US5750015A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for moving molecules by the application of a plurality of electrical fields
Assignee: Monogram Biosciences Inc
•
Filing: 1996-03-13
•
Granted: 1998-05-12
•
Expires: 2016-03-13
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules. The fields can be activated by computer software and can be used to move molecules away from and toward each other to obtain rapid and complex chemical synthesis, sequencing or reaction protocols.
Inventors
- 👤 David S. Soane
- 👤 Zoya M. Soane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:22
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D57/00; B01D57/02; B01F; B01F33/00; B01F33/30; B01F33/3031; B01J; B01J19/00; B01J19/0093; B82; B82Y; B82Y10/00; B82Y40/00; C; C07; C07K; C07K1/00; C07K1/14; C07K1/24; C07K1/26; G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/416; G01N27/447; G01N27/44704; G01N27/44752; G01N27/44756; G01N27/44773; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/0002; B01J2219/00; B01J2219/00781; B01J2219/00851; B01J2219/00853; B01J2219/00905; B01J2219/00912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electric field, said device comprising; an electrically non-conductive solid support having an upper surface; a main trench in said solid support extending downward from said upper surface; a plurality of branch trenches connected to said main trench for moving charged particles into and out of said main trench; and a plurality of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trenches.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electric field, said device comprising; an electrically non-conductive solid support having an upper surface; a main trench in said solid support extending downward from said upper surface; a plurality of branch trenches connected to said main trench for moving charged particles into and out of said main trench; and a plurality of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trenches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said solid support comprises an organic polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according claim 1 wherein at least one of said branch trenches crosses said main trench.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a method for moving charged particles through a medium in a movement area comprising a trench of capillary dimensions using an electrical field with spaced apart electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench to produce said field, the improvement comprising: supporting said medium with a non-porous polymer substrate having a substantially uncharged surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a method for moving charged particles through a medium in a movement area comprising a trench of capillary dimensions using an electrical field with spaced apart electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench to produce said field, the improvement comprising: supporting said medium with a non-porous polymer substrate having a substantially uncharged surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said polymer is polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate or polystyrene and said polymer is optionally supported on glass.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein said charged particles are separated during said moving into a plurality of components.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said charged particles are separated during said moving into a plurality of components.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said medium is a polymer gel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said polymer is organic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said charged particles are ions, molecules, cells or viruses.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a method for moving charged particles through a medium in a movement area comprising a trench of capillary dimensions using an electrical field with spaced apart electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench to produce said field, the improvement comprising: supporting said medium with a polymethylmethacrylate card.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a method for moving charged particles through a medium in a movement area comprising a trench of capillary dimensions using an electrical field with spaced apart electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench to produce said field, the improvement comprising: supporting said medium with a polymethylmethacrylate card.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said capillary dimensions are an inner diameter of from 25 to 100μ.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said electrical field is created by a plurality of electrodes at opposite ends of said trench and along said trench.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
108 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said polymer solid substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench of capillary dimensions in said substrate having opposite ends; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and means for introducing and removing liquid from said trench.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
108 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said polymer solid substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench of capillary dimensions in said substrate having opposite ends; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and means for introducing and removing liquid from said trench.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said polymer is organic.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein said organic polymer is polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephtahalate or polystryrene and said organic polymer is optionally supported on glass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 16, wherein said capillary dimensions are a diameter of from 25 to 100μ.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said charged particles are ions, molecules, cells or viruses.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: an organic polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said organic polymer is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface, having opposite ends, said trench having a depth of about 5 and 25μ and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: an organic polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said organic polymer is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface, having opposite ends, said trench having a depth of about 5 and 25μ and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 19, wherein said organic polymer substrate is polymethylmethacrylate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 19, wherein said trench includes a gel for gel electrophoresis.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
72 words
A device according to claim 19, further comprising: at least one lateral branch trench crossing said main trench; and at least one additional pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said lateral branch trench, each additional pair proximal to opposite ends of each of said lateral branch trenches; and means for connecting each of said additional pairs of electrodes to a source of electricity.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 22, further comprising: an electronic computer for controlling the electricity delivered to each of said electrodes connected to said electrode connecting means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 22, wherein base of said at least one lateral branch trench comprises reactant material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 24, wherein said charged reactant material is labeled.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
191 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a polymethylmethacrylate card having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface, having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; at least one lateral branch trench crossing said main trench; and at least one additional pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said lateral branch trench, each additional pair proximal to opposite ends of each of said lateral branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench and each said lateral branch for liquid transport or a reservoir proximal to each end of said trench and each said lateral branch.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
191 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a polymethylmethacrylate card having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface, having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said trench; at least one lateral branch trench crossing said main trench; and at least one additional pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said lateral branch trench, each additional pair proximal to opposite ends of each of said lateral branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench and each said lateral branch for liquid transport or a reservoir proximal to each end of said trench and each said lateral branch.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 26, said device further comprising: an electronic computer for controlling the electricity delivered to each of said electrodes connected to said electrode connecting means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 26, wherein said main trench contains a gel electrophoresis medium.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 28, wherein said gel electrophoresis medium is polyacrylamide.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a capillary electrophoresis device comprising a capillary and electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said capillary and proximal to opposite ends of said capillary, the improvement which comprises: a capillary of polymethylmethacrylate.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a capillary electrophoresis device comprising a capillary and electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said capillary and proximal to opposite ends of said capillary, the improvement which comprises: a capillary of polymethylmethacrylate.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
200 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: an organic polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said organic polymer solid substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said main trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said main trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said main trench; at least one latenal branch trench crossing said main trench, wherein said at least one lateral branch trench comprises a charged reactant material; at least one additional pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said lateral branch trench, each additional pair proximal to opposite ends of each of said lateral branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
200 words
A device for moving charged particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: an organic polymer solid substrate having an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said organic polymer solid substrate is substantially uncharged; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper surface having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said main trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said main trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said main trench; at least one latenal branch trench crossing said main trench, wherein said at least one lateral branch trench comprises a charged reactant material; at least one additional pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said lateral branch trench, each additional pair proximal to opposite ends of each of said lateral branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for moving charged particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising a main trench and at least two branch trenches, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; at least one electrode positioned in each of said trenches to be in electrical contact with said medium when present in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said charged particles into said medium present in said movement area; and applying at least two different electric fields to said medium in a manner sufficient to move said particles through said medium in a controlled manner.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for moving charged particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising a main trench and at least two branch trenches, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; at least one electrode positioned in each of said trenches to be in electrical contact with said medium when present in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said charged particles into said medium present in said movement area; and applying at least two different electric fields to said medium in a manner sufficient to move said particles through said medium in a controlled manner.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 32, wherein said medium is selected from the group consisting of buffer solution, polymeric solution, surfactant micellular dispersion and gel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 32, wherein said at least one branch trench comprises a charged reactant material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said charged reactant material is labeled.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for moving charged particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising a central trench and at least one branch comprising charged reactant material at its base, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; at least two pairs of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with said medium in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said charged particles into said medium present in said movement area; applying a central trench electric field to said medium to move said sample to a site at least proximal to the intersection of said central trench and latent branch; applying a lateral branch electric field to said medium to move said charged reactant material to said reaction site.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for moving charged particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising a central trench and at least one branch comprising charged reactant material at its base, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; at least two pairs of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with said medium in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said charged particles into said medium present in said movement area; applying a central trench electric field to said medium to move said sample to a site at least proximal to the intersection of said central trench and latent branch; applying a lateral branch electric field to said medium to move said charged reactant material to said reaction site.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 36, wherein when said charged reactant material reaches said reaction site, a reaction occurs between said charged reactant material and said sample to produce a reaction product.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 37, wherein said method further comprises detecting said reaction product at a site in said central trench.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 37, wherein at least a portion of said reaction between said sample and charged reactant material occurs in the absence of an applied electric field.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 37, further comprising applying said central trench electric field in a manner sufficient to move said reaction product to a second reaction site at the intersection of said main trench and a second lateral branch.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for moving particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a non-porous polymer substrate having an upper surface; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper source having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said main trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said main trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said main trench; at least two branch trenches connected to said main trench; at least one electrode positioned in each of said branch trenches so as to be in electrical contact with a medium present in said branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for moving particles through a medium employing an electrical field, said device comprising: a non-porous polymer substrate having an upper surface; a main trench in said substrate extending downward from said upper source having opposite ends, said trench having capillary dimensions and extending across said substrate; a pair of electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with a medium when present in said main trench, with one electrode proximal to one end of said main trench and the other electrode proximal to the other end of said main trench; at least two branch trenches connected to said main trench; at least one electrode positioned in each of said branch trenches so as to be in electrical contact with a medium present in said branch trenches; means for connecting said electrodes to a source of electricity; and ports for liquid transfer proximal to each end of said trench for liquid transport or a reservoir at each end of said trench.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 41, said device further comprising: an electronic computer for controlling the electricity delivered to each of said electrodes.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 41, wherein at least said main trench contains a gel electrophoresis medium.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for moving particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising main trench and at least two branch trenches connected to said main trench, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; electrodes positioned in said trenches to be in electrical contact with said medium in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said particles into said medium present in said movement area; and applying at least two different electric fields to said medium in a manner sufficient to move said particles through said medium in a controlled manner.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for moving particles through a medium in a controlled manner in a device comprising: at least one branched movement area comprising main trench and at least two branch trenches connected to said main trench, wherein said medium is present in said movement area; electrodes positioned in said trenches to be in electrical contact with said medium in said movement area to apply at least two electric fields in different directions to said medium in said movement area; and means for introducing liquid into and removing liquid from said movement area; said method comprising: introducing sample comprising said particles into said medium present in said movement area; and applying at least two different electric fields to said medium in a manner sufficient to move said particles through said medium in a controlled manner.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein said medium is selected from the group consisting of buffer solution, polymeric solution, surfactant micellular dispersion and gel.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein said at least one branch trench comprises a reactant material.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 46, wherein said charged reactant material is labeled.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-05-11 | 2001-11-10 | 2002-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-05-11 | 2005-11-10 | 2006-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-05-11 | 2009-11-10 | 2010-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |