Devices and methods for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

Abstract

The invention features a device for the deterministic separation of analytes coupled to a reservoir containing a reagent that alters a magnetic propert of the analyte. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired analyte (e.g., using deterministic separation) or the alteration of a desired analyte in the device. The devices and methods may be advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells or epithelial cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 668,415, filed Apr. 5, 2005 and 60 / 704,067, filed Jul. 29, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to the fields of cell separation, medical diagnostics, and microfluidic devices. [0003] Clinically or environmentally relevant information may often be present in a sample, but in quantities too low to detect. Thus, various enrichment or amplification methods are often employed in order to increase the detectability of such information. [0004] For cells, different flow cytometry and cell sorting methods are available, but these techniques typically employ large and expensive pieces of equipment, which require large volumes of sample and skilled operators. These cytometers and sorters use methods like electrostatic deflection, centrifugation, fluorescence activated c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a device and method for producing a sample enriched in a specific analyte relative to other components in the sample. The device includes a structure that deflects particles with a specific size, shape, deformability, or affinity, and a reservoir containing a reagent that alters the magnetic property of the analyte. The method involves applying a magnetic field to the sample, which generates a differential force to physically separate the analyte from other components. The device and method can be used to enrich red blood cells in a sample, and the reagent can include magnetic particles or antibodies that selectively bind to the analyte.

Problems solved by technology

Clinically or environmentally relevant information may often be present in a sample, but in quantities too low to detect.

For cells, different flow cytometry and cell sorting methods are available, but these techniques typically employ large and expensive pieces of equipment, which require large volumes of sample and skilled operators.

These methods often suffer from the inability to enrich a sample sufficiently to allow analysis of rare components of the sample.

Furthermore, such techniques may result in unacceptable losses of such rare components, e.g., through inefficient separation or degradation of the components.

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