Trans-interfacial magnetic separation

Abstract

Provided herein are devices that facilitate the magnetic separation of an analyte from a sample, and methods of use thereof. In particular embodiments, devices and methods are provided for the trans-interfacial magnetic separation (TIMS) of analytes from a sample.

1 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . An analyte purification device comprising: (i) first and second chambers, each of the chambers capable of containing a volume of liquid; (ii) a transfer channel connecting the first and second chambers, (iii) a transfer surface disposed above the transfer channel and first and second chambers, the transfer surface having a proximal side oriented toward the transfer channel and first and second chambers and a distal side oriented away from the transfer channel and first and second chambers; and (iv) a magnet configured to be positioned near or against the distal side of the transfer surface and capable of being moved laterally along the distal side of the transfer surface adjacent to the first chamber, transfer channel, and second chamber. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the transfer surface comprises a thin film. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the transfer surface comprises polycarbonate. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the proximal side of the thin film comprises a hydrophobic coating. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein the hydrophobic coating comprises a manganese oxide polystyrene nano-composite, a zinc oxide polystyrene nano-composite, precipitated calcium carbonate, a carbon nanotube-based coating, or a silica nano-coating. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein a magnetic field produced by the magnet is applied to the first chamber, transfer channel, or second chamber when the magnet is positioned adjacent to the position first chamber, transfer channel, or second chamber, respectively. 
     
     
         44 . A method comprising:
 (a) providing an analyte purification device of  claim 38 ;   (b) providing paramagnetic particles (PMPs) within the first chamber, wherein the PMPs display a capture agent on the surface of the PMPs, wherein the capture agent has an affinity for an analyte of interest;   (c) positioning the magnet near or against the distal side of the transfer surface adjacent to the first chamber to pull the PMPs within the first chamber into a pellet on the transfer surface;   (d) moving the magnetic laterally along the distal side of the transfer surface, thereby moving the pelleted PMPs along the proximal side of the transfer surface, through the transfer channel, and positioning the PMPs within the second chamber.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the capture agent is a nucleic acid, antibody or antibody fragment, or an affinity agent. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the capture agent is a capture nucleic acid and the analyte of interest is a target nucleic acid. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising drawing the magnet away from the transfer surface adjacent to the second chamber, thereby releasing the PMPs into the second chamber.