System and method for separating micro-particles

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/843,902, filed Apr. 27, 2001, which is is related to and claims priority from provisional Application Ser. No. 60/248,451 filed Nov. 13, 2000, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for separating micro-particles and/or nano-particles. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for separating micro-particles and/or nano-particles by using a light source to create a separation force on the particles based on their physical properties.

[0003] At the present, there are sorting methods to separate particles, such as cells and other biological entities, based on their size, density, and charge, but none that sort based on optical dielectric properties. For example, laser tweezers have been described that use the interaction of light with a particle to move the particle around. However, in this case, a priori knowledge of which particle to move is required for the tweezers to be used as a sorting mechanism. In other words, tweezers are more of a ‘manipulation and/or transportation’tool, rather than a ‘sorting’ tool. Thus, current methods and systems for separating particles require prior identification of the particles to be separated.

[0004] There is a need for a system and method for separating particles which does not require prior identification of the particles to be separated There is also a need for a system and method for separating particles which does not damage the particles.

[0005] These needs and others are satisfied by a system and method for separating particles according to the present invention which comprises means for creating a light intensity pattern in the vicinity of the particles and means for moving the light intensity pattern with respect to the particles. The means for creating a light intensity pattern can comprise a light source for producing two light beams aimed to interfere with each other in the vicinity of the two particles.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system comprises a beam splitter and a reflector. In this embodiment, the light source is configured to produce a light beam aimed at the beam splitter. The beam splitter is configured to split the light beam into a first light beam directed toward the particles and a second light beam directed toward the reflector. The reflector is configured to redirect the second light beam toward the particles such that the first and second light beams interfere creating a light intensity pattern in the vicinity of the particles.

[0007] An actuator can be connected to the reflector for moving the reflector to move the light intensity pattern. Alternatively, the actuator can be connected to the light source and beam splitter for moving the light source and beam splitter.

[0008] It is also possible to move the particles relative to the light intensity pattern to create the moving light intensity pattern. In order to do this, the particles can be carried on a slide connected to an actuator configured to move the slide relative to the light intensity pattern.

[0009] The light intensity pattern can also be moved by using a phase modulator to modulate the phase of one of the two light beams with respect to the other. This causes the light intensity pattern created by the interference of the light beams to move spatially. The phase modulator can be place in the path of either the first light beam or second light beam. Alternatively, an amplitude modulator can be used, in which case the interference pattern will move temporally.

[0010] Any material that responds to optical sources may be utilized with these inventions. In the biological realm, examples would include cells, organelles, proteins and DNA, and in the non-biological realm could include metals, semiconductors, insulators, polymers and other inorganic materials.

[0011] Preferably, the light source comprises a laser producing a light beam having a wavelength of between 0.31 μm and 1.8 μm. Using a light beam in this wavelength range minimizes the chance that damage will be caused to the particles if they are living cells or biological entities. Even more preferably, the light beam wavelength range could be 0.8 μm and 1.8 μm. Good, commercially available lasers are available which produce a light beam having a wavelength of 1.55 μm.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the system comprises a light source and an optical mask. The light source is configured for producing a light beam directed through the optical mask toward the particles. The optical mask creates a light intensity pattern in the vicinity of the particles. An actuator can be connected to the light source and optical mask for moving the light source and optical mask to create a moving light intensity pattern. Alternatively, the optical mask can be specially configured for producing a moving light intensity pattern in the vicinity of the at least two particles. Another alternative is to include a phase modulator positioned in the light beam path for modulating the phase of the light beam to create a moving light intensity pattern.

[0013] In yet another embodiment the system can comprise a plurality of light sources positioned adjacent to each other for producing a plurality of light beams directed toward the particles The light beams can be aimed to slightly overlap each other to create a light intensity pattern. An actuator can be included for moving the plurality of light sources, thus causing the light intensity pattern to move spatially. Alternatively, the light beams can be dimmed and brightened in a pattern for creating a temporally moving light intensity pattern.

[0014] A method for separating particles according to the present invention comprises the steps of applying a light source to create a light intensity pattern, exposing particles to the light intensity pattern producing force on each particle and moving the light intensity pattern with respect to the particles causing the particles to move with the light intensity pattern at velocities related to their respective physical properties. If the particles have different physical properties they will move at a different velocity causing the particles to separate.

[0015] Preferably, the step of applying a light source comprises interfering at least two optical light beams as discussed herein with respect to one embodiment of a system according to the present invention.

[0016] Alternatively, the step of applying a light source can comprise using an optical mask to create the light intensity pattern. The optical mask can comprise an amplitude mask, a phase mask, a holographic mask, or any other suitable mask for creating a light intensity pattern.

[0017] In another embodiment of a method according to the present invention the step of applying a light source can comprise periodically dimming and brightening a plurality of light sources to create the light intensity pattern.

[0018] Preferably, the light intensity pattern comprises at least two peaks and at least two valleys. The light intensity pattern can be periodic, sinusoidal, nonsinusoidal, constant in time, or varying in time. If the light intensity pattern is periodic, the period can be optimized to create separation between particles.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method comprises moving the light intensity pattern at a constant velocity. The velocity of the light intensity pattern can be optimized to cause separation based on the physical properties of the particles.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises allowing the at least two particles to separate, and then suddenly “jerking” the light intensity pattern to cause particles with different physical properties to fall into different valleys of a potential pattern created by the light intensity pattern.

[0021] The method light intensity pattern can be tuned to a resonant frequency corresponding to the physical properties of one type of particles to optimize separation of that type of particle. The light intensity pattern can be applied in multiple dimensions and the period of the light intensity pattern can be varied in each dimension.

[0022] The particles can be carried in a medium, such as a fluidic medium, which can be either guided or non-guided. If the medium is guided it can include fluidic channels.

[0023] The method can also include superimposing a gradient onto the light intensity pattern. The gradient can be spatially constant or varying and can comprise temperature, pH, viscosity, etc. Additional external forces can also be applied, such as magnetism, electrical forces, gravitational forces, fluidic forces, frictional forces, electromagnetic forces, etc., in a constant or varying fashion.

[0024] A monitoring and/or feedback system can also be included for monitoring the separation between particles and providing feedback information as to separation and location of particles.

[0025] Further object, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

[0026] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3 are block diagrams of various embodiments of a system according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 4A is a graphical depiction of an optical grating produced light intensity pattern generated by a system according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4B is a graphical depiction of an energy pattern corresponding to the light intensity pattern of FIG. 4A.

[0029] FIG. 4C is a graphical depiction of a potential energy pattern corresponding to the light intensity pattern of FIG. 4A.

[0030] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are a graphical depiction of a moving potential energy pattern generated by a system and method according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a fluidic micro-channel with a graphical depiction of the moving light intensity pattern of FIG. 4A superimposed in the fluidic micro-channel.

[0032] In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for separating particles is described that provides distinct advantages when compared to those of the prior art. The invention can best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures.

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, a system according the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The system 10 is configured to generate a moving light intensity pattern that produces a force on the particles to be separated. The force causes the particles to move at velocities related to certain physical properties of each particle, such as the particle's optical dielectric constant. Particles with different physical properties will move at different velocities causing the particles to separate based on their physical properties.

[0034] One embodiment of a system 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the system 10 comprises a light source 12, a beam splitter 14, and a reflector 16. A motor 18 can be connected to the reflector 16 for moving or rotating the reflector 16. A control system 19 is connected to the motor 18 for controlling operation of the motor 18 and thus movement of the reflector 16.

[0035] The particles to be separated can be placed in a medium on a slide 22. In one embodiment of the invention, the slide 22 includes a non-guided fluidic medium, such as water. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the slide 22 includes fluidic channels 500, 502 and 504 through which the particles 410, 412 travel.

[0036] The medium can be non-guided or guided. One example of a guided medium is a medium comprising fluidic channels as is well known in the art.

[0037] The light source 12 is positioned to produce a light beam 24 that is aimed at the beam splitter 14. The beam splitter 14 splits the light beam 24 into two light beams 26, 28 and directs one of the light beams 26 toward the reflector 16 and the other light beam 28 toward the slide 22. The reflector 16 redirects light beam 26 toward the slide 22. The light beams 26, 28 are focused near the particles and aimed to interfere with each other to create a light intensity pattern near the particles.

[0038] The motor 18 can be used to move or rotate the reflector 16, which causes the light intensity pattern to move in space. A control system 19 is connected to the motor 18 to control operation of the motor 18. By moving the light intensity pattern in space and keeping the slide 22 fixed, forces created on the particles by the light intensity pattern cause the particles to move at velocities related to each particle's physical properties as described herein. The particles can also be caused to move by fixing the light intensity pattern in space and mechanically moving the slide 22 carrying the particles. This causes the light intensity pattern to move in space relative to the particles.

[0039] Alternatively, motor 18 can be connected to the light source 12 and beam splitter 14. In this embodiment the light source 12 and beam slitter 14 can be moved or rotated by the motor 18. This causes light beam 28 to move relative to light beam 26, which, in turn, causes the light intensity pattern to move.

[0040] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 1B, the light intensity pattern is moved by modulating the relative phase of the light beams 26, 28. In this embodiment, a phase modulator 20 is positioned in the path of light beam 26. The phase modulator 20 is configured to modulate the phase of light beam 26 relative to the phase of light beam 28. A control system 19 is connected to the phase modulator 20 for controlling operation of the phase modulator 20. Alternatively, the phase modulator 20 can be positioned in the path of light beam 28 for modulating the phase of light beam 28 relative to the phase of light beam 26.

[0041] Modulating the phases of light beams 26 and 28 relative to each other causes the light intensity pattern created by the interference of light beams 26 and 28 to move. Moving the light intensity pattern relative to the particles creates forces on the particles related to the physical properties of each particle. As described above, these forces will cause particles with different physical properties to move at different relative velocities.

[0042] Alternatively, an amplitude modulator can be used instead of the phase modulator 20. The amplitude modulator can be used for modulating the amplitude of the light beams 24, 26, 28 thus creating a moving light intensity pattern.

[0043] Preferably, the light source 12 comprises a laser for producing light beams 26 and 28 coherent with respect to each other. Alternatively, two light sources could be used to produce light beams 26 and 28.

[0044] In applications where the particles are biological material or living cells, it is preferable that the laser produce light beams 26, 28 having a wavelength of between 0.3 μm and 1.8 μm so as not to generate excessive heat that could damage the particles. More preferably, the laser would produce light beams 26, 28 having a wavelength of greater than 0.8 μm. Very good lasers are commercially available which produce light beams 26, 28 having a wavelength of 1.55 μm and would be appropriate for use in a system 10 according to the present invention. Alternatively, the light source 12 can produce incoherent light beams 26, 28.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2A, the system 110 comprises a light source 112 and an optical mask 114. A motor 116 can be connected to the light source 112 and optical mask 114 for moving or rotating the light source 112 and optical mask 114. A control system 119 is connected to the motor 116 for controlling operation of the motor 116 and thus movement of the light source 112 and optical mask 114. In this embodiment, the light source 112 produces a light beam 118 that is aimed through the optical mask 114 toward a slide 120 holding the particles to be separated.

[0046] The optical mask 114 is configured to create a light intensity pattern near the particles. The motor 116 can be used to move or rotate the light source 112 and optical mask 114 thus causing the light intensity pattern to move. Alternatively, the light intensity pattern can be fixed in space and the slide 120 can be moved producing relative motion between the light intensity pattern and the particles.

[0047] The optical mask 114 can comprise an optical phase mask, an optical amplitude mask, a holographic mask or any similar mask or device for creating a light intensity pattern. In another alternative embodiment, the optical mask 114 can be specially configured to produce a moving light intensity pattern. This type of optical mask 114 can be produced by writing on the mask with at least two light beams. In essence, one light beam writes on the mask to create the light intensity pattern and the other mask erases the mask. In this embodiment, a new light intensity pattern is created each time the mask is written upon.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, a phase modulator 122 is used to create the moving light intensity pattern. The phase modulator 122 is positioned between the light source 112 and the optical mask 114 such that light beam 118 is directed through the phase modulator 112. A control system 119 is connected to the phase modulator 122 for controlling operation of the phase modulator 112.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 comprises a plurality of light sources 212 positioned adjacent to each other such that they produce light beams 214 directed toward a slide 216 holding the particles to be separated. In one embodiment, the light sources 212 are aimed to create light beams 214 that overlap each other to produce a light intensity pattern.

[0050] An actuator 218 can be attached to the light sources 212 for moving or rotating the light sources 212 to move the light intensity pattern with respect to the slide 216. A control system 219 is connected to the actuator 218 for controlling operation of the actuator 218. For example, motors (not shown) can be attached to each of the light sources 212. The light intensity pattern can also be moved relative to the slide 216 by modulating phase, moving the slide 216 relative to the light sources 212 or in any other described herein.

[0051] Alternatively, the light sources 212 can be aimed such that the light beams 214 slightly overlap each other near the slide 216. A light intensity pattern can be created by switching the light sources to be dimmed and brightened in certain patterns to give the appearance of a moving light intensity pattern. For example, in one embodiment the light sources 212 are dimmed and brightened such that at any given moment in time, whenever one light source is bright, all adjacent light sources are dim and when the first light source is dim the adjacent light sources are bright.

[0052] In operation, focusing a light beam in the vicinity of a particle causes the light beam to interact with optical dipoles inside the particle. Maximum intensity of a light beam is achieved at the focal point of the beam. The particle tends to move toward the point of maximum intensity of the light beam because the minimum energy for the overall system is achieved when the dipoles of the particle reside where the maximum intensity of the light beam occurs.

[0053] A system according to the present invention, such as those described infra, are configured to create a variable light intensity pattern. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a periodic light intensity pattern 400, the force 402 exerted on a particle by the light intensity pattern 400, and the potential 404 exerted on a particle by the light intensity pattern 400, respectively. The light intensity pattern 400 shown in FIG. 4A is sometimes referred to as an optical grating.

[0054] Particles subjected to the light intensity pattern 400 of FIG. 4A tend to move toward the peak intensity points 406. The wells 408 of the potential pattern 404 shown in FIG. 4C represent points where the overall system energy is at a minimum. Thus, a particle will tend to move toward the wells 408 of the potential pattern 404.

[0055] Light intensity patterns 400 created according to the present invention can comprise at least two peaks 406 and at least two valleys 407. Suitable light intensity patterns 400 can be periodic, sinusoidal, nonsinusoidal, constant in time or varying in time. If the light intensity pattern 400 is periodic, the period can be optimized to create separation between particles exposed to the light intensity pattern 400. For example, for large particles the period length can be increased to increase the size of wells 408 in the corresponding potential pattern 404 to accommodate the large particles.

[0056] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show two particles 410, 412 exposed to a potential pattern 406. In this figure, particles 410 and 412 are of similar size and shape but have different dielectric constants.

[0057] As described infra, moving the light intensity pattern 400 and consequently the potential 406 created by the light intensity pattern 400, relative to particles 410, 412 exposed to the light intensity pattern 400 causes the particles 410, 412 to move at velocities related to the physical properties of the particles 410, 412. For example, the force acting on a particle is proportional to the dielectric constant of the particle. More specifically, the force is proportional to (E_p−E_m)/(E_p+2 E_m). Thus, two particles 410, 412 of similar size and shape having different dielectric properties will travel at different velocities when exposed to a moving light intensity pattern 400.

[0058] The potential 406 created by the light intensity pattern 400 causes the particles 410, 412 to move toward wells 408 in the potential pattern 406. Because the light intensity pattern 400, and consequently the potential pattern 406, are moving, the particles 410, 412 “surf” on waves created in the potential pattern 406. The waves include peaks 414 of high potential and wells 408 of low potential.

[0059] The particles 410, 412 move with the potential pattern 406 at velocities related to the particles 410, 412 physical properties. One such physical property is the dielectric constant of the particles 410, 412. Because the dielectric constants of particles 410 and 412 are different, they will move at different velocities when exposed to the potential pattern 406 created by the light intensity pattern 400.

[0060] In one embodiment, the light intensity pattern 400, and consequently the potential pattern 406, is moved at a constant velocity. The velocity can be optimized to cause separation of the particles 410, 412 based on the particles' 410, 412 physical properties. For example, a maximum velocity exists for each particle 410, 412 such that if the maximum velocity is exceeded, the peak 414 on which the particle 410 or 412 is “surfing” will pass the particle 410 or 412 causing the particle 410 or 412 to fall into the preceding well 408.

[0061] In this embodiment, a velocity is chosen between the maximum velocities of particles 410 and 412. Assuming the maximum velocity of particle 412 is higher than the maximum velocity of particle 410, when exposed to the potential pattern 406 shown in FIG. 5A, particle 412 will “surf” on peak 414 and particle 410 will fall behind into well 408 thus separating particles 410 and 412 based on their physical properties.

[0062] In another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. In this embodiment, particles 410 and 412 are exposed to potential pattern 406 for a predetermined amount of time to allow the particles 410, 412 to separate slightly as shown in FIG. 5B. Once the particles 410, 412 have separated slightly, the potential pattern 406 is “jerked” forward a predetermined difference such that the particles 410, 412 are positioned on opposites sides of peak 414. Once the particles are positioned on opposite sides of peak 414, the forces exerted on the particles 410, 412 cause them to fall into wells 408 on opposite sides of peak 414 thus separating the particles 410 and 412 based on their physical properties.

[0063] In one application of the invention, shown in FIG. 6, a moving light intensity pattern 400 can be superimposed onto a fluidic channel guided medium 506 having fluidic channels 500, 502 and 504. The channels 500, 502 and 504 are arranged in a T-shape with the light intensity pattern 400 being superimposed on the branch of the “T” (i.e. the junction between channels 500, 502, and 504).

[0064] The particles 410, 412 travel from channel 500 into the light intensity pattern 400. The light intensity pattern 400 is configured to move particles 410 and 412 in different directions, as described infra, based on the particles' 410, 412 physical properties. In this case, the light intensity pattern 400 is configured to move particle 412 into channel 502 and particle 410 into channel 504. In this manner, the particles 410, 412 can be separated and collected from their corresponding channels 504, 502, respectively.

[0065] Using an application such as this, the light intensity pattern can be configured to move particles 410 having a physical property below a certain threshold into one channel 504 and particles 412 having a physical property above the threshold into the other channel 502. Thus, various particles can be run through channel 500 and separated based on a certain threshold physical property. Multiple fluidic channel guided mediums 500 can be connected to channels 502 and/or 504 to further sort the separated particles 410, 412 based on other threshold physical properties.

[0066] Additional optimization can be done to facilitate particle sorting. For example, each particle 410, 412 has a specific resonant frequency. Tuning the wavelength of the light intensity pattern 400 to the resonant frequency of one of the particles 410 or 412 increases the force exerted on that particle 410 or 412. If, for example, the frequency of the light intensity pattern is tuned to the resonant frequency of particle 412, the velocity at which particle 412 travels is increases, thus increasing the separation between particles 410 and 412.

[0067] Other forces can also be superimposed onto the particles 410, 412 to take advantage of additional differences in the physical properties of the particles 410, 412. For example, a gradient, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, etc., can be superimposed onto the particles 410, 412 in either a linear or non-linear fashion. External forces, such as magnetism, electrical forces, gravitational forces, fluidic forces, frictional forces, electromagnetic forces, etc., can also be superimposed onto the particles 410, 412 in either a linear or non-linear fashion.

[0068] The light intensity pattern 400 and/or additional forces can be applied in multiple dimensions (2D, 3D, etc.) to further separate particles 410, 412. The period of the light intensity pattern 400 can be varied in any or all dimensions and the additional forces can be applied linearly or non-linearly in different dimensions.

[0069] A monitoring system, not shown, can also be included for tracking the separation of the particles 410, 412. The monitoring system can provide feedback to the system and the feedback can be used to optimize separation or for manipulation of the particles 410, 412.

[0070] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except as may be necessary in view of the appended claims.