Selection of particle possessing predetermined property from population encompassing multiplicity of different particles, comprises providing population of different particles, and labeling particles which possess predetermined property

摘要

A particle (4) possessing predetermined property is selected from a population encompassing multiplicity of different particles by providing population of different particles, labeling particles which possess predetermined property, conveying first fluid stream (2a) through channel (8), conveying fluid streams through detection element, and separating off a detected labeled particle. The selection of particle possessing predetermined property from population encompassing multiplicity of different particles, involves: (a) providing population of different particles; (b) labeling particles which possess predetermined property; (c) conveying first fluid stream, which contains the particles and under conditions under which the particles carry an electric charge, through a channel, with the first fluid stream being in contact with second fluid stream (6a) which is flowing concurrently, essentially without mixing, with the first fluid stream; (d) conveying the fluid streams through detection element which is able to distinguish between labeled and unlabeled particles; (e) separating off detected labeled particle by applying an electric field in order to transfer the particle from the first fluid stream into a second fluid stream; and (f) identifying and/or characterizing the labeled and separated-off particle. An independent claim is also included for a device for selecting a particle possessing predetermined property from population encompassing multiplicity of different particles, comprising a channel in which a first and second fluid stream are able to flow concurrently, in contact with each other and essentially without mixing; mechanism for introducing a first fluid stream into the channel, with the first fluid stream containing the particles and the particles carrying an electric charge; mechanism for introducing second fluid stream into the channel; mechanism for detecting a label on a charged particle which is conveyed through the channel in the first fluid stream; and mechanism for separating off a detected labeled particle from unlabeled particles, with the mechanism comprising mechanism for applying an electric field in order to transfer the particle from the first fluid stream into a second fluid stream.