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. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

主权项

1. A method for concentrating a nucleic acid, comprising:
(a) immersing a first electrode having a high aspect ratio in a liquid comprising a nucleic acid, wherein the first electrode comprises a shaft having a shaft latitudinal dimension and a distal end having a distal latitudinal dimension, wherein the distal latitudinal dimension is from one nanometer to one millimeter; (b) urging the nucleic acid toward the first electrode by generating an electric-field-induced force using the first electrode; and (c) immobilizing the nucleic acid on a surface of the first electrode with a capillary force formed between the first electrode and the liquid by withdrawing the first electrode from the liquid; wherein the electric-field-induced force is created by an electric field that is maintained through the step of immobilizing the nucleic acid on a surface of the first electrode with a capillary force formed between the first electrode and the liquid by withdrawing the first electrode from the liquid.