Device and method for filtration and/or separation of molecules, particularly proteins

A device (10) for at least one of filtration and separation of molecules (3) and proteins, the device comprising at least one filtration reservoir (1) capable of receiving a solution containing the molecules (3), the filtration reservoir (1) being equipped with a filtration means (4) for filtering the molecules (3) according to at least one of a predetermined physical parameter and a chemical parameter, and a means for generating at least one electrical field (5) to cause displacement of at least a portion of the molecules (3) through the filtration means (4), the filtration device (10) also comprising at least one mechanized tool holder (20) provided with at least one tool (5, 30-33), the tool holder (20) being coupled with a displacement means (50) and a control means, the filtration reservoir (1) being one of a test tube, a flask, a measurement beaker, and the filtration means (4) comprises a filter located generally in an axis of symmetry of the filtration reservoir (1) separating the filtration reservoir (1) into two chambers, the filter separating the molecules according to at least one of the predetermined physical parameter and chemical parameter, and the tool holder (20) is equipped with at least one pair of electrodes (5) supplied with electricity to form the electrical field generation means, and the tool holder (20) directly and automatically performing the filtration operation in the filtration reservoir (1).

A method for at least one of filtration and separation of molecules (3) and proteins, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing the molecules (3) in solution in a least a filtration reservoir (1), the filtration reservoir (1) being separated into two chambers by a filter designed to separate the molecules (3) according to one of a first predetermined physical and a chemical parameter;
• applying an electrical field to the filter reservoir (1) displacing at least one portion of the molecules (3) from a first chamber to a second chamber through an isoelectric filter;
• and
• recovering the molecules (3) after filtration;
• at least the application of the electrical field is effected directly and automatically by at least one mechanized tool holder (20) equipped with at least one pair of electrodes (5), and the tool holder (20) being coupled with a displacement means and a computerized control means.