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US 6,936,811 B2Granted
Method for separating micro-particles
AssigneeGenoptix
InventorOsman Kibar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for separating particles is disclosed in which the particles are exposed to a moving light intensity pattern which causes the particles to move a different velocities based on the physical properties of the particles. This system and method allows particles of similar size and shape to be separated based on differences in the particles dielectric properties.
Claims58
A method for separating at least two particles, the particles having different dielectric constants, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a light source to create a light intensity pattern;
- exposing the at least two particles to the light intensity pattern producing force on each particle;
- moving the light intensity pattern with respect to the at least two particles causing the at least two particles to move with the light intensity pattern at velocities related to their respective dielectric constants, wherein each of the at least two particles moves at a different velocity causing the at least two particles to separate.
The method of sorting particles in a branched microfluidic device comprising the steps of:
- providing a device having a main channel, a first branch channel, and a second branch channel;
- flowing a plurality of particles down the main channel;
- superimposing a moving light intensity pattern on the device at a junction between the main channel, the first branch channel, and the second branch channel causing at least some of the plurality of particles to be directed into the first branch channel and at least some of the plurality of particles to be directed into the second branch channel, wherein the sorting of the particles into the first branch channel and the second branch channel is based at least in part on the dielectric constants of the particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.