Microfluidic device for isolating components of bodily fluids

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting, identifying and treating glaucoma diseases. More particularly, this invention discloses compositions and methods for affecting intraocular pressure and increasing ocular outflows in glaucoma. Compositions and methods provided include purified and synthesized extracellular vesicle complexes from glaucoma ocular humor for use in methods and devices for detecting, characterizing and treating glaucoma diseases along with active agents. The presence of extracellular vesicle complexes in glaucoma can also be used as a biomarker.

1 - 82 . (canceled) 
     
     
         83 . A device for isolating extracellular vesicle complexes from a bodily fluid, comprising:
 a channel having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, wherein the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication;   a meshwork in the channel for providing resistance to flow, wherein the meshwork comprises any one or more or all of:
 a uveal-like meshwork; 
 a corneoscleral-like meshwork; and 
 a juxtacanalicular-like meshwork; 
   a pressure source for applying pressure to a bodily fluid at the inlet and introducing the bodily fluid into the channel.   
     
     
         84 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the channel is a microfluidic channel. 
     
     
         85 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the channel is within a microfluidic chip. 
     
     
         86 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the meshwork comprises glass beads, magnetic beads, gel particles, dextran particles, polymer particles, or pillars within the channel. 
     
     
         87 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the meshwork comprises glass fibers, polymeric fibers, inorganic fibers, or metal fibers. 
     
     
         88 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the uveal-like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about  25  micrometers. 
     
     
         89 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the corneoscleral-like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about 2-15 micrometers. 
     
     
         90 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the juxtacanalicular-like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about 1 to about 4 micrometers. 
     
     
         91 . The device of  claim 83 , further comprising one or more detectors for analyzing the bodily fluid within the channel or exiting the outlet of the channel. 
     
     
         92 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the meshwork comprises an anterior half of an animal eye with lens, wherein the TM of the eye is oriented in between the inlet and the outlet of the channel. 
     
     
         93 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the meshwork comprises extracellular vesicle complexes isolated from glaucoma ocular humor. 
     
     
         94 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the extracellular vesicle complexes are isolated from animal or clinical sources. 
     
     
         95 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the extracellular vesicle complexes are aggregates of extracellular vesicles. 
     
     
         96 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the extracellular vesicle complexes are aggregates of at least 10 extracellular vesicles. 
     
     
         97 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the extracellular vesicles comprise exomeres, exosomes, multivesicular bodies, intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), multivesicular endosomes (MVEs), oncosomes, micro-vesicles, apoptotic bodies, or vesicles originating from endosome or plasma membranes. 
     
     
         98 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the aggregates are composed of extracellular vesicles, and have a diameter from 360 to 21,000 nanometers. 
     
     
         99 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the aggregates are composed of extracellular vesicles, and have a diameter from 360 to 10,000 nanometers. 
     
     
         100 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the aggregates are composed of extracellular vesicles, and have a diameter from 360 to 5,000 nanometers. 
     
     
         101 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the aggregates are composed of extracellular vesicles, and have a diameter from 360 to 3,000 nanometers. 
     
     
         102 . The device of  claim 93 , wherein the aggregates are composed of extracellular vesicles, and have a diameter from 360 to 1,000 nanometers.