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.

1 . (Canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An analytical device comprising:
 at least one electromagnet functionally coupled a separate fluidic device to generate a magnetic field to move a target molecule comprising a ligand molecule coated thereon and magnetic particle without movement of the fluid in the fluid network;   an integrated circuit to activate the at least one electromagnet; and   a detector system comprising a light emitting diode and a camera for detecting the target molecule using reflectance.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the fluid network comprises blood. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the fluid network comprises saliva. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the target molecule is present in a picomolar concentration. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the target molecule is a protein. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic particle is a nanoparticle. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic field is configured to be selectively generated. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the ligand comprises an antibody. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet is a substrate contacting the cartridge. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one electromagnet is a first electromagnet and the device further comprises a second electromagnet. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 binding a target molecule and a magnetic particle having a ligand coated thereon in a fluid of a fluid network disposed in a fluidic device;   generating a magnetic field with at least one electromagnet functionally coupled to the fluidic device to move the target molecule and magnetic particle within the fluid network without movement of the fluid in the fluid network; and   detecting the target molecule using reflectance.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the fluid network comprises blood. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the fluid network comprises saliva. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the target molecule is detected in a picomolar concentration. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the target molecule is a protein. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic particle is a nanoparticle. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic field is selectively generated. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the ligand molecule comprises an antibody. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one electromagnet is located in a substrate contacting the cartridge. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one electromagnet is a first electromagnet and the device further comprises a second electromagnet.