Recovery of rare cells using a microchannel apparatus with patterned posts
First Claim
1. A microflow apparatus comprising:
- a body having a randomized flow path which comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a microchannel arrangement extending between said inlet and outlet to form a collection region, the flow path designed to support a fluid flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second,wherein;
said microchannel arrangement includes a plurality of transverse separator posts arranged in a irregular pattern, wherein said random and irregular pattern has the characteristics of
1) the posts having at least three different cross-sectional sizes in the range of about 70 to about 130 microns in diameter being integral with a base surface of said microchannel and projecting therefrom,
2) irregular arrangement of relative spacing of the posts, and
3) the combination of spacing among the posts and different cross-sectional sizes of posts resulting in the posts occupying about 15% to about 25% of the total volume of the collection region,the randomized flow path is configured for cell capture, andwhen in operation said microchannel is connected to a pump to support the continuous flow of liquid sample at a flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second.
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Abstract
A microflow apparatus for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts. The posts are spaced across the width of a collection region in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, have arcuate cross-sections, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, are attached to all surfaces in the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties or a PEG or polyglycine of substantial length, and are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules as a result of such streamlined flow disruption.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A microflow apparatus comprising:
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a body having a randomized flow path which comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a microchannel arrangement extending between said inlet and outlet to form a collection region, the flow path designed to support a fluid flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second, wherein; said microchannel arrangement includes a plurality of transverse separator posts arranged in a irregular pattern, wherein said random and irregular pattern has the characteristics of
1) the posts having at least three different cross-sectional sizes in the range of about 70 to about 130 microns in diameter being integral with a base surface of said microchannel and projecting therefrom,
2) irregular arrangement of relative spacing of the posts, and
3) the combination of spacing among the posts and different cross-sectional sizes of posts resulting in the posts occupying about 15% to about 25% of the total volume of the collection region,the randomized flow path is configured for cell capture, and when in operation said microchannel is connected to a pump to support the continuous flow of liquid sample at a flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A microflow apparatus comprising:
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a body having a randomized flow path which comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a microchannel arrangement extending between said inlet and outlet to form a collection region, the flow path designed to support a fluid flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second, wherein; said microchannel arrangement includes a plurality of transverse separator posts being integral with a base surface of said microchannel and projecting therefrom and arranged in a irregular pattern, wherein said random and irregular pattern is designed according to the following parameters
1) the posts having at least three different cross-sectional sizes in the range of about 70 to about 130 microns in diameter,
2) irregular arrangement of relative spacing of the posts, and
3) the combination of spacing among the posts and different cross-sectional sizes of posts resulting in the posts occupying about 15% to about 25% of the total volume of the collection region,the randomized flow path is configured for cell capture, and when in operation said microchannel is connected to a pump to support the continuous flow of liquid sample at a flow rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/second.
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Specification