Patent ID: 7534336
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: B03C,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a continuously flowing fluid medium, the apparatus comprising: at least one flow channel having a fluid inlet, wherein the bioagents are concentrated from three dimensions to a two-dimensional transport layer in a preconcentration area through application of at least one member selected from the group consisting of electrostatic forces, hydrodynamic forces, and geometric constraints; at least two traveling wave grids, wherein a first traveling wave grid causes said concentrated bioagents to migrate to at least one specified side of said flow channel and a second traveling wave grid causes said concentrated bioagents to migrate from said at least one specified side of the flow channel to at least one extraction port, said at least two traveling wave grids comprising: at least one voltage controller for providing a multiphase electrical signal to said collection of buses and said collection of electrodes of said at least two traveling wave grids; and at least one flow channel outlet port.