Arrays formed of encoded beads having ligands attached
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the movement of particles suspended at an interface between an electrode and an electrolyte solution, the method comprising the following steps:
- generating an electric field at said interface between said electrode and said electrolyte solution; and
illuminating the surface of said electrode with a predetermined light pattern to control the movement of said particles in accordance with said predetermined light pattern and electrochemical properties of said electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for the creation of material surfaces with desired properties and for the fabrication of surface-mounted optical components.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the movement of particles suspended at an interface between an electrode and an electrolyte solution, the method comprising the following steps:
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generating an electric field at said interface between said electrode and said electrolyte solution; and
illuminating the surface of said electrode with a predetermined light pattern to control the movement of said particles in accordance with said predetermined light pattern and electrochemical properties of said electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for implementing the differential lateral displacement of particles suspended at an interface between an electrode and an electrolyte solution, said apparatus comprising:
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an electric field generator which generates an electric field at said interface;
an electrode;
an electrolyte solution having a substantially continuous flow which effects the displacement of said particles in a direction substantially parallel to said interface;
an illumination source which illuminates said electrode with an adjustable, predetermined light pattern; and
a plurality of particles located in said electrolyte solution, said particles being in said electrolyte flow and being displaced by said electric field in conjunction with said predetermined light pattern, said particles being displaced in accordance with variations in physical and chemical properties of said particles which determine the mobility of said particles. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification