Dielectrophoretic (i.e., Uses Nonuniform Electric Field) Patents (Class 204/643)
-
Publication number: 20110201511Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying the source of shed bioparticles and an apparatus that implements the method. The method involves collecting a sample of bioparticles from the environment, selecting from that sample the bioparticles most effective in identifying their source, and gathering data from those bioparticles to form bioparticle signatures. The bioparticle signatures are then processed into a multi-dimensional vector which is then compared to the multi-dimensional vector derived from a standard using a pattern recognition strategy that identifies the source. The apparatus has a particle collection device to collect the sample, a transfer device that selects information-rich bioparticles and a detector that restricts the movement of the information-rich bioparticles. The restricted movement is then translated into a bioparticle signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Mark A. Hayes, Thomas J. Taylor, Karl Booksh, Neal Woodbury, Pierre Herckes
-
Patent number: 7998328Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the micro-scale, dielectrophoretic separation of particles are provided. Fluid suspensions of particles are sorted and separated by dielectrophoretic separation chambers that have at least two consecutive, electrically coupled planar electrodes separated by a gap in a fluid flow channel. The gap distance as well as applied potential can be used to control the dielectrophoretic forces generated. Using consecutive, electrically coupled electrodes rather than electrically coupled opposing electrodes facilitates higher flow volumes and rates. The methods and apparatus can be used, for example, to sort living, damaged, diseased, and/or dead cells and functionalized or ligand-bound polymer beads for subsequent identification and/or analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: CFD Research CorporationInventors: Jianjun Feng, Guiren Wang, Sivaramakrishnan Krishnamoorthy, Kapil Pant, Shivshankar Sundaram
-
Publication number: 20110192726Abstract: There is presently provided a device for detecting an analyte particle in a sample. The device comprises a chamber having an interior surface upon which is located an electrode array. The electrode array comprises pairs of electrodes, each pair having an inner electrode and an outer electrode that substantially surrounds the inner electrode. Each pair of electrodes is coated with a capture molecule that recognises and binds the analyte particle that is to be identified and quantified. The device uses a combination of dielectrophoresis and impedance measurements to capture and measure analyte particles from a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Yu Chen, Julien Reboud, En Hou Philip Wong, Kyaw Thu Moe, Se Ngie Winston Shim, Qasem Ramadan, Kum Cheong Tang
-
Patent number: 7988841Abstract: A plurality of planar electrodes (5) in a microchannel (4) is used for separation, lysis and PCR in a chip (10). Cells from a sample are brought to the electrodes (5). Depending on sample properties, phase pattern, frequency and voltage of the electrodes and flow velocity are chosen to trap target cells (16) using DEP, whereas the majority of unwanted cells (17) flushes through. After separation the target cell (16) are lysed while still trapped. Lysis is carried out by applying RF pulses and/or thermally so as to change the dielectric properties of the trapped cells. After lysis, the target cells (16) are amplified within the microchannel (4), so as to obtain separation, lysis and PCR on same chip (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Mario Scurati, Torsten Mueller, Thomas Schnelle
-
Publication number: 20110174620Abstract: The present system relates to a system architecture that uses a single electron transistor (SET) to analyze base sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at ultra high speed in real time. DNA represents the entire body of genetic information and consists of nucleotide units. There are a total of four types of nucleotides, and each nucleotide consists of an identical pentose (deoxyribose), phosphate group, and one of four types of bases (Adenine: A, Guanine: G, Cytosine: C, Thymine: T). A and G are purines having a bicyclic structure while C and T are pyrimidines having a monocyclic structure. Each has a different atomic arrangement, which signifies a different charge distribution from one another. Therefore, a system comprising a single electron transistor that is very sensitive to charges, a probe of a very small size that reacts to one nucleotide very effectively, and an extended gate that connects the SET with the probe, can be used to analyze DNA base sequences at ultra high speed in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Chungbuk National University Industry-Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Jung Bum Choi, Jong Jin Lee
-
Publication number: 20110174623Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for concentration and purification of analytes, e.g., polynucleotides, in channel devices using AC and DC electric fields.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Michael HARROLD, Eric S. NORDMAN
-
Publication number: 20110168561Abstract: A dielectrophoretic particle concentrator includes first substrate, detection electrodes, second substrate, protrudent structure and edge wall structures. The first substrate extends along first direction. The detection electrodes are disposed on the first substrate and extend along second direction. The second direction crosses the first direction. The second substrate is disposed over the first substrate and extends along the first direction. The protrudent structure is disposed on the second substrate and protruded towards the first substrate. A top portion of the protrudent structure includes a line-like structure extending along the second direction and adjacent to the detection electrodes. The edge wall structures are integrated with the first substrate and the second substrate, to form pipe-like structure to enable a fluid flowing through the protrudent structure from an end to another end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Liang-Ju Chien, Chi-Han Chiou
-
Publication number: 20110162966Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Peter J. Burke, Shengdong Li, Lifeng Zheng
-
Patent number: 7964078Abstract: A microfluidic separation device includes a microchannel formed in a substrate and being defined at least by a bottom surface, a first side wall, and second side wall. Fluid containing particles or cells is flowed through the microchannel from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end terminates in a plurality of branch channels. A plurality of vertically-oriented electrodes are disposed on the first wall and on the second wall opposite to the first wall. A voltage source is connected to the plurality of opposing electrodes to drive the electrodes. The opposing, vertically-oriented electrodes may be used to focus a heterogeneous population of particles or cells for subsequent downstream separation via additional electrodes placed on one of the side walls. Alternatively, the opposing, vertically-oriented electrodes may be used to spatially separate a heterogeneous population of particles or cells for later collection in one or more of the branch channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Abraham P. Lee, Lisen Wang, Lisa Flanagan Monuki, Edwin S. Monuki, Svyatoslav A. Marchenko
-
Patent number: 7956339Abstract: Described herein are single-sided lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) devices which use photosensitive electrode arrays to create optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces in an electric field that is parallel to the plane of the device. In addition, phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET) devices are described that allow for optoelectronic tweezers (OET) operation in high-conductivity physiological buffer and cell culture media.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Aaron Ohta, Pei-Yu Chiou, Hsan-Yin Hsu, Arash Jamshidi, Ming-Chiang Wu, Steven L. Neale
-
Publication number: 20110108423Abstract: A nanopore device is described wherein is provided a sample input (110), an input chamber (120), and first and second sample chambers (130, 140) connected to the input chambers (120) via first and second nanopores (135, 145).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Pieter Jan Van Der Zaag, Anja Van De Stolpe, Elaine Mccoo, Eva Van Van Wanrooij
-
Publication number: 20110108422Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael Heller, Benjamin Sullivan, Rajaram Krishnan, Dennis Carson, Sadik Esener
-
Publication number: 20110100820Abstract: Provided is a device for assaying one or more analytes, said device comprising an electrode, a means for optical detection; and a means for electrochemical detection, wherein the device is configured such that the electrode is capable of promoting transport of an analyte when a field is applied to the analyte via the electrode, and wherein the means for electrochemical detection employs the electrode and the means for optical detection employs the electrode, and wherein the device is configured to carry out dielectrophoresis. Further provided is the use of the device of the present invention for promoting transport of an analyte, detecting the optical properties of the analyte and detecting the electrochemical properties of the analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: ITI SCOTLAND LIMITEDInventors: Till Bachmann, Andrew Mount, Anthony Walton
-
Publication number: 20110100823Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Philip Y. Paik, Vamsee K. Pamula
-
Patent number: 7935310Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.Inventor: Jonas Korlach
-
Patent number: 7935239Abstract: A liquid moving apparatus is disclosed. The liquid moving apparatus may include a container having a holding chamber enclosed by first and second end walls facing against each other and side walls connecting the first and second end walls, a polarized or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and prevented from mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tadahiro Ohishi, Keita Tanaka, Masaki Ando, Kazuhiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 7932035Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.Inventor: Jonas Korlach
-
Patent number: 7931867Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.Inventor: Jonas Korlach
-
Patent number: 7931792Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating and concentrating particles suspended in a fluid stream by using dielectrophoresis (DEP) to trap and/or deflect those particles as they migrate through a fluid channel. The method uses fluid channels designed to constrain a liquid flowing through it to uniform electrokinetic flow velocities. This behavior is achieved by connecting deep and shallow sections of channels, with the channel depth varying abruptly along an interface. By careful design of abrupt changes in specific permeability at the interface, an abrupt and spatially uniform change in electrokinetic force can be selected. Because these abrupt interfaces also cause a sharp gradient in applied electric fields, a DEP force also can be established along the interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Fiechtner, Eric B. Cummings, Anup K. Singh
-
Publication number: 20110083964Abstract: The present teachings relate to microfluidic valves and pumping systems, which may be suitable for controlling and facilitating liquid flow. Electrodes are disposed proximately to volumes containing a liquid. The liquid flow can be facilitated by electrowetting forces. Processes for controlling the flow of liquids, as well as for pumping liquids, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Umberto ULMANELLA
-
Patent number: 7918981Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of cell separation or isolation. In particular, the invention provides a method for separating cells, which method comprises: a) selectively staining cells to be separated with a dye so that there is a sufficient difference in a separable property of differentially stained cells; and b) separating said differentially stained cells via said separable property. Preferably, the separable property is dielectrophoretic property of the differentially stained cells and the differentially stained cells are separated or isolated via dielectrophoresis. Methods for separating various types of cells in blood samples are also provided. Centrifuge tubes useful in density gradient centrifugation and dielectrophoresis isolation devices useful for separating or isolating various types of cells are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignees: CapitalBio Corporation, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Gaoshan Jing, Jian Zhang, Jing Cheng
-
Patent number: 7906003Abstract: A well fluid processing system has a separator for separating heavier and lighter components of well fluid flowing from a subsea well and directing the lighter components to flow to a surface processing facility. The separator has a cylindrical chamber having a length at least ten times its diameter. A coalescing unit located in the chamber causes water droplets in the well fluid flowing through the tubes to coalesce into larger droplets. A dielectrophoresis unit having undulating sheets spaced close to each other is also located in the chamber. The sheets of the unit are supplied with an electrical potential to force the water droplets into predetermined passage portions to form high water content sections of liquid. Bypass valves allow backflushing of one of the separators while others continue to operate.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hamworthy PLCInventors: Jarle Michaelsen, Paal J. Nilsen
-
Publication number: 20110056834Abstract: A dielectrophoresis-based microfluidic system includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a spacing structure. The first electrode plate comprises a first substrate and an electrode layer disposed on one side surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate comprises a second substrate and a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are disposed on one side surface of the second substrate which is opposite to the electrode layer, and arranged in a microchannel pattern. The spacing structure is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate so that a space is defined between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. Accordingly, users can inject microfluid into the space and apply voltage to different electrodes to drive the microfluid to flow towards different directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Shih-Kang Fan
-
Publication number: 20110048950Abstract: Particles may be injected into a matrix for concentration by scodaphoresis using a quadrupole injection field. Particles may be injected from two or more sample chambers simultaneously. Particle injection may be performed simultaneously with performing scodaphoresis. In some embodiments the particles are concentrated into a well containing fluid. The well can extend out of a plane of the matrix. Altering the relative phases of components of a scodaphoresis field permits concentration of selected particles and exclusion of other particles. Scodaphoresis methods may be applied to DNA, other bio-molecules and other particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIAInventors: Andrea Marziali, David John Broemeling, Dylan Corey Gunn, Peter Jason Eugster, Joel Pel
-
Patent number: 7897026Abstract: A fluid particle-separating device includes a sorting, first and second diverting channels, a detector, a microprocessor, first and second actuators, and first and second sieving valves. The sorting channel receives fluid containing first and second particles. The first and second diverting channels guide the first and second particles. The detector recognizes the sizes and numbers of the first and second particles and outputs first and second recognition signals. The microprocessor receives the first and second recognition signals and outputs first and second control signals. The first and second sieving valves respectively inside the first and second diverting channels allow the particles to pass through or not. The first actuator receives the first control signal and controls the deformation of the second sieving valve to block the first particle. The second actuator receives the second control signal and controls the deformation of the first sieving valve to block the second particle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Wai William Wang
-
Publication number: 20110042220Abstract: A matrix electrode-controlling device for driving a droplet according to this aspect of the present invention comprises a substrate, a dielectric layer positioned on the substrate, a plurality of control electrodes positioned in the dielectric layer in a matrix manner, and a ground electrode positioned at a predetermined position around the control electrodes without generating electromagnetic shielding effect. The control electrodes in the same row are electrically connected to form a plurality of lateral controlling rows and the control electrodes in the same column are electrically connected to form a plurality of longitudinal controlling columns, and the droplet is driven to move on or above the dielectric layer by biasing the ground electrode to the ground voltage and applying a predetermined voltage to one of the controlling rows and/or to one of the controlling columns to undergo the predetermined assaying operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: Chun-Han WANG
-
Publication number: 20110042215Abstract: An apparatus and methods for biomolecular crystallization is disclosed. The method includes providing biomolecule solution and bringing the biomolecule solution into direct contact with a plurality of electrodes. An alternating current is applied to the plurality of electrodes to impart a dielectrophoresis force upon the biomolecule solution and to form at least one crystal from the biomolecule solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Diana Hou, Hsueh-Chia Chang
-
Publication number: 20110031123Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a sample, which method comprises: a) contacting a binding phase, which binding phase is capable of binding an analyte, with the sample in the presence of a medium; b) applying across the medium a first alternating field composed of a plurality of pulses and having a first frequency, a first pulse duration and a first pulse rise time; c) optionally applying across the medium a second alternating field; and d) thereby influencing the sample and/or the binding phase in the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: ITI SCOTLAND LIMITEDInventors: Holger Schulze, Till Bachmann, Andrew Mount
-
Patent number: 7879214Abstract: A description is given of methods for collecting particles (1, 2) which are suspended in a liquid, including the following steps: providing the liquid containing the suspended particles (1, 2) in a compartment (10) having lateral surfaces (11), wherein at least one electrode (21) is arranged on at least one of the lateral surfaces (11), and generating high-frequency electric fields by means of the at least one electrode (21) so as to form at least one circulating flow (30), by means of which the particles (1, 2) are guided to at least one predetermined collecting area (40) in the compartment (10), wherein the flow (30) is formed in such a way that at least one branch of the flow runs along a longitudinal extent of the at least one electrode (21), and the flow (30) circulates about an axis (31) which is oriented perpendicular to the respectively adjacent lateral surface (11) with the electrode (21). Corresponding devices for collecting particles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Perkinelmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbHInventors: Thomas Schnelle, Torsten Muller, Jorg Kentsch, Frank Grom, Martin Stelzle
-
Patent number: 7862702Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing a smear for cytopathology or other analysis. In a representative embodiment, cells of a sample are subjected to a dielectrophoretic force to segregate the cells into two or more zones of a surface. The particles are attached to the surface, thereby defining a “segregated smear.” The segregated smear is then fixed and stained for cytopathology analysis.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Peter R. C. Gascoyne, Jody V. Vykoukal, Chandra Das, Frederick F. Becker
-
Patent number: 7857957Abstract: We have performed separation of bacterial and cancer cells from peripheral human blood in microfabricated electronic chips by dielectrophoresis. The isolated cells were examined by staining the nuclei with fluorescent dye followed by laser induced fluorescence imaging. We have also released DNA and RNA from the isolated cells electronically and detected specific marker sequences by DNA amplification followed by electronic hybridization to immobilized capture probes. Efforts towards the construction of a “laboratory-on-a-chip” system are presented which involves the selection of DNA probes, dyes, reagents and prototyping of the fully integrated portable instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Gamida for Life B.V.Inventors: Jing Cheng, Lei Wu, Michael J. Heller, Edward L. Sheldon, Jonathan M. Diver, James P. O'Connell, Dan Smolko, Shila Jalali, David Willoughby
-
Patent number: 7857956Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Peter J. Burke, Shengdong Li, Lifeng Zheng
-
Publication number: 20100320088Abstract: A device for forming at least one circulating flow, or vortex, at the surface of a drop of liquid, including at least two first electrodes forming a plane and having edges facing each other, such that the contact line of a drop, deposited on the device and fixed relatively to the device, has a tangent forming, when projected onto the plane of the electrodes, an angle between 0° and 90° with the edges facing each other of the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2007Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicants: Commissariat A L'Energie, Centre National De La Recherche ScientInventors: Yves Fouillet, Laurent Davoust
-
Publication number: 20100307917Abstract: Droplet actuators for conducting droplet operations, such as droplet transport and droplet dispensing, are provided. In one embodiment, the droplet actuator may include a substrate including, droplet operations electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; and reference electrodes associated with the droplet operations electrodes and extending above the surface of the substrate. Other embodiments of droplet actuators and methods of loading and using such droplet actuators are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Vijay Srinivasan, Michael G. Pollack, Zhishan Hua, Arjun Sudarsan, Allen Eckhardt
-
Publication number: 20100307922Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for liquid manipulation utilizing electrostatic field force. The apparatus is a single-sided electrode design in which all conductive elements are embedded on the first surface on which droplets are manipulated. An additional second surface can be provided parallel with the first surface for the purpose of containing the droplets to be manipulated. By performing electrowetting based techniques in which different electrical potential values are applied to different electrodes embedded in the first surface in a controlled manner, the apparatus enables a number of droplet manipulation processes, including sampling a continuous liquid flow by forming individually controllable droplets from the flow, moving a droplet, merging and mixing two or more droplets together, splitting a droplet into two or more droplets, iterative binary mixing of droplets to obtain a desired mixing ratio, and enhancing liquid mixing within a droplet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: DIGITAL BIOSYSTEMSInventor: Chuanyong Wu
-
Publication number: 20100282611Abstract: A cell separating apparatus that can easily separate target cells contained in a fluid is provided. Target cells and a fluid are injected through a storage hole, and ejected to the outside of a rotation disk under the influence of a centrifugal force of the rotation disk. An electric field is applied to the outside of the rotation disk, and the target cells are gathered at a different position from the fluid due to di-electrophoresis. In addition, pivot arms placed at an outer surface of the rotation disk are open, and the open pivot arms collect the target cells. The collected target cell flow in a different storage portion through a fluid flow path. As a result, the target cells can be easily separated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Byungkyu Kim, Jaemin An, Sang-Mo Shin
-
Patent number: 7828950Abstract: A dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus including a concentration gradient generating unit, a method of separating a target material in a sample solution using the DEP apparatus, and a method of screening the optimum condition for separating a target material are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chin-sung Park, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Sook-young Kim, Mi-ae Jung, Jin-tae Kim
-
Patent number: 7829839Abstract: An optical tweezers lifting apparatus is provided. The optical tweezers lifting apparatus includes an optical tweezers and a particle-lifting device. The particle-lifting device includes a substrate and a plurality of electrodes that are disposed on the bottom of a flow path in the substrate. When a dielectrophoresis (DEP) solution with a plurality of floating particles is conducted into the flow path and upon those electrodes and a voltage is applied to these electrodes, these particles would be driven by a negative DEP force to move upward to a specific depth in the flow path. Meanwhile, the optical tweezers of the apparatus is selectively focused at the specific depth in the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignees: Raydium Semiconductor Corp.Inventors: Cheng-Hsien Liu, William Wang, Long Hsu, Chung-Cheng Chou, Sheng-Yang Tseng, Chen Peng, Fung-Hsu Wu, Ta-Yuan Lee
-
Patent number: 7816121Abstract: A droplet actuation system is provided including a droplet actuation device including a substrate that includes electrodes for conducting droplet operations; temperature control means for heating and/or cooling a region of the droplet actuation device and arranged such that a droplet can be transported on the electrodes to a region for heating; and a means for effecting a magnetic field in proximity to one or more of the electrodes sufficient to immobilize magnetically responsive beads in a droplet on the substrate during droplet operations. The system further includes a processor for controlling the electrodes and temperature control means, wherein the processor is programmed, and electrodes and magnetic field are arranged, to cause the electrodes to split a droplet including the magnetically responsive beads yielding a first daughter droplet which includes the magnetically responsive beads and a second daughter droplet without a substantial amount of the magnetically responsive beads.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignees: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Michael G. Pollack, Philip Y. Paik, Vamsee K. Pamula
-
Patent number: 7815871Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet microactuator system. According to one embodiment, the droplet microactuator system includes: (a) a droplet microactuator configured to conduct droplet operations; (b) a magnetic field source arranged to immobilize magnetically responsive beads in a droplet during droplet operations; (c) a sensor configured in a sensing relationship with the droplet microactuator, such that the sensor is capable of sensing a signal from and/or a property of one or more droplets on the droplet microactuator; and (d) one or more processors electronically coupled to the droplet microactuator and programmed to control electrowetting-mediated droplet operations on the droplet actuator and process electronic signals from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan, Michael G. Pollack, Allen E. Eckhardt, Philip Y. Paik
-
Patent number: 7811439Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring sources of public water supply for a variety of pathogens by using a combination of ultrafiltration techniques together dielectrophoretic separation techniques. Because water-borne pathogens, whether present due to “natural” contamination or intentional introduction, would likely be present in drinking water at low concentrations when samples are collected for monitoring or outbreak investigations, an approach is needed to quickly and efficiently concentrate and separate particles such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites in large volumes of water (e.g., 100 L or more) while simultaneously reducing the sample volume to levels sufficient for detecting low concentrations of microbes (e.g., <10 mL). The technique is also designed to screen the separated microbes based on specific conductivity and size.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Blake A. Simmons, Vincent R. Hill, Yolanda Fintschenko, Eric B. Cummings
-
Patent number: 7811438Abstract: A flow cell is disclosed for collecting and concentrating a sample dispersed in a flowing medium. The collected sample can be selectively manipulated within the cell by the use of one or more traveling wave grids. The cells are particularly useful as bio-enrichment devices and can be utilized upstream of conventional analytical or detection instruments.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Meng H. Lean, Armin R. Völkel, Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Noble M. Johnson, H. Ben Hsieh
-
Patent number: 7807454Abstract: A microfluidic device may employ one or more sorting stations for separating target species from other species in a sample. The separation is driven by magnetophoresis. A sorting station generally includes separate buffer and sample streams. A magnetic field gradient applied to the sorting station deflects the flow path of magnetic particles (which selectively label the target species) from a sample stream into a buffer stream. The buffer stream leaving the sorting station is used to detect or further process purified target species labeled with the magnetic particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Sang-Hyun Oh, Amarendra Kumar Singh, Yanting Zhang, Dharmakirthi Nawarathna, Unyoung Kim, Patrick Sean Daugherty, Hyongsok Soh, Brian Scott Ferguson
-
Publication number: 20100236927Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising a substrate comprising an electrode coupled to a voltage source, wherein the droplet actuator is configured such that when voltage is applied to the electrode, an electrostatic energy gradient is established at a surface of the substrate which causes a droplet to be transported in a direction established by the energy gradient. Related methods and other embodiments are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Lavern Pope, Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula
-
Publication number: 20100224493Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Rafael V. DAVALOS, Hadi Shafiee, Michael Benjamin Sano, John L. Caldwell
-
Publication number: 20100219075Abstract: (Problems) The present invention provides a method for analyzing characteristics of a particulate and an apparatus for the same, and it excels in easily and briefly optimizing an applied AC voltage frequency for the characteristics analysis on particulate characteristics or for the manipulation such as transfer, fractionation and concentration of the particle with utilizing the dielectrophoretic force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Hiroshi Furusawa
-
Publication number: 20100219076Abstract: Provided is a dielectrophoresis apparatus with which it is possible to handle (move, stop, separate and sort, etc.) a dielectric particle utilizing dielectrophoresis and to measure dielectrophoretic force. The interior of a dielectrophoresis device that includes a case having a flat top or bottom surface is filled with a dielectric solution S and accepts introduction of a small target body (particle) P comprising a dielectric. A non-uniform alternating electric field is formed within the case. By tilting the case (through an angle ?pitch or other direction), rotating the case in an inclined plane (through a rotational angle ?yaw) or adjusting the voltage and frequency of the alternating electric field, imbalance or balance is produced between a dielectrophoretic force FDEP that acts upon the small body and a force FG sin ?pitch ascribable to gravity and buoyancy, thereby enabling the small body to be moved and stopped.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Takeshi Yamakawa, Hiroko Imasato
-
Publication number: 20100206731Abstract: A method for sorting cells in a biological sample comprising a first type of cells and a second type of cells may comprise introducing the biological sample into a chamber comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is associated with a transparent electrode and the second surface is associated with a photoconductive portion of an electrode. The method may further comprise moving incident light and the photoconductive portion relative to one another so as to illuminate regions of the photoconductive portion and modulate an electric field in the chamber in proximity to the illuminated regions. The method may further comprise separating the first type of cells from the second type of cells in the chamber via dielectrophoretic movement of the first type of cells and the second type of cells caused by the modulated electric field, wherein a dielectrophoretic characteristic of at least one of the first type of cells and the second type of cells has been modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Aldrich N.K. Lau, Joon Mo Yang, Huan L. Phan, Steven W. Sherwood, Hans A. Fuernkranz
-
Publication number: 20100200404Abstract: Methods and relative devices are illustrated for generating time-variable electric fields suitable for determining the creation of closed dielectrophoretic cages able to trap inside even single particles without the cages being necessarily positioned at relative minimum points of the electric field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Silicon Biosystems S.p.AInventors: Gianni Medoro, Nicolo Manerasi
-
Patent number: 7771580Abstract: Method and Systems for extracting a concentrated sample of particles include priming a concentrate reservoir by passing a fluid through the concentrate reservoir to remove air. The concentrate reservoir has a first end with an opening and second end with an opening. The second end of the concentrate reservoir is closed off, and particles are accumulated within the concentrate reservoir by use of a particle concentrator. Thereafter, the first end of the concentrate reservoir is closed off, isolating the concentrate reservoir from particle concentrator, from which the particles were obtained. The second end of the concentrate reservoir is thereafter opened, and the particles of the concentrated sample in the concentrate reservoir are extracted to a sample capture reservoir through the second end opening of the concentrate reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Jurgen H. Daniel, Meng H. Lean, Robert Matusiak, Armin R. Volkel, Gregory P. Schmitz, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Ashutosh Kole