# US 7,611,614 B2 · Method of cell capture

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- Number: US 7,611,614 B2
- Document ID: US7611614B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/338,255
- Filed: 2006-01-24
- Published: 2006-06-15
- Granted: 2009-11-03
- Earliest claimed: 2001-08-24
- Assignees: Applied Biosystems, LLC
- Inventors: Richard T. Reel; Eric S. Nordman; Zbigniew T. Bryning
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7611614B2

## CPC

- G01N 27/44704: {Details; Accessories}
- B01L 3/502: {with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures}
- B03C 5/026: {using open-gradient differential dielectric separation, i.e. using electrodes of special shapes for non-uniform field creation, e.g. Fluid Integrated Circuit [FIC]}
- G01N 1/40: Concentrating samples
- G01N 27/44756: {Apparatus specially adapted therefor}
- B01L 2200/0631: Purification arrangements, e.g. solid phase extraction [SPE]
- B01L 2200/0647: Handling flowable solids, e.g. microscopic beads, cells, particles
- B01L 2300/0645: Electrodes
- B01L 2400/0415: electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
- G01N 2001/4038: {electric methods, e.g. electromigration, electrophoresis, ionisation}
- 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
- B03C: MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B)

## Abstract

Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions, using one or more electric fields.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method comprising:
generating an alternating electric field, between two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members;
capturing polarizable cells in a sample, in the alternating electric field, between the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members, and
removing the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members with the polarizable cells captured therebetween, from the sample, while maintaining the alternating electric field.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the sample comprises a complex mixture.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating electric field has a time-averaged, integrated field strength that is zero when taken over one complete cycle.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising, contacting the sample with a binding component before removing the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
applying a first direct current electric field to the co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members prior to generating the alternating current electric field.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5 further comprising applying a second direct current electric field, oppositely charged relative to the first direct current electric field, to the co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members after removing the co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the polarizable cells are captured in a tip region of the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the polarizable cells are present in a buffered electrolyte solution.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the removing comprises holding the device in an operator's hand.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises, moving at least one of the co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members between a cell pick-up position and a cell deposition position.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the capturing comprises concentrating a plurality of cells between the co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the capturing comprises capturing a plurality of cells between a plurality of pairs of co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members are separated from one another by a distance of between about 20 micrometers and 2 millimeters.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members are separated from one another by a distance of from 20 micrometers to 1.50 millimeters.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members are separated from one another by a distance of between 100 micrometers and 0.75 millimeter.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two co-extensive, elongated, electrically-conductive members are separated from one another by a distance of between about 0.75 millimeter and 1.0 millimeter.