Magnetic assisted detection of magnetic beads using optical disc drives
First Claim
1. A method of controlling magnetic beads, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining an optical disc with at least one detection area;
embedding a top electromagnet in a cap layer of said disc over said detection area; and
embedding a bottom electromagnet in a bottom substrate of said disc under said detection area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a method and apparatus for precise control of magnetic beads in an optical bio-disc. Embodiments of the present invention use electromagnets for precise control of the forces experienced by the magnetic beads. The use of electromagnets eliminates the need to design precise flow control mechanisms to keep beads in place. This is critical in the stage of washing in an assay, where beads attached to a bottom testing surface are separated from beads that are unattached. One embodiment contains a top electromagnet in a top layer of a bio-disc and a bottom electromagnet in a bottom layer of the bio-disc. Another embodiment is an apparatus of electromagnets that can be used to control the magnetic beads within the optical bio-disc. By adjusting the current flow to the electromagnets, precise control of beads can be accomplished.
72 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of controlling magnetic beads, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining an optical disc with at least one detection area;
embedding a top electromagnet in a cap layer of said disc over said detection area; and
embedding a bottom electromagnet in a bottom substrate of said disc under said detection area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An optical bio-disc for performing assays, comprising;
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a cap layer;
a middle layer comprising at least one fluidic channel;
a bottom substrate;
a top electromagnet embedded in said cap layer positioned over said fluidic channel; and
a bottom electromagnet embedded in said bottom substrate positioned over said fluidic channel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A holding apparatus comprising;
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a top arm;
a bottom arm;
a stand connecting said top and bottom arms;
a top electromagnet embedded in said top arm;
a bottom electromagnet embedded in said bottom arm;
a surface on said bottom arm facing said top arm whereby an optical bio-disc with assay solution and magnetic beads is placed; and
a battery source with power control for directing current into said top and bottom electromagnets for controlling the movement of said magnetic beads.
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Specification