Method and apparatus for manipulating polarizable analytes via dielectrophoresis
First Claim
1. A microfluidic device for manipulating polarizable analytes via dielectrophoresis and detecting target analytes, said device comprising:
- a) a concentration module in electronic communication with a field-generating electrode, wherein said concentration module is configured to result in an asymmetrical, oscillating electric field within said module upon application of a time-varying voltage;
b) at least one detection module comprising capture probes; and
c) a power source.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to devices and methods for manipulating polarizable analytes via dielectrophoresis to allow for improved detection of target analytes. Microfluidic devices are configured such that the application of a voltage between field-generating electrodes results in the generation of an asymmetric electric field within the device. Some embodiments of the invention provide a physical constriction, and electrically floating conductive material or a combination of the two techniques to generating an asymmetrical field. Using dielectrophoresis, target analytes are concentrated or separated from contaminant analytes and transported to a detection module.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A microfluidic device for manipulating polarizable analytes via dielectrophoresis and detecting target analytes, said device comprising:
-
a) a concentration module in electronic communication with a field-generating electrode, wherein said concentration module is configured to result in an asymmetrical, oscillating electric field within said module upon application of a time-varying voltage;
b) at least one detection module comprising capture probes; and
c) a power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A method for detecting target analytes in a sample using a microfluidic device comprising a concentration module in electronic communication with at least two field-generating electrodes, said method comprising:
-
contacting said concentration module with said sample;
applying a time-varying voltage between said at least two field-generating electrodes sufficient to generate an asymmetrical electric field within said concentration module, thereby manipulating polarizable analytes in said sample via dielectrophoresis; and
transporting target analytes to said detection module under conditions sufficient for detection to occur. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification