Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products – Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
Patent
1993-06-08
1995-06-27
Niebling, John
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
204299R, 2091271, 209155, 209156, G01N 2726, G01N 27447, B03B 500
Patent
active
054276632
ABSTRACT:
A sorting apparatus and method for fractionating and simultaneously viewing individual microstructures, such as free cells, viruses, macromolecules, or minute particles in a fluid medium. The sorting apparatus is composed of a substrate having a receptacle located therein, the receptacle having sidewalls and a floor. An array of obstacles is positioned within the receptacle with the obstacles upstanding from the floor of the receptacle. A transparent cover overlies the array of obstacles to cover the receptacle and afford visual observation of migration of the microstructures exclusively through the array of obstacles. Electrodes may be positioned within the receptacle to generate an electric field in the fluid medium in the receptacle in order to induce the migration of the microstructures. Migration of the microstructures may also occur, for example, by a hydrodynamic field, an optical field, a magnetic field, or a gravity field applied to the receptacle. The obstacles of the array of obstacles may be of various shapes such as round posts, rectangular bunkers, or v-shaped or cup-shaped structures. The arrays of obstacles are formed of a predetermined and reproducible pattern, and can be reused. Methods for manufacturing and using the apparatus are also claimed.
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Austin Robert H.
Rathburn Lynn C.
Volkmuth Wayne D.
British Technology Group USA Inc.
Cornell Research Foundation Inc.
Niebling John
Starsiak Jr. John S.
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