초록 ▼

The present invention sorts microorganism populations from a mixture which contains more than one microorganism population. Microorganisms of different types vary in size, shape, and surface charge characteristics. These characteristics we believe contribute to the rate of migration for microorganis

The present invention sorts microorganism populations from a mixture which contains more than one microorganism population. Microorganisms of different types vary in size, shape, and surface charge characteristics. These characteristics we believe contribute to the rate of migration for microorganisms under the influence of an electric field. Microorganisms of the same population (genus and species) will migrate similarly. By applying an electric field in a direction opposite the direction of fluid flow, separation is enhanced.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of sorting and detecting viable microorganisms and cell populations, while maintaining viability of said microorganisms and cell populations, comprising: (a) introducing a mixture of viable microorganisms or cell populations or microorganisms and cell populations into one end of a cell sepa

A method of sorting and detecting viable microorganisms and cell populations, while maintaining viability of said microorganisms and cell populations, comprising: (a) introducing a mixture of viable microorganisms or cell populations or microorganisms and cell populations into one end of a cell separator being comprised of: (i) a small capillary separation tube having a chargeable inner surface which will develop and hold a net negative or positive charge under the influence of an electric field; (ii) an anodic electrode positioned at a first end of said tube; (iii) a cathodic electrode positioned at a second end of said tube; (iv) an electrolyte solution filling said tube and contacting both said anodic and said cathodic electrodes wherein said electrodes are maintained in electrical communication with each other and said tube; (b) applying an electrical potential of between about 1 and 40 Kv across said electrodes whereby both an electrophoretic force and an electroosmotic force is produced within said electrolyte solution; (c) allowing migration of the viable microorganisms or cell populations to occur wherein the microorganisms or cell populations are sorted; and (d) detecting said migrated viable microorganisms or cell populations.