Method and apparatus for isolation, capture and molecular analysis of target particles

A chamber for separating particles in a sample comprising:

• an exterior surface area and an interior surface area, the interior surface defining a floor and a ceiling;
• a first port positioned for fluid communication with an interior surface area of the chamber;
• a second port positioned for fluid communication with the interior surface area of the chamber;
• an electrode element affixed to a floor area of the chamber, wherein the electrode comprises:
• a first electrode zone that is associated with a first inter-electrode pitch that extends from a midpoint of one of a plurality of first conductive traces to a midpoint of an adjacent first conductive trace in the first zone, the first zone configured to generate a first electric field when an electrical signal is applied;
• and
• a second electrode zone that is associated with a second inter-electrode pitch that extends from a midpoint of one of a plurality of second conductive traces to a midpoint of an adjacent second conductive trace in the second zone, the second zone configured to generate a second electric field with at least one of a different magnitude, a different depth of field, and a different spatial profile than the first electric field when the electrical signal is applied.

A method for separating a target particle in a fluidic sample using dielectrophoresis in a flow chamber, the method comprising:

• a) continuously introducing a sample containing the target particle into an infusion port;
• b) continuously introducing an elution buffer into a flow port;
• wherein the sample and the elution buffer form a fluidic suspension in a flow chamber;
• c) exposing the fluidic suspension to an electric field in a defined region of the flow chamber, wherein the electric field is produced by an electrode coupled to the floor of the chamber, wherein the electrode comprises:
• a first zone that is associated with a plurality of first conductive tracks and a first inter-electrode gap that generate a first electric field when an electric signal is applied;
• and
• a second zone that is associated with a plurality of second conductive tracks and a second inter-electrode gap that generate a second electric field of a different magnitude than the first electric field when the electric signal is applied, wherein the first electric field and the second electric field generate dielectrophoretic forces that separates the target particle from the fluidic suspension;
• and
• d) collecting the target molecule.