card pairing (12) with corresponding conductive fingers (16). The microfluidic card (12) has a plurality of channels (32) and ports (54) on a top surface of the card in a desired configuration, the ports (54) in fluid communication with the channels (32). The circuit card (14) has a plurality of conductive pins (60) projecting from a bottom surface of the card and having a configuration that corresponds to the particular configuration of the ports (54) of the microfluidic card (12) that is paired with. The circuit card (14) is received within a holder (20) that provides that provides multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Monogram Biosciences
    Inventors: Torleif Bjornson, Kevin Maher
  • Patent number: 7811436
    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. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective inter-sections 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
  • Patent number: 7790008
    Abstract: In order to provide a high-performance electrophoresis chip and an electrophoresis unit having the same that can restrain the diffusion of sample at an intersection between the electrophoresis groove and the sample introduction groove and prevent decrease in contrast and decrease in resolution, an electrophoresis chip is provided with a sample introduction groove, an electrophoresis groove, and a through hole. The sample introduction groove, the electrophoresis groove, and the through hole are formed on different substrates. In the electrophoresis chip, by combining the substrates, the sample introduction groove and the electrophoresis groove are located in different planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Taguchi, Shigeru Kitamura, Hiroshi Fukuya
  • Patent number: 7790007
    Abstract: A sample which contains protein is stably maintained in a liquid state during electrophoresis. Electrophoresis chip 1 includes substrate 2, channels 5a to 5d which is provided on surface 3 of substrate 2 and which has openings 4a to 4d at the top thereof, wherein a sample solvent is adapted to be supplied to the channel, and evaporation inhibitor reservoirs 8a, 8b for storing an evaporation inhibitor for the sample solvent, the reservoir being provided independently of channel 5a to 5d and being spatially connected to opening 4a to 4d of channel 5a to 5d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Hattori
  • Patent number: 7785458
    Abstract: A capillary array includes a light detection portion, a sample supply portion, a buffer solution supply portion and a voltage application portion which are necessary functions for electrophoresis, thereby, when assembling the capillary array into an electrophoresis apparatus, the same can be immediately used. Accordingly, a capillary array is provided which can be easily incorporated into an electrophoresis apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Shimizu, Toshiaki Kita, Kiyoshi Tsukada, Akihiro Suzuki, Tomonari Morioka, Masaya Kojima, Ryoji Inaba, Daizo Tokinaga, Shuhei Yamamoto, Yoshiyuki Okishima, Masao Fukunaga, Takayasu Furukawa, Tomohiro Shoji
  • Publication number: 20100213062
    Abstract: A disease detection system which includes an electrophoresis apparatus and a biomarker detector. The apparatus includes: (a) a transport passage; (b) a plurality of separation passages, each of the separation passages having an overlapping portion that overlaps the transport passage; and (c) a different biomarker concentrator in each of the overlapping portions and which concentrates at least one different biomarker from a specimen from an animal introduced into the transport passage. A plurality of the different biomarkers is associated with at least one predetermined disease, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. The detector detects the presence of the different biomarkers which were concentrated by the biomarker concentrators and delivered to the biomarker detector via the separation passages. First and second sets of the biomarker concentrators can be associated with respective first and second predetermined diseases and the user can determine which set will be used in each procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
  • Publication number: 20100206044
    Abstract: A fluidic device comprising a capillary for conducting a fluid and a pivot arm configured for being pivoted, wherein the pivot arm supports at least a portion of the capillary, and a part of the capillary is coiled to at least partially compensate stress resulting from pivoting of the pivot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sven Langer, Manfred Berndt
  • Publication number: 20100200402
    Abstract: A device is presented that includes a chip having a plurality of wells that are optionally connected by capillary channels, and a manifold member configured to be disposed over the chip for equalizing pressure over the wells and capillary channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: WAKO PURE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chen Li, Samuel Chan, Jian Ping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100203580
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zbigniew T. Bryning, Theresa B. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100190146
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for analyzing glycan profiles of glycoproteins are provided. Some embodiments of the devices comprise a deglycosylation column for cleaving glycans, an optional cleaning column for removing proteins, a trapping column for enriching glycans, and a separation column for resolving glycans. The devices and methods significantly improve the speed and sensitivity of glycan analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Magdalena A. Bynum, Rudolf Grimm, Kevin P. Killeen, Karia M. Robotti
  • Publication number: 20100187110
    Abstract: A process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method is provided that allows the apparatus to be reduced in size, allows a high analytical precision to be obtained, and can be carried out easily. The analytical process of the present invention is a process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method. The analytical process includes preparing a capillary tube to be used for the capillary electrophoresis method, and performing electrophoretic separation of a complex of a sample and an anionic group-containing compound that are bonded together, in the capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube includes an anionic layer that is formed of the anionic group-containing compound and that is coated on the inner wall of the capillary tube, and the anionic layer is fixed to the inner wall of the capillary tube by a covalent bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicants: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihide Tanaka, Shinichi Wakida, Yusuke Nakayama, Satoshi Yonehara
  • Publication number: 20100190269
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biochemical detection system that comprises an exchangeable cartridge unit with light guiding tubes pre-coated with capture agent(s) and an optical detection unit. Upon flowing the liquid or gaseous sample containing the target(s) through the cartridge unit, the target(s) bind(s) to the capture agent(s) and is (are) detected by the amount of light or the variation of its properties while guided through the tubes. The optical detection unit is comprised of a light emitting element(s), a light connecting element(s) and a light detecting element(s) that delivers the amount of target(s) in the sample under investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stephane Andre Follonier, Pierre Francois Indermuhle
  • Publication number: 20100189602
    Abstract: A separation device includes a separation chamber having a housing for housing a stationary phase configured for separating compounds of a fluid sample. The separation device also includes a filling port configured for filling the stationary phase through a filling channel into the separation chamber, and a locking piece comprising the filling channel. The locking piece is configured to move the filling channel from a first position, wherein an opening of the filling channel is opening into the separation chamber for filling the stationary phase into the separation chamber, to a second position, wherein the separation chamber is locked against the filling channel. The locking piece is configured to move the opening of the filling channel substantially laterally with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Baeuerle, Stefan Falk-Jordan
  • Publication number: 20100181199
    Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis analysis apparatus is provided for analyzing samples by a capillary electrophoresis method that allows for rapid and highly accurate separation and detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Sugiyama, Yukio Higashiisokawa, Yusuke Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20100175996
    Abstract: A process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method is provided that allows the apparatus to be reduced in size, allows a high analytical precision to be obtained, and can be carried out easily. The analytical process of the present invention is a process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method. The process includes a step of preparing a capillary channel to be used for the capillary electrophoresis method and a step of electrophoresing a complex of a sample and an anionic group-containing compound that are bonded together, in the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel includes an A layer that is coated on an inner wall thereof and a B layer that is coated on the A layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihide Tanaka, Shinichi Wakida, Satoshi Yonehara
  • Publication number: 20100170796
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a microfluidic device which recreates important features of the human microcirculation on a microscope stage. In certain embodiments of the invention, the clinical scenario associated with ‘sickle cell crisis’ whereby blood vessels are occluded in various organs causing pain and tissue damage can be recreated. In certain embodiments, one can use a device of the invention to study the processes that lead to crisis, and screen therapies (such as small molecules) that might be used to prevent crisis. Further, certain embodiments of the invention allow one to study and screen therapies for a range of human blood disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, disorders of white blood cells, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia or leukocytosis, disorders of blood platelets and coagulation, such as hemophilia A and B, activated protein C resistance, and essential thrombocythemia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicants: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE OFFICE OF
    Inventors: Sangeeta N. Bhatia, David T. Eddington, John M. Higgins, Lakshminarayanan Mahadevan
  • Publication number: 20100170799
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an interface mechanism in a bio-separation instrument that makes interface connections to a multi-channel cartridge. The interface mechanism precisely positions the cartridge in relation to the support elements in the instrument (e.g., high-voltage, gas pressure, incident radiation and detector), and makes automated, reliable and secured alignments and connections between various components in the cartridge and the support elements in the supporting instrument. The interface mechanism comprises pneumatically or electromechanically driven actuators for engaging support elements in the instrument to components on the cartridge. After the cartridge has been securely received by the interface mechanism, the connection sequence is initiated. The interface provides separate high voltage and optical connections for each separation channel in the cartridge, thus providing channel-to-channel isolation from cross talk both electrically and optically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Varouj Amirkhanian, Bob G. Heitel, Ming-Sun Liu, Paul Mooney
  • Publication number: 20100155242
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the described capillary electrophoresis apparatus and methods of using such apparatus for separating and analyzing components of a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: ARKRAY, Inc., NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakayama, Koji Sugiyama, Yoshihide Tanaka, Shinichi Wakida, Satoshi Yonehara
  • Patent number: 7740748
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Tian, Shashi Thutupalli, Li Zhu, Anthony John Murray, Erin Jean Finehout, Jun Xie
  • Patent number: 7740747
    Abstract: A microchip for capillary electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well disposed on a first end of the separation channel; wherein the injection channel and the separation channel intersect to form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip further comprises a first valve disposed adjacent to the ‘T’ junction and on the separation channel and a second valve disposed at the ‘T’ junction. The second valve is a two-way valve. A sample plug is injected into an area between the ‘T’ junction and a second end of the separation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Tian, Erin Jean Finehout, Li Zhu, Jun Xie, Shashi Thutupalli
  • Patent number: 7736481
    Abstract: To reduce the elongation of the migration time for the first electrophoresis cycle in successive electrophoresis cycles and improve the reliability of electrophoresis analysis. The present invention relates to making the condition of a migration medium at the start of the first electrophoresis analysis in successive electrophoresis analyses after the temperature in a thermostatic oven reaches a desired preset temperature substantially the same as the conditions after the successive electrophoresis analyses. Preferably, a voltage is applied to a separation medium filling a capillary during preheating of the thermostatic oven. Preferably, the temperature in the thermostatic oven during preheating is set higher than the temperature in the thermostatic oven during electrophoresis analysis. Preferably, a buffer solution is heated during preheating of the thermostatic oven. Preferably, the capillary is filled with a preheated separation medium during preheating of the thermostatic oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Miho Ozawa, Ryoji Inaba