Separation of molecules
OwnerMichel Faupel, Patrick Schindlerinventors
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separation of molecules, particularly biomolecules, in solution. Certain aspects of the invention further relate to a system for automated separation of molecules in solution. Further aspects of the invention relate to a computer program for separation of molecules in solution.
Claims34
A method for separating molecules in a liquid medium, the method comprising the steps of :
- locating a liquid medium containing molecules to be separated in a series of first fluid compartments, the first compartments being separated along a first axis by pH membranes to form a pH gradient along the series of fluid compartments, and at least one of said first compartments being adjacent a second compartment, said first and second compartment forming a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis;
- applying a first electric field to the liquid medium along a first axis of the fluid compartments, thereby causing charged molecules in the liquid medium to migrate to their isoelectric point along the first axis;
- and
- applying a second electric field to the liquid medium along said second axis, thereby causing charged molecules in the liquid medium to separate along said second axis according to a second characteristic of the molecules.
The method of the preceding claim, wherein the second axis is formed by a plurality of second compartments adjacent the first compartment.
The method of the preceding claim, wherein a plurality of first compartments are located adjacent second compartments.
The method of the preceding claim further comprising the step of removing impermeable barriers separating the compartments of the second axis from those of the first axis prior to applying the second electric field.
The method of the preceding claim further comprising the step of separating the first compartments along the first axis from the second compartments of the second axis by means of impermeable barriers prior to applying the second electric field.
The method of the preceding claim further comprising the step of applying an electric field to the liquid medium across a third axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis.
The method of the preceding claim further comprising the step of recovering one or more separated fractions from one or more compartments.
An apparatus for separating molecules in a liquid medium, the apparatus comprising a substrate defining a plurality of first fluid compartments arranged along a first axis, the first compartments being separated by pH membranes to form a pH gradient;
- at least one of the first compartments having a second compartment disposed adjacent thereto, said first and second compartments defining a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis;
- and at least two electrode pairs disposed across the first and second axes.
An apparatus for separation of molecules in a liquid medium, the apparatus comprising a substrate defining a plurality of first fluid compartments arranged along a first axis, at least one of the first compartments having a second compartment disposed adjacent thereto, said first and second compartment defining a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis;
- the first compartments along the first axis having means therebetween for receiving pH membranes to separate the first compartments;
- and the apparatus further comprising means for receiving at least two electrode pairs disposed along the first and second axes respectively.
A cartridge for use with an apparatus for separating molecules in a liquid medium, the cartridge comprising a frame defining an aperture, said aperture having a membrane therein, the frame further comprising a handling portion to permit handling of the cartridge.
An automated system for separation of molecules from a liquid medium, the system comprising:
- a substrate defining a plurality of first fluid compartments arranged along a first axis, the first compartments being separated by pH membranes to form a pH gradient;
- at least one of the first compartments having a second compartment disposed adjacent thereto, the first and second compartments defining a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis;
- and at least two electrode pairs disposed across the first and second axes;
- control means for applying current selectively to the electrode pairs in a predetermined sequence;
- and
- means for introducing and removing liquid containing molecules to be separated to and from the chambers.
A computer program for automated separation of molecules from a liquid medium, the computer program comprising executable code for controlling the application of current selectively to at least two electrode pairs in a predetermined sequence.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.