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US 6,409,832 B2Granted
Protein crystallization in microfluidic structures
AssigneeMicronics, Inc.
InventorsBernhard H. Weigl, Jurgen Sygusch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for promoting protein crystal growth (PCG) using microfluidic channels. A protein sample and a solvent solution are combined within a microfluidic channel having laminar flow characteristics which forms diffusion zones, providing for a well defined crystallization. Protein crystals can then be harvested from the device. The device is particularly suited for microgravity conditions.
Claims17
A device for promoting protein crystallization growth from solution, comprising:
- a body structure;
- means located within said body structure for introduction of at least one solution containing protein and at least one solution containing a solvent;
- and
- at least one microfluidic channel connected to said introduction means wherein said protein solution and said solvent solution interact to induce formation of protein crystals within said channel.
1 more element
A device for promoting protein crystallization growth from solution, comprising:
- a body structure;
- means located within said body structure for introduction of at least one solution containing protein, at least one solution containing a solvent, and at least one solution containing a combination of protein and a buffer;
- a microfluidic structure coupled to said protein solvent introduction means and said combination protein and buffer solution introduction means for flowing said solutions laminarly in parallel to remove irreversible protein aggregates from said combined solutions;
- and at least one microfluidic channel connected to said solvent introduction means and the output of said microfluidic structure wherein said solvent solution and said combined solutions interact to induce formation of protein crystals within said channel.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.