Patent ID: 6037167
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B03C,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for separating a mixture of compounds having different molecular sizes selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides, proteins and fragments thereof, the compounds having magnetized moieties attached thereto comprising:a) a support having a separation lane therein, the separation lane providing resistance to movement of the compounds therealong, the resistance being proportional to the molecular size of the compounds, the separation lane having a starting end and a terminal end;b) a magnet positioned to provide an attractive force on the magnetized moieties contained in the separation lane;c) a guide for maintaining the magnet in proximity to the separation lane; andd) a drive for moving the magnet along the length of the separation lane to entrain at least some of the compounds attached to the magnetized moieties during their movement along the separation lane.