systems and methods for performing magnetic chromatography assays
First Claim
1. A magnetic chromatography method for performing a bioassay comprising the steps:
- a) providing a chromatographic medium;
b) providing a magnetic field;
c) providing a reaction mixture suspected of, containing an analyte, a reporter ligand that binds to said analyte, and a quantity of magnetic particles with capture ligands for binding said analyte immobilized thereon suspended therein;
d) contacting said chromatographic medium with said reaction mixture such that said reaction mixture flows laterally across said chromatographic medium;
e) applying said magnetic field at a site upon said chromatographic medium, said magnetic field being so applied such that a majority of said magnetic particles suspended within said reaction mixture is caused to become captured upon said medium at said site where said magnetic field is applied; and
f) analyzing said majority of magnetic particle captured upon said chromatographic medium.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Novel magnetic assay methods and systems, as well as systems for conducting spectrophotometric analysis therewith. According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic assay methods and systems incorporate a chromatographic medium, such as an assay test strip, that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is additionally provided that if selectively applied to a chromatographic medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site all in the chromatographic medium specified by the position of the magnets, to thus form a captured line or zone. To the degree of magnetic force applied to the medium may be selectively adjusted to vary the width or surface area of the capture line or zone. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, capture lines may be formed while test strips are in motion along a stationary magnetized rail. Spectrophotometric analysis may be made at the captured lines and zones for qualitative and quantitative analysis of unidentifiable analyte. A multimode photometer consisting of an optical canopy and base that defines an optical chamber may be utilized for conducting spectral or multi-spectral analysis.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A magnetic chromatography method for performing a bioassay comprising the steps:
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a) providing a chromatographic medium; b) providing a magnetic field; c) providing a reaction mixture suspected of, containing an analyte, a reporter ligand that binds to said analyte, and a quantity of magnetic particles with capture ligands for binding said analyte immobilized thereon suspended therein; d) contacting said chromatographic medium with said reaction mixture such that said reaction mixture flows laterally across said chromatographic medium; e) applying said magnetic field at a site upon said chromatographic medium, said magnetic field being so applied such that a majority of said magnetic particles suspended within said reaction mixture is caused to become captured upon said medium at said site where said magnetic field is applied; and f) analyzing said majority of magnetic particle captured upon said chromatographic medium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A magnetic chromatography method for sequentially performing a multiplicity of bioassays comprising the steps:
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a) provide a multiplicity of chromatographic mediums; b) providing a magnetic field; c) providing at least one reaction mixture suspected of containing at least one analyte at least one reporter ligand that binds to said at least one analyte and a quantity of magnetic particles with capture ligands for binding to at least one of said analytes immobilized thereon suspended therein; d) contacting said multiplicity of chromatographic mediums with said at least one reaction mixture such that said at least one reaction mixture flows laterally across each respective one of said mediums; e) applying said magnetic field at dedicated sites upon respective ones of said multiplicity of chromatographic mediums, said magnetic field being so applied such that a majority of said magnetic particles suspended within said at least one reaction mixture is caused to become captured upon a respective one of said multiplicity of chromatographic mediums at said sites where said magnetic field is applied; f) analyzing said majority of magnetic particles captured upon said chromatographic mediums. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification