Flow and static lysing systems and methods for ultra-rapid isolation and fragmentation of biological materials by microwave irradiation
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County
InventorChris D. Geddes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides for lysing systems and methods to rapidly lyse bugs, bacteria, viruses, cells and/or algae in an efficient manner in addition to fragmenting DNA and/or RNA onto smaller pieces. Solutions or gases containing the biological material to be lysed are introduced or pumped (flow) between two or more apexes of metallic triangles with microwave energy focused at the apexes. Subsequently, the rapid heating of fluid between the apexes lyses cells allows for increased collection of the lysate, the inner genetic materials or other components for further purification or isolating thereafter.
Claims25
A microfluidic system for lysing and fragmenting a biological material comprising:
- a substrate;
- at least a first and second metallic triangle positioned on the substrate wherein an apex of the first triangle is opposite an apex of second triangle to form a reaction zone positioned between the apexes of the first and second metallic triangle;
- a layer of polymeric material covering at least the first and second metallic triangles and the reaction zone;
- a source of microwave energy positioned and focused to emit microwave energy and deliver to the reaction zone an amount of microwave energy to lyse and/or fragment the biological material;
- an inlet channel recessed into the polymeric layer and communicatively connected to the reaction zone and of a sufficient size to provide flow of a solution of the biological material through the reaction zone;
- and
- an outlet channel or collection vessel communicatively connected to the reaction zone for collection or movement of the lysed or fragmented biological material from the reaction zone.
A method for lysing and fragmenting a biological material, the method comprising:
- introducing the biological material through an inlet channel to pass through a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone is positioned between an apex of a first metallic triangle and an apex of a second metallic triangle;
- applying and focusing microwave energy to the reaction zone in an amount to lyse and/or fragment the biological material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.