Gel compositions, apparatuses and fluid separation methods
OwnerPeter Cronin, Daniel Halbert +2inventors
InventorsPeter Cronin, Daniel Halbert, Richard Spontak, Bin Wei
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Abstract
Compositions including a liquid or liquid-like carrier and first and second particles dispersed therein. The first and second particles differ from each other in at least one surface chemistry property, such as hydrophobicity. The gel compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including the separation of blood samples into component fractions. Processes for producing gel compositions having desirable properties are also provided.
Claims19
A gel composition compatible with blood, said gel composition comprising:
- a silicone fluid;
- at least two kinds of particles dispersed in the silicone fluid, at least of one said at least two kinds of particles being a first nanoparticle, one of said at least two kinds of particles being more hydrophobic than another of said at least two kinds of particles.
A gel composition compatible with blood, said gel composition comprising:
- a silicone fluid;
- a hydrophilic fumed silica nanoparticle dispersed in the silicone fluid;
- and
- a hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticle dispersed in the silicone fluid.
An apparatus for separating a fluid sample into component fractions having different densities, said apparatus comprising:
- a vessel defining an interior space;
- and
- a gel composition disposed in the interior space, the gel composition comprising a silicone fluid;
- at least two kinds of particles dispersed in the silicone fluid, at least of one said at least two kinds of particles being a nanoparticle, said at least two kinds of particles differing from one another in their surface chemistry properties.
A method of separating a fluid sample into component fractions having different densities, comprising:
- providing a vessel that defines an interior space and includes a gel composition disposed in the interior space, the gel composition comprising a silicone fluid;
- at least two kinds of particles dispersed in the silicone fluid, at least of one said at least two kinds of particles being a nanoparticle, said at least two kinds of particles differing from one another in their surface chemistry properties;
- disposing said fluid sample in the interior space adjacent the gel composition;
- and
- moving the vessel at a velocity sufficient to cause at least one component fraction of said fluid sample to move through the gel composition to effect separation from at least one other component fraction of said fluid sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.