Apparatus for pathogen detection

Abstract

An apparatus for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The electric field is applied to at least one electrode having a plurality of concentric rings or concentric arcs extending radially outwards from a center point, electrically connected to a voltage source such that when voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, the concentric rings or concentric arcs alternate in voltage potential.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method of separating a first component from one or more second components in a test sample, the method comprising:
 introducing the test sample into a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic separator, wherein the microfluidic channel includes at least one electrode arranged therein, the at least one electrode comprising a first set of electrically connected concentric rings or concentric arcs coupled to a first voltage source and a second set of electrically connected concentric rings or concentric arcs coupled to a second voltage source, wherein the concentric rings or concentric arcs of the first set and second set are arranged to alternate and extend radially outwards from a center point; and   separating the first component from the one or more second components in the test sample by controlling the first voltage source and the second voltage source to generate an alternating current (AC) electric field within the microfluidic channel, wherein the generated AC electric field produces a dielectrophoretic force on the test sample when the test sample traverses the microfluidic channel, the dielectrophoretic force causing the first component in the test sample to be separated from the one or more second components in the test sample by aligning and holding the first component to a curvature of at least some of the concentric rings or concentric arcs in the first set and/or the second set of electrically connected concentric rings or concentric arcs of the at least one electrode while the one or more second components in the test sample are not attracted to the at least one electrode.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 storing the first component when separated from the other components in the test sample; and   capturing at least one of the one or more second components in the test sample once the test sample has passed through the microfluidic channel and is substantially separated from the first component; and   detecting said at least one of the one or more second components using a sensor.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 storing the first component when separated from the one or more second components in the test sample; and   capturing at least one of the one or more second components in the test sample once the test sample has passed through the microfluidic channel and is substantially separated from the first component; and   detecting said first component using a sensor.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 attracting the at least one of the one or more second components in the test sample at a collecting electrode arranged at an inlet of the sensor.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 applying, by the sensor, a confining dielectrophoretic force to trap the at least one of the one or more second components of the test sample.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 applying a confining dielectrophoretic force to trap the at least one of the one or more second components of the test sample and imaging the at least one of the one or more second components of the test sample with an optical sensor.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein introducing the test sample into the microfluidic channel comprises pumping the test sample through the microfluidic channel. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising transporting at least one of the one or more second components of the test sample to a location in a vicinity of a sensor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising transporting the first component away from the one or more second components of the test sample. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 tuning a frequency of the generated AC electric field such that the first component is attracted to the at least one electrode and the one or more second components of the test sample are not attracted to the at least one electrode.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 turning off the AC electric field to release the first component from the at least one electrode.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 detecting a concentration of the first component separated from the test sample.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein controlling the first voltage source and the second voltage source to generate an alternating current (AC) electric field within the microfluidic channel comprises applying a first voltage potential to the first set of electrically connected concentric rings or concentric arcs and applying a second voltage potential to the second set of electrically connected concentric rings or concentric arcs. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential are of opposite polarity. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein separating the first component from the one or more second components in the test sample comprises separating at least 95% of the first component from the one or more second components in the test sample within 15 seconds of the AC electric field being generated in the microfluidic channel. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise a bacteria. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise a virus. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise a pathogen. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise a microbe. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise mold. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first component and/or the one or more second components comprise yeast.