Cell concentration, capture and lysis devices and methods of use thereof

摘要

The present invention provides a microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof for the concentration and capture of cells. A pulsed non-Faradaic electric field is applied relative to a sample under laminar flow, which results to the concentration and capture of charged analyte. Advantageously, pulse timing is selected to avoid problems associated with ionic screening within the channel. At least one of the electrodes within the channel is coated with an insulating layer to prevent a Faradaic current from flowing in the channel. Under pulsed application of a unipolar voltage to the electrodes, charged analyte within the sample is moved towards one of the electrodes via a transient electrophoretic force.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device for disrupting a cellular membrane of a cell, said device comprising:
a microfluidic channel for flowing a cell-containing liquid sample; a first electrode provided on one surface of said microfluidic channel, said first electrode comprising aluminum etched with a dense network of microscopic tunnels; a second electrode provided on an opposing surface of said microfluidic channel; an aluminum oxide dielectric layer formed on said first electrode by electrochemical oxidation, for preventing the flow of a Faradaic current within said microfluidic channel under the application of a voltage between said first electrode and said second electrode; and a voltage source connected to said first electrode and said second electrode for applying a pulsed voltage therebetween.