Protasis Corporation

Washington State University

Dan M Leatzow

Cornelius F Ivory

David M Strand

Noah Tracy

Embodiments of analysis systems, electrophoresis devices, and associated methods of analysis are described herein. In one embodiment, a method of analyzing a sample containing an electrolyte includes sequentially introducing a leading electrolyte, a sample electrolyte, and a trailing electrolyte into a extraction channel carried by a substrate. The extraction channel has a constriction in cross-sectional area. The method also includes applying an electrical field to separate components of the sample electrolyte into stacks and to concentrate the separated components by forcing the sample electrolyte to migrate through the constriction in the extraction channel. Thereafter, the applied electrical field is removed and the separated and concentrated components of the sample are detected in a detection channel carried by the substrate.

Sample analysis systems, devices, and associated methods of operation

Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Electrophoresis devices and methods for focusing charged analytes

Devices are provided for determining the isoelectric point of a charged analyte, comprising a titration chamber and an electrode chamber. The electrode chamber comprises at least two electrodes, for example, an electrode array. Either or both of the titration chamber and the electrode chamber may have a shaped geometry. The electrodes are operative, in conjunction with the shaped geometry of the chamber(s) where appropriate, to generate an electric field gradient in the titration chamber. Permeable material separates the titration chamber and the electrode chamber. A pH Sensor is located in the titration chamber for obtaining the pH of the first fluid. Certain preferred embodiments further include an analyte band detector for detecting the presence and optionally the location of a focused band of charged solute. Methods are provided for determining the isoelectric point of a charged analyte comprising introducing a carrier fluid comprising a Charge analyte into the titration chamber of a device as just described and applying an electric field gradient to focus the charged analyte into a focused band. The pH of the carrier fluid is incremented or adjusted to shift the location of the focused band of charged analyte, and the pH and location of the focused band of charged analyte are obtained for a plurality of locations and pH's and the isoelectric point is determined from such data.

Method and apparatus determining the isoelectric point of charged analyte

Novel fluid logic devices are disclosed. Certain examples of the fluid logic devices include two or more fluid logic gates that are each operative to select and/or direct analytes in a sample into one or more fluid flow channels in communication with the fluid logic gates. The fluid logic device can be part of a larger system, such as a chromatography system, or can be stand-alone device.

Fluid logic device

A vortex-stabilized electrophoretic processor comprises an annular processing chamber at least partly defined by concentric first and second processing chamber surfaces. At least one of the processing chamber surfaces is rotatable relative to the other processing chamber surface. The electrophoretic processor further comprises an electric field generator operative to be energized to establish a dynamic field gradient within the processing chamber. At least one fluid port is provided, having fluid communication with the processing chamber. The electric field generator may comprise an elongate electrode array positioned within a central bore of a rotor forming the inside surface of the processing chamber. One or both of the processing chamber surfaces can have shaping comprising multiple spaced tines or annular ridges extending toward the other of the processing chamber surfaces.

Growing community of inventors

Kalispell, MT, United States of America

Dan M Leatzow