Patent ID: 9377440
Filing Date: 2016-06-28
CPC Classification: B01L,G01N

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for the precise selection and extraction of an analyte from a mixture of ionic analytes separated by capillary isoelectric focusing, comprising: a separation channel including a sample inlet end and an outlet end; a first electrolyte holder that is disposed at the sample inlet end and that is in fluid communication with the separation channel through a first semi-permeable membrane; a second electrolyte holder that is disposed at the outlet end and that is in fluid communication with the separation channel through a second semi-permeable membrane; a high-voltage power supply for applying an electric field across the separation channel for analyte focusing and analyte separation and further adapted to create in said separation channel a pH gradient liquid medium that is acidic or substantially acidic at one of the sample inlet end and the outlet end and alkaline or substantially alkaline at another of said sample inlet end and said outlet end; an extraction channel angularly displaced from said separation channel and in fluid communication therewith at a location of intersection and having an extraction outlet end and an inlet end; means for filling the separation channel with a mixture of ionic analytes and for causing different analytes to separate and focus into stationary or near stationary zones by capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis; means for selectively causing a selected analyte zone of the analyte zones separated by capillary isoelectric focusing to move to said intersection of the separation and extraction channels in a time-independent manner based on data associated with a real-time image of the whole separation channel; an optical image detection apparatus including a light source for irradiation of the whole separation channel with ultraviolet (UV) light or other light and capable of acquiring and monitoring in real-time, or at least very rapid time, digital images of ultraviolet absorption or fluorescence detection of focused analyte zones simultaneously in the whole separation channel; and means for applying an extraction force to direct the selected analyte zone or a portion thereof into and then out of the extraction channel for collection or interface to a second analytical apparatus.