초록 ▼

Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the p

Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the processes of: receipt of biological materials, cell selection, sample purification, sample concentration, buffer exchange, complexity reduction and/or diagnosis and analysis. In one embodiment, one or more sample chambers adapted to receive a buffer solution are formed adjacent to a spacer region which may include a trap or other affinity material, electrophoretic motion of the materials to be prepared being effected through operation of electrodes. In another aspect of this invention, a transporter or dipstick serves to collect and permit transport of materials, such as nucleic acids, most preferably DNA and/or RNA. In one embodiment, a membrane or trap is held in a frame which is adapted to mate with a channel formed in the spacer region. In another aspect of this invention, an electrophoretic system for biological sample preparation is operated in a manner so as to utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio so as to control the migration of materials within the solution. In one aspect, bunching of selected materials is achieved by operation of two electrodes in a manner so as to reduce the spatial dispersion of those materials. In another aspect of this invention, a vertically disposed sample preparation unit includes an upper reservoir including and a collection chamber. A sample is preferably pre-prepared and densified, applied to the conductive polymer, electrophoresed so as to move nucleic acids into the conductive polymer and move undesired material away from the conductive polymer. Integrated systems are described in which cell separation, purification, complexity reduction and diagnosis may be performed together. In the preferred embodiment, cell separation and sample purification are performed in a first region, the steps of denaturation, complexity reduction and diagnosis being performed in a second region.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for active biological sample preparation adapted to separate desired materials from undesired materials comprising:a first sample chamber, adapted to receive a buffer solution,a second sample chamber, adapted to receive a buffer solution,a spacer compartment disposed b

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for active biological sample preparation adapted to separate desired materials from undesired materials comprising:a first sample chamber, adapted to receive a buffer solution,a second sample chamber, adapted to receive a buffer solution,a spacer compartment disposed between the first sample chamber and the second sample chamber, the spacer compartment providing a trap having a differential effect on the desired materials versus undesired materials,a first electrode adapted for electrical contact with the buffer solution when located within the first sample chamber, anda second electrode adapted for electrical contact with the buffer solution when in the second sample chamber, characterized by havinga protective layer between the first sample chamber and the first electrode, thereby forming a first electrode chamber within the first sample chamber, wherein the protective layer is a membrane. [30.] A method for active biological same preparation of a sample comprising a collection of materials including desired materials and undesired materials having differential charge-to-mass ratios, the separation being achieved in an apparatus as defined in any of claims 1-19 and 21-24 comprising the steps of:providing the sample materials to the first sample chamber of the apparatus,electrophoresing the sample within the apparatus to affect net differential migration between the desired material and the undesired material whereby one of the desired or undesired materials is located within the trap and the other material is in the second sample chamber,removing the desired material from the apparatus, whereby relatively purified desired materials are prepared.