Patent ID: 6833061
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for isoelectric particle separation, said method comprising the steps of:providing collection means arranged adjacent to a fluid and adapted for soluble fixing of the particles in the fluid, wherein said collection means comprise at least one semipermeable or porous wall, along which the fluid with the particles to be separated flows with a flow velocity, and wherein electrode means extend, at least in part, along a direction of flow over the length of the semipermeable or porous wall, providing a fluid containing particles that have a net charge or charge density that is a function of the pH value of their surroundings, setting the pH value of the fluid, imparting motion to the particle-containing fluid, generating electric field forces by said electrode means, permitting at least one predetermined particle type to undergo a change in motion as a function of charge through the effect of the electric field forces, permitting the particle type undergoing the change in motion by the electric field forces to move to said collection means, retaining said particle type on the collection means at least temporarily, and reducing or dropping to zero temporarily the flow velocity of the fluid when the particles to be separated are exposed to the electric field forces in order to enhance separation of the particles being separated while the fluid with the particles to be separated flows along the semipermeable or porous wall.