Dynamic Equilibrium Separation, Concentration, and Mixing Apparatus and Methods
- Technology Benefits
- · Ability to concentrate or mix particles in medium · Targeting of specific particles · Electrochemical, electromechanical, or mechanical particle motivating force
- Technology Application
- · Detection and capture of suspected pathogens · Particle mixing · Capture of DNA, proteins
- Detailed Technology Description
- Researchers have developed an apparatus, method and process for manipulating particles and/or solutions through the use of electrokinetic properties. The apparatus contains a fluid-containing cell with a particle motivating force that interacts with a circulating fluid flow. The method is based on forming at least one recurrent circulating fluid flow within the particle so that the apparatus can be used to concentrate as well as mix particles. Additionally, the method includes subsequent steps of detecting particles, collecting particles, and the steps of advancing or collecting mixed particles.
- Application No.
- 8182669
- Others
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Background
Under the action of electric fields, dielectric particles are polarized when suspended in a dielectric media. If the field is not homogenous, a net force called a dielectrophoretic (DEP) force is exerted on the polarized particle. The method of dielectrophoresis is becoming more popular in applications where separating particles is attractive. Switching the DEP forces on and off allows for the selective capture of cells, bacteria, DNA and other organic matter. This method could be applied to the capture of suspected pathogens, transfer to a selected area of a microfluidic device, and extraction and analysis.
By using specially designed electrodes, large electric field gradients can be generated that can move submicron particles using DEP. These large field gradients are necessary, as smaller particles require larger electric field gradients. However, these gradients can strongly interact with background material, which slows down the movement of particles.
Additional Technologies by these Inventors
Tech ID/UC Case
24711/2006-174-0
Related Cases
2006-174-0
- *Abstract
-
An apparatus, method and process for manipulating particles and/or solutions through the use of electrokinetic properties.
- *IP Issue Date
- May 22, 2012
- *Principal Investigator
-
Name: Frederic Bottausci
Department:
Name: Igor Mezic
Department:
Name: Idan Tuval
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
