Multistage electromagnetic separator for purifying cells, chemicals and protein structures

• US 20020155599A1
• Filed: 11/06/2001
• Published: 10/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Space Hardware Optimization Technology Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Space Hardware Optimization Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Dunn, Scott, Deuser, Mark S., Vellinger, John C., Barton, Kenneth W., Todd, Paul W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,699,669 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/325
• CPC Class Codes: C07K 1/24 by electrochemical means

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved techniques for separating cells, particles and molecules important to medical science and biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. The apparatus and method of use provides an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically, electromagnetically assisted separation technology, (“MAGSEP”). The MAGSEP technology provides a separation technology applicable to medical, chemical, cell biology, and biotechnology processes. Moreover, the instant invention relates to a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements. These are then analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate. Such a collection may provide a ligand library containing specific ligands for any ligate even though there are a greater number of conformations available to any one sequence. This technology provides a cell biologists a tool for studying molecular recognition. Combinational chemical libraries containing known and random sequences can be surveyed for strong ligands. Such a tool provides a means of recognizing and isolating agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, virus blockers, antigens, and other pharmaceuticals, but more significantly quantities of receptors on biological cells in aqueous suspensions including body fluids.

Claims

1. A method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, and collecting at least some of said magnetic particles in a band using a multistage electromagnetic separator including at least one source of magnetic force positioned along a cavity of a first plate alignable with at least one sample container containing particles in a fluid in sealed fluid communication and cooperatively engaging said first plate, comprising the steps of activating at least one magnet providing a selection of field strengths in sequence forming an electric field and accelerating said particles susceptible to said selected field strength in a selected direction separating said particles.