California Institute of Technology

Charles F Spence

Stephen R Quake

Frances H Arnold

Steven M Clark

Anne Y Fu

Joseph T Meier

The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time. The cells can be sorted into an appropriate branch channel based on the presence or amount of a detectable signal such as an optical signal, with or without stimulation, such as exposure to light in order to promote fluorescence.

Microfabricated cell sorter

A machine for sequencing DNA using optical techniques. A sample is loaded in the sample loading area, and place through DNA sequencing gel. The voltage across the reservoir may be increased by improving the cooling and thermal characteristics of the gel device. Preferably materials are used which have at least half and preferably a fifth the thermal transfer characteristics of glass. The materials can also be thin e.g. 50-100 microns. A heat sink can be used to dissipate more of the heat, and a fan can be directed at the heat sink. Moreover, the material can be flexible.

DNA sequencing machine with improved cooling characteristics

Microfabricated cell sorter for chemical and biological materials

A syringe pump, uses a stepping motor to rotate a lead screw with precision and in turn advance a zero-backlash ball nut or vice-versa to drive the syringe plunger. This invention is designed to eliminate virtually all forces that are not coaxially aligned with the plunger's axis by utilizing a drive shaft kinematically supported on a reference member. The barrel of the syringe is kinematically supported on the reference member with its axis aligned with the axis of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is advanced by the ball nut and drive shaft assembly to drive the plunger which is kinematically supported at one end by the end of the drive shaft and at the other end by the internal wall of the barrel.

Growing community of inventors

Arcadia, CA, United States of America

Charles F Spence