Patent ID: 6264814
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus to isolate and enrich charged molecules, comprising:a plastic vessel defining a receiving chamber that receives a reaction mixture having at least one of a sample containing the charged molecules and reagents, said receiving chamber having an upper access aperture being externally accessible;a tube unit made of an electrically non-conducting plastic positioned within said receiving chamber, said tube unit having an open upper end and an open lower end opposite said open upper end, an inner surface of said tube unit contacting said reaction mixture in said receiving chamber wherein said tube unit is positioned inside the receiving chamber of said vessel through said upper access aperture,a withdrawal chamber and an electrode chamber located within said open upper end of said tube unit, said withdrawal chamber and said electrode chamber being separate from and adjacent to each other, said open upper end of said tube unit communicating with said open lower end of said tube unit by an internal chamber;a first electrode positioned within the receiving chamber and contactable with the reaction mixture inside the receiving chamber and outside the tube unit, and a second electrode positioned within said electrode chamber; anda semi-permeable membrane located at a lower end of said electrode chamber that prevents direct contact between the charged molecules and said second electrode.