Optoelectronic Separation of Biomolecules
AssigneeLife Technologies Corporation
InventorAldrich N.K. Lau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present teachings relate to systems and methods for separation of substances such as cells, nucleic acids, and carbon nanotubes. The substances are combined with a separation medium in a liquid sample cavity, for example a microchannel, and transit through the separation by optically activated dielectrophoretic forces. The substances are advantageously labeled and visualized using a microscope and camera.
Claims82
A system for separating substances comprising:
- a liquid sample cavity comprising a first surface and a second surface;
- a separation medium disposed within said cavity;
- a transparent electrode positioned proximate to the first surface;
- a photoconductive material positioned proximate to the second surface;
- an electrode positioned adjacent the photoconductive material;
- and
- an illumination source for illuminating a portion of the photoconductive material with light to provide a region of manipulation between the transparent electrode and the electrode.
A process for separating substances in a liquid sample cavity containing a separation medium, wherein:
- the liquid sample cavity comprises a first surface and a second surface;
- a transparent electrode is positioned proximate to the first surface;
- a photoconductive material is positioned proximate to the second surface;
- and
- an electrode is positioned adjacent to the photoconductive material, said process comprising illuminating a portion of the photoconductive material with light in a manner sufficient to move at least one substance across at least a portion of said separation medium.
A process for separating substances comprising:
- (A) contacting a separation medium with said substances to form a composition;
- (B) disposing said composition in a liquid sample cavity comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein:
- a transparent electrode is positioned proximate to the first surface;
- a photoconductive material is positioned proximate to the second surface;
- and
- an electrode is positioned adjacent to the photoconductive material;
- and
- (C) illuminating a portion of the photoconductive material with light in a manner sufficient to move at least one substance across at least a portion of said separation medium.
A process for separating carbon nanotubes comprising:
- (A) disposing the carbon nanotubes and a liquid separation medium in a liquid sample cavity wherein:
- the liquid sample cavity comprises a first surface and a second surface;
- a transparent electrode is positioned proximate to the first surface;
- a photoconductive material is positioned proximate to the second surface;
- and
- an electrode is positioned adjacent to the photoconductive material;
- and
- (B) illuminating a portion of the photoconductive material with light in a manner sufficient to move at least one carbon nanotube across at least a portion of said separation medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.