Christopher M Earhart

US Patent:

20110059468, Mar 10, 2011

Filed:

Sep 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/807625

Inventors:

Christopher M. Earhart - Palo Alto CA, US
Shan X. Wang - Portola Valley CA, US
Robert J. Wilson - Campbell CA, US

International Classification:

G01N 33/53
C12M 1/00
C12N 13/00
C12Q 1/06

US Classification:

435 721, 4352831, 4351739, 435 39

Abstract:

A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.