Patent ID: 8197656

Claim:
A method of separating micro particles in a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) flowing a sample containing micro particles into a device for separating micro particles, the device comprising: (i) a sample inlet into which a sample containing micro particles is injected; (ii) fluid inlets into which fluid is injected to form a flow sheath for the sample; (iii) a plurality of outlets through which the micro particles are separated and discharged out; (iv) a channel through which the sample and the fluid flow; and (v) a first pair of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode longitudinally disposed in parallel in the channel, wherein the first and second electrodes are provided in such a manner that an electrode gap between the first and second electrodes has a curved shape; an end portion of the electrode gap is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the channel; and the plurality of outlets comprise a first outlet positioned in an extending direction of the electrode gap, a second outlet connected to a portion of the channel where the second electrode is positioned, and a third outlet positioned in an extending direction of the channel; and (b) applying an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode.