# US 2014/0234890 A1 · Methods for Purifying Biological Cells > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0234890 A1 - Document ID: US20140234890A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/181,656 - Filed: 2014-02-15 - Published: 2014-08-21 - Earliest claimed: 2013-02-15 - Assignees: Douglas T. Gjerde - Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140234890A1 ## CPC - B01D 15/22: relating to the construction of the column - G01N 1/34: Purifying; Cleaning {(processes or apparatus for extracting or separating nucleic acids from biological samples C12N15/1003)} - B01D 15/14: relating to the introduction of the feed to the apparatus - B01D 15/3809: {of the antigen-antibody type, e.g. protein A, G or L chromatography} - B01D 15/424: {Elution mode} - B01L 3/0275: {Interchangeable or disposable dispensing tips} - G01N 1/405: {by adsorption or absorption} - B01L 2200/0647: Handling flowable solids, e.g. microscopic beads, cells, particles - B01L 2300/069: Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid - G01N 15/1433: using image recognition - G01N 2015/016: {White blood cells} - G01N 2015/1006: {for cytology} - G01N 2035/0434: {in the form of a syringe or pipette tip} - G01N 2035/1053: {for separating part of the liquid, e.g. filters, extraction phase} - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE ## Abstract This invention relates to devices and methods for purifying biological cells. For example, viable tumor, stem, immune and sperm cells can be purified from a complex biological sample using a pipette tip column. Methods of the invention can aid research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for purifying cells a) Providing a column, wherein the column is comprised of a bed of medium, and wherein the bed of medium has a bed volume; b) Providing a biological sample comprised of cells, having a sample volume, wherein the sample volume is larger than the bed volume; and c) Flowing the sample through the column, wherein a portion of the cells are captured on the bed of medium. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the medium is comprised of an affinity group and wherein the cells are captured by the affinity group. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the affinity group is comprised of an antibody specific to a cell surface marker. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample contains viable cells and wherein following step (c), viable cells are eluted from the column. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the captured cells are labeled on the column. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the column is a pipette tip. ### Claim 7 A method for purifying cells a) Providing a column, wherein the column is comprised of a bed of medium, and wherein the bed of medium has a bed volume; b) Providing a biological sample comprised of cells; and c) passing the sample through the column, wherein the sample is passed through the column using bidirectional flow, and wherein a portion of the cells are captured on the bed of medium. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the column is a pipette tip. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the sample is passed through the column multiple times. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, wherein following step (c), cells are eluted from the column, and wherein the eluted cells are viable. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, wherein the columns are pipette tip columns, wherein the pipette tip columns are engaged with a robotic work station, and wherein the method is automated. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the sample is flowed through the column at a rate of at least 0.5 ml/min, wherein following step (c), cells are eluted from the column, and wherein the method is performed in 1 hour or less. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the medium is comprised of an affinity group and wherein the cells are captured by the affinity group. ### Claim 14 A method for purifying cells a) Providing a column, wherein the column is comprised of a bed of medium, and wherein the bed of medium has a bed volume; b) Providing a biological sample comprised of cells, having a sample volume, wherein the sample volume is larger than the bed volume; and c) Flowing the sample through the column, wherein the sample is passed through the column using bidirectional flow, and wherein a portion of the cells are captured on the bed of medium. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the column is a pipette tip. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method of claim 15, wherein the pipette tip columns are engaged with a robotic work station, and wherein the method is automated. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the sample is flowed through the column multiple times. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein following step (c), cells are eluted from the column. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein the eluted cells are viable. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the medium is comprised of an affinity group and wherein the cells are captured by the affinity group.