Intellectual Property Office
Non-Confidential Disclosures
"Free Flow Electrophoresis Device for Biomolecule Purification
and Separation in 0 and 1 g. (USCEPS)"
PSU Inv. Disc. No 1374
Field of the Invention:
free flow electrophoresis
Inventors:
A. Carlson, et al.
Invention status:
U.S. Patent No. 5,562,812
Background:
There exists the need to be able to separate and/or purify biomolecules that are identical except in action of electrical surface charge. Contamination of the sample and buffer was an always present problem. Investigators commonly operate at 4ºC to reduce the chances of opportunistic growth. Not all separations at this temperature are desirable.
Invention description:
The USCEPS provides a capability for implementing a free flow electrophoresis process to separate charged biological materials. Free flow electrophoresis is a process wherein a sample stream is introduced into a liquid buffer flow within a separation column. An electric field is maintained across flow within a separate column perpendicular to the general buffer flow. Individual components in the sample stream are separated from each other on the basis of their mobility in the imposed electric field and are collected at the exit of the separation column in collections vessels downstream. Because of the unique arrangement of the electric field and buffer flow, continuous processing or separation of the sample can be achieved. The USCEPS unit is comprised of 10 major components interlinked by fluid flow of electrical connections. The components are a separator column, a fraction collector, a debubbler/degrasser, a buffer tank, a thermoelectric heat exchanger, pumps and motors, a sample injector, an electronics and computer system, a fluid flow system, and structures.
Advantages:
- Flow loop and column are sterilizable through the use of an autoclave and live steam
- Computer control of the process parameters provides more accurate and consistent processing
- Automated processing reduces labor intensity to very low levels
- Electrophoresis chamber with separation of electrodes from separation chamber not allowing crossflow
Contact:
Mr. Matthew Smith
Sr. Technology Licensing Officer
Intellectual Property Office
113 Technology Center
The Pennsylvania State Univ.
University Park, PA 16802-7000
Phone: (814) 863-1122
Fax: (814) 865-3591
E-mail: mds126@psu.edu
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