Device and methods for processing samples and detecting analytes of low concentration
First Claim
1. A sample processing device comprising:
- a compressible material having interconnected open cells;
one or more capture agents bound to surface of said interconnected open cells;
a plunger attached to said compressible material; and
one or more vessels for containing fluids.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for carrying out analysis of a sample and or extraction of an analyte in a sample. More specifically, this invention is directed to methods and apparatus for detection and quantification of bindable substances through affinity reaction with a solid phase linked binding substance or agent. The solid phase is preferably provided by absorbent compressible materials having a high surface to volume ratio such as, for example, a porous compressible material or a bundle of microfibers having one or more binding agents attached thereto. The analyte of interest is captured and carried within the solid phase. Separation of bound analyte from free analytes may be performed by washing the solid phase.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sample processing device comprising:
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a compressible material having interconnected open cells;
one or more capture agents bound to surface of said interconnected open cells;
a plunger attached to said compressible material; and
one or more vessels for containing fluids. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 13)
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5. A method of using a PVA sponge having open interconnected pores for isolating a sample, said method of using comprising the steps of:
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attaching one or more capture agents on surface of said PVA sponge;
placing a sample containing an analyte into a sample container;
immersing said PVA sponge into said sample in said sample container;
allowing said sample to be absorbed into said PVA sponge;
incubating said sample in said PVA sponge to allow binding of said analyte to said one or more capture agents;
washing said PVA sponge by immersing said PVA sponge in a wash buffer;
compressing and decompressing said PVA sponge in said wash buffer to facilitate removal of unwanted substances;
eluting out analyte bound to said one or more capture agents in said PVA sponge by immersing said PVA sponge in an elution buffer capable of disrupting bonds between said one or more capture agents and said analyte;
compressing and decompressing said PVA sponge in said elution buffer to facilitate elution of said analyte; and
collecting said elution buffer containing said analyte. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. A sample processing device comprising:
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an absorbent material formed from microfibers;
a handle connected to said absorbent material;
one or more capture agents bound to surface of said microfibers; and
one or more vessels for containing fluids. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of using a cotton ball formed from cotton fibers for isolating a sample, said method of using comprising the steps of:
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attaching one or more capture agents on surface of said cotton fibers;
placing a sample containing an analyte into a sample container;
immersing said cotton ball into said sample in said sample container;
allowing said cotton ball to absorb said sample;
incubating said sample in said cotton ball to allow binding of said analyte to said one or more capture agents;
washing said cotton ball by immersing said cotton ball in a wash buffer;
compressing and decompressing said cotton ball in said wash buffer to facilitate removal of unwanted substances;
eluting out analyte bound to said one or more capture agents on said cotton fibers by immersing said cotton ball in an elution buffer capable of disrupting bonds between said one or more capture agents and said analyte;
compressing and decompressing said cotton ball in said elution buffer to facilitate elution of said analyte; and
collecting said elution buffer containing said analyte. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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14. The method according to claim 14 further including the step of heating said compressible material to 95 degrees C. for 30 seconds prior to the collecting step.
Specification