METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USE OF OPTICAL FORCES FOR IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND/OR SORTING OF PARTICLES

• US 20100108577A1
• Filed: 08/21/2009
• Published: 05/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Celula, Inc. (Neoseq Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Celula, Inc. (Neoseq Ltd.)
• Inventors: Butler, William F., O'Connell, James P., Nova, Tina S., Lykstad, Kristie L., Hall, Jeffrey M., Senyei, Andrew E., Tu, Eugene, Wang, Mark M., Pestana, Luis M.
• Application Number:
  US12/545,624
• Publication Number:
  US 20100108577A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 209/606
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2015/3895 using light
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 5/34 Sorting according to other particular properties material testing per se G01N; quality control G07C3/14
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1433 using image recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1459 the analysis being performed on a sample stream
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1463 using image analysis for extracting features of the particle
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/149 specially adapted for sorting particles, e.g. by their size or optical properties
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/1486 Counting the particles
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/149 Sorting the particles
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/02 Column chromatography
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 3/04 Acceleration by electromagnetic wave pressure

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for interacting light with particles, including but not limited to biological matter such as cells, in unique and highly useful ways. Optophoresis consists of subjecting particles to various optical forces, especially optical gradient forces, and more particularly moving optical gradient forces, so as to obtain useful results. In biology, this technology represents a practical approach to probing the inner workings of a living cell, preferably without any dyes, labels or other markers. In one aspect, a particle may be characterized by determining its optophoretic constant or signature. For example, a diseased cell has a different optophoretic constant from a healthy cell, thereby providing information, or the basis for sorting. In the event of physical sorting, various forces may be used for separation, including fluidic forces, such as through the use of laminar flow, or optical forces, or mechanical forces, such as through adhesion. Various techniques for measuring the dielectric constant of particles are provided.

Claims

1. A method for separating particles comprising the steps of:

subjecting particles to optical gradient force,

analyzing, based at least in part on the relative motion of the particles, and

separating using at least in part an optical gradient force the desired particle from other particles.

2. A method for separating particles comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of particles supported on a first surface, the first surface interfacing with a volume, and

providing an optical gradient force to cause selected ones of the particles to be moved from the support of the first surface to the volume.

3. The method for separating particles of claim 2 wherein the optical gradient results from interference.

4. The method for separating particles of claim 3 wherein the interference is generated by shining an optical beam onto a mirror.

5. The method for separating particles of claim 4 wherein the mirror comprises the surface.

6. The method for separating particles of claim 2 further including the step of disposing an adhesive structure adjacent the volume to adhere at least certain of the particles moved from the support.