Fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules

Abstract

A fluidic device is disclosed for making electrophoresis of molecules. The device has channels of closed geometry and variable powers over time. Migration of molecules is contained within channel of closed geometry, whereby they can circulate again and again, thus separating the molecules at a wide migration distance. The device has an injection system which is a secondary channel which intersects the main channel. An arrangement of electrodes along this main channel connected to a variable voltage source with multiple outlets which regulates the value of the electric power in each electrode, and the frequency at which the same varies from one electrode to another. Thus it is achieved to generate a periodic arrangement of powers along the channel which set the flow of the sample optimizing the separation process. Electrodes can be added for the detection of molecules by measuring the changes in electric resistivity, current or voltage.

1 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, having an injection system of molecules to a main channel wherein the electrophoresis process is carried out, comprising such main channel having a closed geometry, with 3 or more electrodes arranged along the channel, connected to a variable voltage source of multiple outlets. 
     
     
         2 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising 2 detection electrodes for detecting the molecules, by measuring some physical variable. 
     
     
         3 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein such main channel of a closed geometry has a circular shape and such variable voltage source with multiple outlets, regulates the value of electric power in each electrode and the frequency at which the same varies from one electrode to another. 
     
     
         4 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising 2 detection electrodes for detecting molecules, by measuring some physical variable. 
     
     
         5 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein such detection electrodes make the detection of molecules, by detecting changes in electric resistivity, current or voltage. 
     
     
         6 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein such molecule injection system is an injection channel intersecting such main channel wherein the electrophoresis process is carried out, having a supply at one end and a discharge at the other end. 
     
     
         7 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein such molecule injection system is an injection channel which intersects such main channel wherein such electrophoresis process is carried out, having a supply at one end and a discharge at the other end. 
     
     
         8 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein such molecule injection system is an injection channel which intersects such main channel wherein the electrophoresis process is carried out, having a supply at one end and a discharge at the other end. 
     
     
         9 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein such main channel of a circular shape is made in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). 
     
     
         10 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein such main channel of circular shape is made in acrylic. 
     
     
         11 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein such main channel of circular shape is made in glass. 
     
     
         12 . A fluidic device for electrophoresis of molecules, as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein such main channel of circular shape is made in silicon.