Device and method for fragmenting polymers and particles
AssigneeThe Broad Institute, Inc.
InventorsSon Hoang, Filip Rege, Patrick Cahill
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention features devices for fragmenting polymers or particles in a sample using a centrifuge. In its simplest embodiment, the device includes a body and a valve. The valve, to one side of which a sample is applied, is designed to remain closed until a specified centrifugal force is reached or exceeded. Once open, the valve allows the passage of the sample through a channel in the body. The channel includes one to four fragmenting regions, and the polymers or particles are fragmented as they traverse the fragmenting regions under an applied centrifugal force. The invention further features methods of fragmenting polymers using a device of the invention.
Claims36
A device for fragmenting polymers or particles in a liquid sample, the device comprising a body adapted for use in a centrifuge;
- a valve;
- and
- a channel formed in the body and having a first end and a second end, wherein one to four fragmenting regions are disposed between the first and second ends,
- wherein the valve opens thereby allowing the sample to pass through the valve and channel, and the polymers or particles are fragmented as they traverse the one to four fragmenting regions under a centrifugal force.
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A method for fragmenting polymers or particles in a liquid sample, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a device comprising:
- (i) a body adapted for use in a centrifuge;
- (ii) a valve;
- and
- (iii) a channel formed in the body and having a first end and a second end, wherein one to four fragmenting regions are disposed between the first and second ends,
- wherein either the body further comprises a sample compartment, or placement of the device in the centrifuge tube defines a sample compartment
- wherein the sample is substantially retained in the sample compartment until the valve opens;
- b) placing the sample in the sample compartment;
- c) centrifuging the device at a centrifugal force;
- and
- d) allowing the valve to open or opening the valve, wherein the sample passes through the valve and channel, and the polymers or particles are fragmented as they traverse the one to four fragmenting regions.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.