Device and method for particle complex handling

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method comprising
 providing a device comprising a fluidic network comprising a magnetic particle in a fluid,   generating a magnetic field coupled to the fluidic network, and   transporting the magnetic particle by the magnetic field in the fluidic network without fluidic movement of the fluid in the fluidic network.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises a magnetic affinity complex bound to an analyte. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises a magnetic affinity complex and a signal affinity complex, both bound to different bind sites of an analyte. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the analyte is a protein, an antibody, or a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises a magnetic affinity complex or a signal affinity complex, bound to an analyte, wherein the magnetic affinity complex and the signal affinity complex are configured to bind to a same binding site of the analyte. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the analyte is a small molecule. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particle comprises a coded magnetic affinity complex. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the coded affinity complex is not magnetic. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein generating a magnetic field is by programmably activating magnetic microcoils. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the magnetic microcoils are not permanently coupled to the fluidic network. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising vibrating the fluid. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising detecting an analyte hound to the magnetic particle. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein transporting the magnetic particle comprises transporting the magnetic particle through a diffusion barrier. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein transporting the magnetic particle comprises transporting the magnetic particle through an interface between the fluid and another fluid.