Method and System for Concentrating Particles from a Solution

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Vibration of a well containing the liquid may create a convective flow within the liquid to move the particles towards a electrode immersed in the liquid. Electric-field-induced forces attract the particles towards the electrode. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the electrode, an electrostatic force may immobilize the particles on a surface of the electrode, such that the particles remain on the surface of the electrode when the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid. Different coatings may further be applied to the electrode to achieve different particle attraction and immobilization characteristics.

主权项

1. A method for concentrating a particle, comprising:
(a) immersing an electrode in a liquid comprising at least one particle, wherein the liquid is contained within a well; (b) moving the at least one particle toward the electrode by vibrating the well such that a convective flow is created within the liquid; (c) attracting the at least one particle toward the electrode by generating an electric-field-induced force using the electrode; (d) immobilizing the at least one particle on a surface of the electrode with an electrostatic force; and (e) withdrawing the electrode from the liquid.