Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling the movement of a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. The invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode, a third electrode adjacent to the second electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode. The first electrode is in electrical connection with the third electrode to define a first set of electrodes and the second electrode is in electrical connection with the fourth electrode to define a second set of electrodes. A DC voltage and radio frequency voltage is applied to the first set of electrodes while an opposite DC voltage and phase shifted radio frequency voltage is applied to the second set of electrodes to produce an electric field between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes. The electric field is used to control the movement of a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. A method for controlling the movement of a biopolymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored, where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentrating dilute biomolecules in samples using electrophoresis are described. The method involves using the charged nature of the biomolecules to localize them to a microspot containing a dialysis membrane. The method and apparatus may also be used for identifying the presence of a biomolecule in a mixture or to quantitate the amount of a specific biomolecule in a mixture. The method and apparatus may also be used to produce a high throughput method for analysis and quantitation of a sample containing biomolecules.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and operating method related thereto for deionizing water to produce substantially pure water using electric field and ion exchange materials are disclosed, including embodiments incorporating one or more of the novel features of brine and electrode streams flowing in a direction counter-current to the stream being deionized, a filling of the brine stream with stratified ion exchange materials, a stream mixing feature for mixing the stream being deionized, a gas removal feature for removal of gases, a spiral-wound embodiment of an electrodialysis device according to the invention, and a method for determining the preferred operating current for electrodialysis systems according to this invention.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the separation of molecules having a molecular mass from about 200 to 5000 Da, particularly micromolecules having a molecular mass of less than 5000 Dalton. The apparatus contains an anode, a cathode disposed between the anode and the separation membrane that defines a first interstitial volume therebetween. A first restriction membrane disposed between the anode and the separation membrane defines a second interstitial volume therebetween. Upon application of the voltage potential, a selected separation product is removed from the sample constituent through the separation membrane, and provided to the other of the first and second interstitial volumes.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel solution isoelectric focusing device and method that can reproducibly fractionate charged molecules into well-defined pools. This approach can be applied to mixtures of charged molecules, such as eukaryotic proteome samples where reproducible resolution and quantitation of greater than 10,000 protein components is feasible.

Abstract: An electrokinetic geosynthetic (EKG) structure comprising conductive geosynthetic material wherein the conducting geosynthetic material comprises an open mesh structure, and a method of consolidating a substrate and in particular a cohesive soil substrate using such a structure.

Abstract: A fluid circuit includes a membrane having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a pore extending from the first side to the second side. The circuit also includes a first channel containing fluid extending along the first side of the membrane and a second channel containing fluid extending along the second side of the membrane and crossing the first channel. The circuit also includes an electrical source in electrical communication with at least one of the first fluid and second fluid for selectively developing an electrical potential between fluid in the first channel and fluid in the second channel. This causes at least one component of fluid to pass through the pore in the membrane from one of the first channel and the second channel to the other of the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to analytical devices and micro-arrays with integral fluidic inputs and outputs. The devices are constructed from planar solid-phase hydrophilic matrix circuits containing dry chemical reagents overlaying integral electro-kinetic pumping electrodes. The hydrophilic matrix circuits are enclosed within a gas permeable electrical insulator. The devices are for use in micro-scale bio-analysis, mixture separation and reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cation exchange membrane which has excellent durability, a high limiting current density, a low direct current membrane resistance and excellent selectivity to monovalent cations. In the present invention, a cation exchange membrane excellent in selective permeability to monovalent cations is produced by bringing high molecular cations into contact with a surface of a cation exchange membrane in the presence of anions of an oxyacid or anions of an organic sulfonic acid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the separation of molecules, particularly micromolecules having a molecular mass of less than 5000 Dalton.

Abstract: A multi-port electrophoresis system comprising: first and second electrode chambers containing a cathode and an anode respectively, wherein the electrode chambers are disposed relative to one another so that the electrodes are adapted to generate an electric field upon application of a selected electric potential therebetween; at least three adjacently disposed separation chambers disposed between the electrode chambers and separated from adjacent separation chambers and the electrode chambers by ion-permeable barriers adapted to impede convective mixing of the contents of adjacent chambers; a first electrolyte reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the electrode chambers; at least one sample reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the separation chambers; means adapted for communicating fluids to the first and second electrode chambers and to the at least three separation chambers; means adapted for communicating an electrolyte between the electrolyte reservoir and at least one o

Abstract: An electrodialysis cell (40) suitable for removal of paint solubilizer from electrocoat paint ultrafilter permeate includes a tubular, non-conductive housing (42), a substantially cylindrical, hollow object electrode (48) in the housing, a substantially cylindrical counter electrode (52) situated within the hollow object electrode, and a tubular ion exchange membrane (50) around the counter electrode but spaced from the counter electrode as well as the object electrode. The counter electrode and the tubular membrane together define an annular electrolyte passageway while the object electrode and the tubular membrane together define an annular ultrafilter permeate passageway. The object electrode-to-counter electrode area ratio is at least about 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the capacitive demineralization of liquids containing ions in which, after introducing the liquid into a container, an electric field is applied to capacitor plates (8, 9), which leads to ions of the liquid being conducted through a filter wall (7). The ions conducted through are deposited on the capacitor plates (8, 9) as bilayers (15, 16). By introducing pulsed voltage peaks, microcrystalline structures which result from ionic compounds are precipitated and then removed from the apparatus (1).

Abstract: A waste water treatment system includes an electrodialysis reactor, a negative electrode plate immersed in waste water in the reactor, an anion-selective membrane unit defining a compartment and immersed in the waste water in the reactor for selectively permitting negative ions in the waste water to enter into an interior of the compartment, and a reverse osmosis membrane unit for periodically receiving the waste water from the reactor to separate the waste water into a stream of concentrated solution and a stream of water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressed ion analysis in which a sample solution of analyte (e.g., anion) in an eluent of electrolyte counterions (e.g., sodium), is chromatographically separated. Then, the counterions are suppressed in a suppression zone and removed and used to convert the analyte ions to salt form in a salt-converting zone. The suppression and salt-converting zones may be contiguous or remote, and may be performed in devices of the membrane suppresser type. Thereafter, the salts or acids or bases formed from them (e.g., in membrane suppressor devices) are detected. Also, salt conversion can be performed using two ion exchange packed bed salt convertors in which one bed is on-line while the other is regenerated, followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: An electrophoretic apparatus comprising:

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus, comprises a cartridge configured to be removably mounted in the apparatus, and a separation membrane positioned in the cartridge. The separation membrane has a first side along which a first flow path defined in a first grid element and a second side along which a second flow path defined in a second grid element is provided. Restriction membranes separate buffer flow from the first flow path and the second flow path. The apparatus includes connection blocks which house electrodes and inlets and outlets for buffer flow and sample flows. The cartridge is removable from the connection blocks for replacement with another cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing compounds in small volumes by electrophoresis, the apparatus comprising: (a) a cathode in a static cathode buffer zone or compartment; (b) an anode in a static anode buffer zone or compartment, the anode disposed relative to the cathode so as to be adapted to generate an electric field in an electric field area therebetween upon application of a voltage potential between the cathode and anode; (c) a first separation barrier disposed in the electric field area; (d) a second separation barrier disposed between a selected one of the cathode buffer zone and the anode buffer zone and the first barrier so as to define a first interstitial volume or chamber therebetween; wherein in use, electrophoretic buffer is disposed in the cathode buffer zone and the anode buffer zone, a sample constituent is provided to the first interstitial volume; wherein upon application of the voltage potential, a selected separation product is removed from the sample constituent through a selected one of the f

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus, comprises a cartridge configured to be removably mounted in the apparatus, and a separation membrane positioned in the cartridge. The separation membrane has a first side along which a first flow path defined in a first grid element and a second side along which a second flow path defined in a second grid element is provided. Restriction membranes separate buffer flow from the first flow path and the second flow path. The apparatus includes connection blocks which house electrodes and inlets and outlets for buffer flow and sample flows. The cartridge is removable from the connection blocks for replacement with another cartridge.

Abstract: A relatively concentrated and a relatively dilute aqueous salt solution are respectively passed through the anode and cathode chambers of a flow-through electrochemical cell having a porous membrane separating the two chambers. The fluid pressure in the cathode chamber is maintained at less than atmospheric pressure and at less than the fluid pressure in the anode chamber while a potential difference is applied across the anode and cathode. In this way, dangerous build-up of gaseous electrolysis products in the chambers, especially the anode chamber, is avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus for in-line flow-through sample treatment includes a sample channel that has a sample inlet and a sample outlet and is defined in part by inner surfaces of walls of a solid material and in part by an inner surface of a first membrane, and a first flushing channel that has an inlet port and an outlet port and is defined in part by inner surfaces of walls of a solid material and in part by an outer surface of the first membrane. An electric field is applied across the first membrane in liquids carried within the sample channel and the first flushing channel. The analytical stream flows from an upstream liquid analysis device, such as a liquid chromatographic column, into the sample inlet and through the sample channel and out from the sample outlet, and a flushing liquid flows into the inlet port and through the flushing channel and out from the outlet port. Charged particles (such as ions of inorganic salts) in the analytical stream move in a direction generally away from or toward the membrane.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus for purifying water that includes a cathode, an anode, and a plurality of alternating anion permeable membranes and cation permeable membranes between the cathode and anode that define concentrating and diluting flow channels between adjacent pairs of membranes. The diluting channels include cation exchange materials and anion exchange materials that are fixed in close contacting position with respect to each other and provide conductive paths for cations and anions to the adjacent membranes and provide flow passages for water between the materials. The anion exchange materials and cation exchange materials each have a characteristic dimension that is smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the flow passages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the processes of: receipt of biological materials, cell selection, sample purification, sample concentration, buffer exchange, complexity reduction and/or diagnosis and analysis. In one embodiment, one or more sample chambers adapted to receive a buffer solution are formed adjacent to a spacer region which may include a trap or other affinity material, electrophoretic motion of the materials to be prepared being effected through operation of electrodes. In another aspect of this invention, a transporter or dipstick serves to collect and permit transport of materials, such as nucleic acids, most preferably DNA and/or RNA.

Abstract: An integral, monolithic frame-membrane is disclosed, such frame-membrane having a semi-permeable membrane portion and integral therewith a frame portion, the frame portion having one or more cavities, each cavity juxtaposed to the membrane portion, each cavity having at least one fluid entrance conduit communicating with an entrance manifold aperture and at least one fluid exit conduit communicating with an exit manifold aperture. The integral, monolithic frame-membrane may be used in apparatus for carrying out gas-separation; microfiltration; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis (i.e. hyperfiltration); diffusion dialysis; Donnan dialysis; electrodialysis (including filled-cell electrodialysis; i.e. electrodeionization); pervaporation; piezodialysis; membrane distillation; osmosis; thermo osmosis; and electrolysis with membranes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: A water treating device includes an outer casing, a reverse osmosis tube, a side cap, and an outlet tube. The outer casing includes an outer tube having a first inlet for water and a first outlet, an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube and including a number of holes defined in a periphery of an end thereof, and a water-permeable layer mounted between the inner tube and the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube is mounted in the inner tube and includes a second inlet for water from the holes of the inner tube and adjacent to the end of the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube further includes a second outlet for pure water. The side cap is mounted to seal a first end of the outer casing and includes a first electric rod to interconnect the outer tube with a positive power connection and a second electric rod to interconnect the inner tube with a negative power connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for concentrating an aqueous PTFE emulsion in which a raw, aqueous PTFE emulsion containing fluorinated surfactants is concentrated by an electrodialysis technique using at least one nonionic surfactant as an anti-flocculation agent and a volatile electrolyte such that the formation of floccules is prevented.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.

Abstract: An integral, monolithic frame-membrane is disclosed, such frame-membrane having a semi-permeable membrane portion and integral therewith a frame portion, the frame portion having one or more cavities, each cavity juxtaposed to the membrane portion, each cavity having at least one fluid entrance conduit communicating with an entrance manifold aperture and at least one fluid exit conduit communicating with an exit manifold aperture. The integral, monolithic frame-membrane may be used in apparatus for carrying out gas-separation; microfiltration; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis (i.e. hyperfiltration); diffusion dialysis; Donnan dialysis; electrodialysis (including filled-cell electrodialysis; i.e. electrodeionization); pervaporation; piezodialysis; membrane distillation; osmosis; thermo osmosis; and electrolysis with membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for inducing the mono-directional transport of ions across a conducting polymer membrane which separates electrolyte solutions, by creating a potential gradient across the conducting polymer membrane.

Abstract: In an electrolyzer provided according to this invention, the polarity of electrodes is periodically inverted at very short intervals. This has the effect of allowing gases to be generated uniformly all over the surface of each electrode in the form of extremely small bubbles instead of being formed in specific positions in the form of large bubbles as is the case with a conventional electrolyzer in which a direct current is allowed to flow without changing the flow direction. Thus the surfaces of electrodes are prevented from being covered with bubbles, and the flow of liquids along the surfaces of electrodes is not disturbed by the bubbles any more.

Abstract: A microdialysis system for the dialysis of small sample volumes of protein, nucleic acid, peptide, and other biomolecules has been developed. The device may contain a built-in magnet to permit remote rotation of the device during dialysis. Double sided dialysis chambers can be used for electrodialysis, electroelution, or electroconcentration. Two or more chambers can be joined either by a union or directly for equilibrium dialysis, or other applications.

Abstract: A membrane module in which non-porous membranes are bonded to spacer elements, which elements are in turn bonded to each other to create a membrane support zone as a result of contact with the surface of the membrane opposite the surface to which the membrane is bonded. The membrane is restrained from peeling from the membrane bond by the support zone under opposing pressure as may be caused by fluid flowing past the membrane. The preferred use of such a membrane module is for continuous electrodeionization processes.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus separates constituents from blood plasma utilizing layered gel membranes of differing permeabilities configured as a U-tube. Physical filter pressing of blood plasma is accomplished by pinching gel beds along the U-tube axis where localized pressure rise and centrifugal forces are established. The U-tube fold also establishes chemical countercurrent pumping across the gel beds. Capillary and electroosmotic gel filtration further accomplishes selective chemical removal and readsorption.

Abstract: End casing for an electrodialyzer, comprising a vertical panel (8) and a vertical frame (9) which define between them a cavity containing an electrode, the said electrode comprising a perforated vertical metal plate (12) which is arranged in the cavity, facing the panel and set back therefrom, so as to form a chamber (21) between the panel, the plate and the frame, the said chamber being divided into vertical channels (27, 28) by vertical partitions (29) and being in communication with an inlet conduit (23, 26) and a discharge conduit (22, 24) for electrolytes. Electrodialyzer comprising an alternating succession of selectively ion-permeable membranes (1, 1', 25, 25') and vertical frames (2) between two end casings (3, 3') as defined above.

Abstract: An electrokinetic system and method are provided for removing charged species from a sample in which said charged species is commingled with at least one radionuclide. The apparatus comprises an anode compartment comprising an anode, a cathode compartment comprising a cathode, and a treatment zone in fluid communication with the anode and cathode compartments for containing the sample. The anode compartment, cathode compartment, and treatment zone are arranged so that a voltage gradient applied between the anode and the cathode induces an electrical current flow through the sample in the treatment zone. The current causes migration of the positively charged species in the sample toward the cathode and the negatively charges species toward the anode. A pH controller is provided for monitoring and adjusting acidity and basicity to facilitate the removal of salts while maintaining contaminants within the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides fittings for the ends of electrochromatography cols. Each fitting includes an annular electrode surrounding one end of the passage electrical fields to be applied. The fitting also contains a passageway for eluant flowing into or out of the column, an annular chamber for the electrode and a membrane separating the passageway from the annular electrode chamber. The membrane prevents gases and electrolytic products from entering the column eluent going through the chromatographic column. The membrane also isolate the electrodes from the compounds such as proteins and macromolecules being separated. A buffer solution was pumped through the electrode chamber to remove the gases and electrode products. The buffer flow through the electrode chamber maintains a constant pH and conductivity so that the electrical field applied by each electrode is constant. The buffer flow also serves to remove the heat generated in the electrode chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrokinetic soil decontamination method using closely spaced like electrode assemblies, special panel electrode configurations, an electrode emplacement process which leaves the soil in-situ, and a purge fluid conditioning and circulation process that results in reduced costs for soil decontamination. Panel electrode assemblies, tubular electrode assemblies and treatment panel assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices are useful to capture or dispense target molecules and include an electric field-responsive valve unit. The valve unit includes an active control structure having at least one monomolecular layer and being up to about 10 nm thick. The active control structure is formed by a majority of molecular species with a dipolar moment greater than about 5 Debye, and operable in response to an electric field at a threshold value. A particularly preferred embodiment has the active control structure carried on a microporous membrane with pores in the nanometer range. Applications for inventive embodiments include drug delivery and target molecule capture during electrophoresis separations.

Abstract: A multi-channel separation device is provided for use in separation technology, particularly in electrophoresis and in isoelectric focusing. The device includes two mating plates, at least one of which contains an array of at least three cavities arranged to define a serpentine fluid pathway through the cavities when the plates are mated. Each of the cavities includes fluid input and output ports to facilitate transfer of process fluid through the cavities. A septum is disposed between the plates for streamlining fluid flow between the input and output ports by restricting but not preventing free fluid flow between adjacent cavities. The device also includes anodic and cathodic compartments containing electrodes for establishing an electric field across the cavities.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor providing for a high, steady rate of removal of ionic substances and amenable to commercial scale application and a method of treating fluids using the flow-through electric double-layer capacitor. The invention is a planar, flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor comprising a separator (1) consisting in an electrically-insulating, porous, flow-through sheet, activated carbon layers (2, 2), each comprising a high specific surface area activated carbon as a main component, collectors (3, 3) disposed externally of the active carbon layers (2, 2), and retaining plates (4, 4) disposed externally of the collectors (3, 3).

Abstract: Remediation of soil and groundwater using electropotential gradient induced migration of a target ion and immobilization and/or confinement of the target ion by a host receptor matrix (HRM). In addition to immobilizing and/or confining the target ion, the HRM can comprise a buffer or an ionizable species which releases an exchange ion during application of the electropotential gradient. The exchange ion, when less mobile than a (H.sup.+) ion or hydroxyl (OH.sup.-) ion, increases the efficiency of energy usage during decontamination. The exchange ion can also perform other tasks in the vicinity of the electrodes which improve the decontamination process. The host receptor matrix also can comprise a material which is water impermeable and which has a low surface energy, such as a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene film. When such a material is used, the host receptor matrix can comprise a receptacle in which there is a liquid and/or solid composition which immobilizes and/or contains the target ion.