Automatic isolation system and method for target objects designed to prevent exposure to the outside world

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an automated target object separation system and method designed to be isolated from external exposure. In one embodiment, the automated target object separation system may include a fluid injection device; a target object separation section including one or more target object separation devices; an integrated inlet for injecting fluid into the target object separation section using the fluid injection device; a target object integrated outlet for discharging target objects concentrated in a certain direction in the target object separation section; a target object collection section; and a coupling section including at least one of a first coupling section connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, and a second coupling section connecting the target object integrated outlet and the target object collection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic separation system and method for target objects designed to be free from external exposure, and more specifically, to a closed automatic separation system and method for target objects including one or more target object separation devices.

Background Art

[0002] Sample pretreatment techniques for separating and concentrating fine particles such as cells or plasma play a very important role in various fields such as biological research, in vitro diagnosis, treatment, and pharmaceuticals. To separate and concentrate such specific fine particles or plasma, a centrifuge that mainly separates and concentrates fine particles or plasma through the density difference between cells is used. However, a centrifuge is expensive equipment and there is also a risk of physically damaging fine particles or plasma.

[0003] As a result, recently, a microfluidic chip-based technique for separating and concentrating fine particles or plasma has been developed, which is a technique for separating and concentrating fine particles or plasma by installing any structure capable of manipulating the flow in a channel from several tens of micrometers to several millimeters. According to the microfluidic chip-based technique for separating and concentrating fine particles or plasma, separation and concentration can be performed with a small amount of reagent and low power, it has high portability, and rapid analysis and detection can be performed at low cost. However, when it is necessary to process reagents in amounts of not less than several liters to several tens of liters, not just one microfluidic chip requires a lot of time and labor.

[0004] Therefore, unlike a centrifuge, there is a need for a separation device or system that can process a large amount of reagents without damaging cells, unlike a microfluidic chip.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automated target separation system and method designed to be free from external exposure, which performs excellent target separation and concentration functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a closed, automated separation system and method for target objects, including one or more target object separation devices.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an automated target object separation system. The automated target object separation system may include a fluid injection device; a target object separation unit including one or more target object separation devices; an integrated inlet for injecting fluid into the target object separation unit using the fluid injection device; an integrated target object discharge port for discharging target objects concentrated in a certain direction in the target object separation unit; a target object collection unit for collecting target objects discharged to the integrated target object discharge port; and a connecting unit which may include at least one of a first connecting unit connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, and a second connecting unit connecting the integrated target object discharge port and the target object collection unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the automatic separation system for target objects further includes a non-target object integrated discharge port for discharging non-target objects that are not target objects from the target object separation unit; and a non-target object collection unit for collecting non-target objects discharged to the non-target object integrated discharge port, wherein the connecting unit may include a third connecting unit connecting the non-target object integrated discharge port and the non-target object collection unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the one or more target object separation devices may be arranged in parallel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connecting portion may be closed off and connect two or more of the fluid injection device, the target object separation unit, the integrated inlet, the integrated target object discharge port, and the target object collection unit so that they are not exposed to the outside.

[0011] In one embodiment, the automatic separation system for target objects further includes a user input unit and a processor that controls at least one of the fluid injection device and the coupling unit, the processor which obtains a first user input via the user input unit to drive the automatic separation system for target objects, and which controls the fluid injection device to continuously inject fluid into the target object separation unit based on the first user input.

[0012] In one embodiment, the automatic separation system for target objects further includes a display and a processor that controls at least one of the fluid injection device and the coupling unit, the processor outputting separation operation information of the automatic separation system for target objects to the display, the separation operation information may include at least one of the fluid information, the target object information, the non-target object information, the flow velocity information, the separation speed information, the elapsed time information, and the required time information.

[0013] In one embodiment, the automatic separation system for target objects includes a memory for storing an algorithm for controlling the flow velocity; a user input unit; and a processor for controlling at least one of the fluid injection device and the coupling unit, wherein the processor may receive a second user input for controlling the flow velocity via the user input unit and control the velocity of the injected fluid based on the second user input and the algorithm for controlling the flow velocity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the target object separation unit may be replaced depending on the type of target object and whether or not the target object separation unit is used.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the one or more target object separation devices may include an injection section into which a fluid flowing in from the integrated injection port is injected; a first passage section comprising one or more first structures that causes the target objects to flow concentrated in a certain direction as the injected fluid flows; and a target object acquisition section for acquiring the target objects concentrated in the certain direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the one or more target object separation devices may further include a non-target object discharge section, a high-speed channel section formed extending to at least a portion of the area between the injection section and the target object acquisition section, a second passage section formed separately from the first passage section and having the same height as the first passage section, and at least one column structure arranged in one or more of the areas of the injection section, the first passage section, the second passage section, the target object acquisition section, and the non-target object discharge section.

[0017] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automatic method for separating target objects, comprising the steps of: injecting a fluid into an integrated inlet of a target object separation unit using a fluid injection device; causing the fluid to flow through the target object separation unit, which includes one or more target object separation devices; discharging target objects concentrated in a certain direction in the target object separation unit through an integrated target object discharge port based on the fluid flow; and collecting the target objects discharged to the integrated target object discharge port into a target object collection unit, wherein one or more of the connections between the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, and between the integrated target object discharge port and the target object collection unit, are closed off and not exposed to the outside.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further includes the steps of: discharging non-target objects from the target object separation unit through a non-target object integration outlet based on the flow of the fluid; and collecting the non-target objects discharged to the non-target object integration outlet into a non-target object collection unit, wherein the non-target object integration outlet and the non-target object collection unit are closedly connected so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0019] In one embodiment, the one or more target object separation devices may be arranged in parallel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the automatic separation method for target objects includes the steps of: obtaining a first user input for driving the automatic separation system for target objects; controlling at least one of the integrated inlet and the first coupling to continuously inject fluid into the target object separation section using the fluid injection device based on the first user input; receiving a second user input for controlling the flow velocity; controlling the velocity of the injected fluid based on the second user input and an algorithm for controlling the flow velocity; and outputting separation operation information for the automatic separation system for target objects, wherein the separation operation information may include at least one of the fluid information, the target object information, the non-target object information, the flow velocity information, the separation velocity information, the elapsed time information, and the required time information.

[0021] In one embodiment, the target object separation unit may be replaced depending on the type of target object and whether or not the target object separation unit is used.

[0022] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a program stored on a recording medium to perform on a computer the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for a computer to perform a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer-readable recording medium recording a database used in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a target object can be separated from a large amount of fluid without damaging the target object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] The drawing illustrates an automatic separation system for a target object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] The drawing illustrates a target object separation unit including one or more target object separation devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] The drawing illustrates a target object separation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] The drawing illustrates a part of a target object separation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] The drawing schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a target object separation device including a column structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5a] The drawing illustrates a method for manufacturing a target object separation device with improved QC (Quality Control) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5b] The drawing illustrates a QC method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] The drawing illustrates an automatic separation system for a target object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] The drawing is a block diagram of an automatic separation device for a target object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] To clarify the technical concept of this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing this disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or component would unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted. Components in the drawings that have substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals and symbols whenever possible, even if they are shown in other drawings. For convenience of explanation, the apparatus and method will be described together where necessary. The operations of this disclosure do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described and may be performed in parallel, selectively, or individually.

[0028] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected as widely used and common terms as possible, taking into account the function of this disclosure, but these terms may change depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant has also arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the embodiment. Therefore, the terms used herein are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0029] Throughout this disclosure, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly intends otherwise. Terms such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the existence of a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood not to pre-exist the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. That is, when a part of this disclosure “includes” a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather means that other components may be further included, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0030] Expressions like "at least one" modify the entire list of components, not the components of that list individually. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" refer to just A, just B, just C, either A and B, either B and C, either A and C, the whole of A, B, and C, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" as used in this disclosure mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or in combination of hardware and software.

[0032] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is described as being “connected” to another part, this includes not only “directly connected” parts, but also “electrically connected” parts with other elements in between. Furthermore, when a part is described as “containing” a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may contain other components.

[0033] Throughout this disclosure, the expression "configured to" may, depending on the context, be replaced by, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression "a system configured to" may mean that the system, together with other devices or components, "is capable of." For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor) or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) capable of performing those operations by running one or more software programs stored in memory.

[0034] As used in this disclosure, the term “about” means within 10%, preferably within 5%, and more preferably within 1% of a given number or range.

[0035] One embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a closed, automated separation system and method for target object separation, comprising one or more target object separation devices, for separating and / or concentrating specific fine particles such as cells or plasma in a desired direction.

[0036] Throughout this disclosure, “target object” or “target object” means a target object to be separated through a target object separation device, which may include, for example, fine particles, plasma, etc. Here, the fine particles may include red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, circulating tumor cells, stem cells, inactivated stored erythrocytes, T cells derived from autologous T-cell swelling, organic fine particles, inorganic fine particles, organometallic fine particles, metallic fine particles, aerosol particles, bacteria, yeast, fungi, seaweed, viruses, microinvertebrates or their eggs, pollen, cell or tissue fragments, cell aggregates, cell debris (e.g., cell debris associated with DNA or RNA purification), bioreactor-production cells or granules, proteins, protein aggregates, prions, vesicles, liposomes, precipitates (e.g., precipitates from blood or blood fractions, industrial process precipitates, wastewater precipitates, etc.), granules or cells from fermented foods (e.g., granules or cells from fermented beverages), macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, DNA, organelles, spores, bubbles, droplets and exosomes.

[0037] Throughout this disclosure, the target object separation device may also be referred to as a target object separation chip, microfluidic chip, microfluidic chip, etc.

[0038] As cell-based medical technologies such as cell therapies and biosimilars have advanced, the demand for improvements in cell processing has also surged. Existing centrifugal cell separation methods carry the risk of external contamination during the transfer of cells to the centrifuge, and there is a risk of cell damage due to centrifugal force. Furthermore, when processing several to tens of liters of sample, separating cells by centrifugation requires significant time and labor, thus necessitating automation.

[0039] To address these issues, we aim to provide a closed-loop automated target separation system that includes a "target separation device" that does not cause cell damage, an "automatic drive device" and a "closed loop system" to automate the entire process while eliminating the risk of external contamination.

[0040] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an automated target object separation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, the automatic target object separation system 100 may include a fluid injection device 110, a target object separation unit 120, an integrated injection port 130 for injecting fluid into the target object separation unit 120 using the fluid injection device 110, a target object integrated discharge port 140 for discharging target objects concentrated in a certain direction as a result of fluid flow in the target object separation unit 120, a non-target object integrated discharge port 150 for discharging non-target objects as a result of fluid flow in the target object separation unit 120, a target object collection unit 170 for collecting target objects discharged to the target object integrated discharge port 140, and a non-target object collection unit 160 for collecting non-target objects discharged to the non-target object integrated discharge port 150. However, not all of the components shown in Figure 1 are essential components of the automatic target object separation system 100. The automatic target object separation system 100 can be realized with more components than those shown in Figure 1, or with fewer components than those shown in Figure 1.

[0042] In one embodiment, the automatic target object separation system 100 may further include connecting parts, such as a first connecting part 182 connecting a fluid injection device 110 and an integrated inlet 130, a second connecting part 186 connecting a target object integrated outlet 140 and a target object collection unit 170, a third connecting part 184 connecting a non-target object integrated outlet 150 and a non-target object collection unit 160, a fourth connecting part connecting the integrated inlet 130 to the target object separation device, and a fifth connecting part for moving fluid located outside the automatic target object separation device to the fluid injection device. The connecting parts can connect the objects to be connected in a closed manner so that they are not exposed to the outside. For example, the first connecting part 182 can connect the fluid injection device 110 and the integrated inlet 130 in a closed manner so that the fluid is not exposed to the outside as the fluid moves to the integrated inlet 130 by the fluid injection device 110. Furthermore, for example, the second connecting section 186 can connect the integrated target object discharge port 140 and the target object collection section 170 in a closed manner so that there is no external exposure when moving target objects discharged from the integrated target object discharge port 140 to the target object collection section 170. Furthermore, for example, the third connecting section 184 can connect the integrated non-target object discharge port 150 and the non-target object collection section 160 in a closed manner so that there is no external exposure when non-target objects discharged from the integrated non-target object discharge port 150 move to the non-target object collection section 160.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion can prevent contamination by the external environment by connecting each connected object in a closed manner.

[0044] In one embodiment, the target object collection unit 170 and the non-target object collection unit 160 may each include containers for solutions containing the target object and the non-target object, respectively. For example, the target object collection unit 170 and the non-target object collection unit 160 may include containers, cell culture bags, blood packs, and the like.

[0045] For example, if the target is white blood cells, red blood cells will be obtained from the non-target efflux. Or, if the target is plasma, blood cells will be obtained from the non-target efflux. Or, if the target is cells, a culture medium from which cells have been removed will be obtained from the non-target efflux.

[0046] In one embodiment, the target object separation unit 120 may include a plurality of target object separation devices. The plurality of target object separation devices may be arranged in parallel and included in the target object separation unit 120. According to one embodiment, the processing rate per unit of time may be increased by connecting the plurality of target object separation devices in parallel. This will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. In addition, the target object separation unit 120 may include disposable target object separation devices that can be replaced after each use.

[0047] According to one embodiment, since only the target object separation unit 120 can be replaced depending on the application, such as cell separation or whole blood separation, it becomes possible to expand its use according to the application without replacing the hardware.

[0048] In one embodiment, the target object separation unit 120 may include a structure that connects the target object separation unit 120 so that it can be automatically driven by the automatic target object separation system 100. For example, the target object separation unit 120 may include a connecting structure from the integrated inlet 130 to each of the target object separation devices, a connecting structure from the target object acquisition unit of the target object separation device to the integrated target object discharge port 140, and a connecting structure from the non-target object discharge unit of the target object separation device to the integrated non-target object discharge port 150.

[0049] For example, the structures of the connecting structures included in the target object separation unit 120 and the connecting parts constituting the automatic separation system 100 (e.g., the first connecting part 182, the second connecting part 186, the third connecting part 184, the fourth connecting part, the fifth connecting part, etc.) may include pipes, tubes, Luer locks, cylinders, polygonal prisms, pinch clamps, MPC quick connecters, etc.

[0050] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating a target object separation unit including one or more target object separation devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2, the target object separation unit 120 may include one or more target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208. Although Figure 2 shows a case including five target object separation devices, this is merely an example, and it may include various numbers of target object separation devices, such as two, three, four, six, or ten. In one embodiment, each of the one or more target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, 208 may include an injection section into which fluid flowing in from the integrated injection port 130 is injected, a first passage section that causes target objects to flow concentrated in a certain direction as the injected fluid flows, a target object acquisition section that acquires target objects concentrated in a certain direction, a non-target object discharge section that discharges non-target objects that are not target objects, a high-speed channel section formed extending from at least a part of the region between the injection section and the target object acquisition section, a second passage section formed separately from the first passage section and having the same height as the first passage section, a column structure, etc. The injection section, the first passage section, the target object acquisition section, the non-target object discharge section, and the high-speed channel section will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a and 3b.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first passage includes a first structure, and an incised structure may be formed by the first structure formed in the first passage. For example, a groove formed between two first structures may be referred to as an incised structure. That is, the first passage may include an incised structure having a groove in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluid. Columnar structures may be arranged in areas of the passage where no incised structures are formed. Columnar structures will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0053] In one embodiment, one surface of the target object separation section 120 may be formed with an integrated inlet 130 for injecting fluid into the target object separation section 120, an integrated target object outlet 140 for discharging target objects concentrated in a certain direction as a result of fluid flow in the target object separation section 120, and an integrated non-target object outlet 150 for discharging non-target objects as a result of fluid flow in the target object separation section 120.

[0054] In one embodiment, the integrated inlet 130 may be an inlet for injecting the fluid to be separated into the respective inlets of one or more target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208. In this case, the integrated inlet 130 and the inlets of the target object separation devices may be connected by a tube, pipe, Luer Lock structure, cylindrical structure, polygonal prism structure, pinch clamp, MPC quick connector, etc. That is, the connecting portion may include a connecting portion that connects the integrated inlet 130 to the respective inlets of one or more target object separation devices.

[0055] In one embodiment, the integrated target object discharge port 140 may be a discharge port that collects and discharges target objects discharged through the respective target object acquisition units of one or more target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208. In this case, the integrated target object discharge port 140 and the target object discharge units of the target object separation devices may be connected by a tube, pipe, Luer Lock structure, cylindrical structure, polygonal prism structure, pinch clamp, MPC quick connector, etc. That is, the connection may include a connection between the integrated target object discharge port 140 and the respective target object acquisition units of one or more target object separation devices.

[0056] In one embodiment, the non-target object integrated discharge port 150 may be an discharge port that collects and discharges non-target objects discharged through the respective non-target object discharge sections of one or more target object separators 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208. In this case, the non-target object integrated discharge port 150 and the non-target object discharge sections of the target object separators may be connected by a tube, pipe, Luer Lock structure, cylindrical structure, polygonal prism structure, pinch clamp, MPC quick connecter, etc. That is, the connecting section may include a connecting section that connects the non-target object integrated discharge port 150 and the respective non-target object discharge sections of one or more target object separators.

[0057] For example, Figure 2 illustrates the case where the target object is cells. Cell culture medium is injected into the integrated injection port 130, and the injected cell culture medium is divided into the injection ports of multiple target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208. As the cell culture medium flows through each of the multiple target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208, concentrated cells are obtained at the target object integrated outlet 140, and culture medium from which the target object cells have been removed is obtained at the non-target object integrated outlet 150.

[0058] Figure 3a is a drawing illustrating a target object separation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3a, the target object separation devices will be explained using the first target object separation device 200 as an example, among the one or more target object separation devices 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208 included in the target object separation unit 120 in Figure 2. However, it goes without saying that similar configurations can be applied to the other target object separation devices 202, 204, 206, and 208.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first target object separation device 200 may include an inlet 210, an injection section 215, a first passage section 220, a second passage section (not shown), a target object acquisition section 230b, a non-target object discharge section 230a, a high-speed channel section 250, etc. (however, the second passage section and the high-speed channel section 250 may be selectively configured). In one embodiment, a fluid containing fine particles can be injected into the first target object separation device 200 through the inlet 210. The injection section 215 may refer to a fluid flow passage near the inlet 210. In one embodiment, the injected fluid flows through the injection section 215 and the first passage section 220, causing the target objects to concentrate and be separated in a certain direction. The separated target objects can be concentrated in the target object acquisition section 230b. Non-target objects that are not target objects can be concentrated in the non-target object discharge section 230a.

[0061] In one embodiment, at least one of the injection section 215, the first passage section 220, the target substance acquisition section 230b, and the non-target substance discharge section 230a may include at least one columnar structure. For example, in a target substance separation device for separating leukocytes, a columnar structure may be present in the injection section 215; in a target substance separation device for separating plasma, columnar structures may be present in the injection section 215 and the first passage section 220; and in a target substance separation device for separating cells, columnar structures may be present in all of the injection section 215, the first passage section 220, the target substance acquisition section 230b, and the non-target substance discharge section 230a. Columnar structures may also be selectively present in the second passage section of each of these devices. Furthermore, multiple columnar structures may be present in each region. However, this is merely an example, and columnar structures may be present in various numbers in various regions of the first target substance separation device. A column structure according to one embodiment of this disclosure can prevent channel deformation due to downward curvature of the central part of the channel, thereby preventing damage to the target object or adverse effects on flow. The column structure will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 4.

[0062] Although the second passage is not shown in Figure 3a, a second passage may be formed separately from the first passage 220 to confirm whether the height of the first passage 220 is formed at a constant height. The method for forming the first passage 220 and the second passage will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 5a.

[0063] In one embodiment, a fluid containing fine particles can be injected into the inlet 210. For example, the fluid can be injected through a tube, syringe, pipette, etc. Alternatively, the fluid may include whole blood intended for leukocyte or plasma acquisition. Or, the fluid may include a cell culture medium.

[0064] In one embodiment, while the injected fluid flows through the injection section 215 and the first passage section 220, the target object can be separated in a specific direction. As a result, the separated target object can be obtained by providing a target object acquisition section 230b at the end of the first target object separation device 200 in a certain direction. In addition, a non-target object discharge section 230a is provided at the end of the fluid passage of the first target object separation device 200 to obtain non-target objects.

[0065] Alternatively, a target object acquisition unit may be provided at the end of the fluid passage of the first target object separation device 200, and a non-target object discharge unit may be provided at the end of the first target object separation device 200 in a certain direction (not shown). For example, the non-target object discharge unit may be provided in the middle of the fluid passage of the first target object separation device 200 by forming a channel. In addition, multiple non-target object discharge units may be provided.

[0066] In one embodiment, the target object of the first target object separation device 200 can be changed by the pattern of the first passage portion 220 of the target object separation device 200.

[0067] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the diagram shows a case where there is one target object acquisition unit 230b and one non-target object discharge unit 230a, but this is merely an example, and at least one of the target object acquisition units and non-target object discharge units may be multiple. For example, the first target object separation device 200 may include two or more, for example, four to ten target object acquisition units. In another example, the first target object separation device 200 may include three or more, for example, four to thirty, more specifically, eight to fifteen non-target object discharge units. The number of each of these target object acquisition units and non-target object discharge units may be the same or different depending on the target object.

[0068] Furthermore, the target object acquisition unit 230b may be referred to as the first target object acquisition unit, and the non-target object discharge unit 230a may be referred to as the second target object acquisition unit. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration regarding the number of target object acquisition units 230b or non-target object discharge units 230a may also be applied identically to the target object acquisition unit and non-target object discharge unit of the target object separation device according to each embodiment described below.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first target substance separation device 200 may have a plurality of channels. A channel is a passage extending from the inlet to the target substance acquisition section or the non-target substance discharge section, and the number of channels may be the same or different depending on the target substance. The number of channels may be 1 to 40, more specifically 2 to 30, and more specifically 5 to 20. For example, in terms of the number of channels from the inlet to the target substance acquisition section, a leukocyte separator may have 6 channels, a plasma separator may have 6 channels, and a cell separator may have 2 channels. However, this is only an example, and the first target substance separation device 200 may be formed with various numbers of channels.

[0070] In one embodiment, each channel can branch into multiple channels midway through the passage that starts from the inlet 210 and continues to the target object acquisition section 230b or the non-target object discharge section 230a, thereby generating additional channels. For example, a separate channel may be generated midway through a channel, with a non-target object discharge section formed at its end. For example, if there are eight non-target object discharge ports, eight additional channels may be generated in the channel starting from the inlet.

[0071] In one embodiment, a fine pattern may be formed in the first passage section 220. The fine pattern may be formed by one or more first structures and a plurality of incised structures. The incised structures have groove-like shapes in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluid, but the relief shapes between the plurality of incised structures form the first structures. In one embodiment, the target objects can be concentrated and separated in a certain direction by the fluid injected into the first target object separator 200 through the inlet 210 flowing in the inlet section 215 and the first passage section 220. Such separation of target objects may be performed by a plurality of incised structures located on the ceiling or bottom surface of a channel provided within the first passage section 220. In one embodiment, the incised structures may also be referred to as incised channels or grooves.

[0072] In one embodiment, the multiple incised structures may have a structure in which multiple structures are formed disconnected from each other. According to one embodiment, the incised structures can induce secondary flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid primarily flows, thereby efficiently separating and concentrating fine particles.

[0073] In one embodiment, the engraved structure may be an inclined structure having a curved shape in the longitudinal direction. For example, the fine pattern formed by a plurality of engraved structures may be in a curved shape. For example, the curve may include at least a part of a circle, at least a part of an ellipse, at least a part of a cycloid shape, or any other curved shape.

[0074] In one embodiment, the fine pattern of the first target object separator 200 may be formed at an angle of 45 to 135 degrees with respect to the main fluid flow direction. For example, if the main fluid flow direction is the x-axis, the angle (θ) of the fine pattern may be about 45 to 135 degrees. Here, the angle (θ) of the fine pattern may be determined by what the target object is. For example, depending on the target object, the angle (θ) of the fine pattern in one channel of the target object separator may be about 45 degrees, and the angle (θ) of the fine pattern in another channel may be about 135 degrees. In another example, the angle (θ) of the fine pattern in one channel may be about 60 degrees, and the other channel may be about 120 degrees. In yet another example, the angle (θ) of the fine pattern in one channel may be about 75 degrees, and the other channel may be about 105 degrees. However, these are merely examples, and the angle (θ) of the fine pattern can be appropriately selected depending on the target object.

[0075] In one embodiment, a high-speed channel section 250 may be formed in at least a portion of the region between the injection port 210 and the target object acquisition section 230b. Furthermore, no engraved structures (or first structures) may be placed in the high-speed channel section 250, while multiple engraved structures (or first structures) may be placed only in the region other than the high-speed channel section 250. The high-speed channel section 250 will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 3b.

[0076] In Figure 3a, the target object acquisition unit 230b or the non-target object discharge unit 230a is shown to be located at the end of the first target object separation device 200. However, this is merely an example, and at least one of the target object acquisition unit and the non-target object discharge unit may be located in the middle of the target object separation device. For example, if the target object separation device is a plasma separation device, the plasma acquisition unit, which is the target object, may be located at the end of the plasma separation device, and the red blood cell or white blood cell outlet, which is the non-target object, may be located in the middle of the separation device. Similarly, if the target object separation device is a white blood cell separation device, the white blood cell acquisition unit, which is the target object, may be located at the end of the separation device, and the red blood cell outlet, which is the non-target object, may be located in the middle of the separation device.

[0077] Figure 3b is a drawing illustrating a part of a target object separation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Referring to Figure 3b, an enlarged view of a portion of the first passage section 220 in Figure 3a is shown. In one embodiment, the first passage section may include a plurality of first structures and a high-speed channel section 250. Furthermore, an incised structure may be formed by a plurality of first structures in an embossed form. In one embodiment, the plurality of incised structures have a curved shape in the longitudinal direction, and a fine curved pattern may be formed by such incised structures (and first structures in an embossed form). For example, the fine pattern formed by the plurality of incised structures may have an arc shape. Also, for example, the curve may include at least a part of a circle, at least a part of an ellipse, at least a part of a cycloid shape, or any other curved shape.

[0079] In one embodiment, no engraved structures are arranged in the high-speed channel section 250, and multiple engraved structures may be arranged only in passages other than the high-speed channel section 250. According to one embodiment, the high-speed channel section 250 is a groove-shaped channel formed in the depth direction in the direction in which fine particles are concentrated, and by forming a groove-shaped channel, the concentration efficiency of the target object can be increased and losses in the opposite direction can be reduced. That is, the high-speed channel section 250 can serve as a structure for trapping fine particles.

[0080] In one embodiment, the high-speed channel section 250 may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the injection section to the target material acquisition section. According to one embodiment, the presence of the high-speed channel section 250 can reduce fluid resistance and increase local flow velocity. This can also reduce pressure and generate flow towards the high-speed channel section 250, thereby increasing the concentration efficiency of the target material.

[0081] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a target object separation device including a column structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, a column structure 270 may be installed on the first target object separation device 200 to prevent downward curvature of the central part of the channel. In Figure 4, the first target object separation device 200 is used as an example for explanation, but of course, one embodiment of this disclosure can also be applied to other target object separation devices.

[0083] In one embodiment, the columnar structure 270 may be located in at least one of the injection section, first passage section, second passage section, target object acquisition section, and non-target object discharge section, and a plurality of columnar structures 270 may be located. For example, in a target object separation device 200 for separating leukocytes, the columnar structure 270 may be located only in the injection section. Also, for example, in a target object separation device 200 for separating plasma, the columnar structure 270 may be located in the injection section and the first passage section. Also, for example, in a target object separation device 200 for separating cells, the columnar structure 270 may be located in the injection section, the first passage section, and the target object acquisition section. Columnar structures may also be selectively present in the second passage section of each of these devices. For example, the columnar structure 270 may be located in the center of the channel, at appropriate intervals, between incised structures, or the columnar structure 270 may be located at appropriate intervals in the center of the channel.

[0084] In one embodiment, the column structure 270 may be positioned in an area other than the multiple incised structures 280. For example, the column structure 270 may be positioned between at least a portion of the structures 260 (e.g., the first or second structure) that form the incised structures 280. In one embodiment, the column structure 270 must be positioned in a range where hemolysis does not occur and does not affect the flow. Thus, the height of the column structure 270 is the same as the height of the passage, and the cross-section cut in the xy-plane, with the main direction of fluid motion as the x-axis and the width direction of the channel as the y-axis, may be a circle, ellipse, streamlined (e.g., a ship pattern), or a rounded polygon. If the cross-section is a polygon, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vertices is small, and if a target object such as a cell or a non-target object strikes the vertex, the impact is large and may cause damage to these objects. Therefore, if the column structure 270 is a polygon with vertices, the cross-section of the column structure 270 may be formed as a rounded polygon with rounded vertices.

[0085] In one embodiment, the height of the column structure 270 may be the same as the height of the passageway. This allows the column structure 270 to have the form of a cylindrical column, an elliptical column, a streamlined column, or a rounded polygonal column.

[0086] In one embodiment, when there are multiple column structures 270, the spacing between the column structures must be wider than the diameter of the fine particles in order to prevent damage to the fine particles. This is to prevent the fine particles from being trapped by the column structures and from being damaged, such as by hemolysis.

[0087] In one embodiment, the column structure 270 may be made of plastic. In this case, the aspect ratio of the column structure 270 (height / length of the cross section; i.e., the height of the passage section / maximum length of the cross section) must be less than or equal to a specific value. For example, when manufacturing the target object separation device 200 using the QDM (Quick Delivery Mold) method, if the aspect ratio of the column structure 270 exceeds 3, the column structure may be damaged during the manufacturing process. Thus, the maximum length of the cross section of the structure may be determined by the height of the passage section. For example, if the height of the passage section is approximately 40 μm, the maximum length of the cross section of the structure must be approximately 13 μm or more.

[0088] In one embodiment, in order to prevent the channel from curving downwards in the central part, at least one column structure 270 may be placed at a point approximately 50% of the channel width from both ends of the channel. For example, the column structure 270 may be placed in the center of the channel, or at a point approximately 1 / 3, or about 33%, of the channel width from both ends of the channel.

[0089] In one embodiment, if there are multiple columnar structures 270, the spacing between them must be equal to or wider than the length of the incised structure 280 in order not to affect the flow of fine particles. According to the separation principle of the target object separation device, when a sample is injected into the target object separation device, a secondary flow (defocusing flow) is formed along the inclination direction of the incised structure 280, and a flow in the opposite direction (focusing flow) may occur in the passage. At this time, this opposing flow causes the fine particles to be concentrated on one side wall, and the particles can be separated. If the columnar structures 270 are spaced shorter than the length of the incised structure 280 during this process, the flow in the direction of the incised structure (defocusing flow) will be obstructed by the columnar structures 270, thereby weakening the opposing flow (focusing flow), which can affect the separation efficiency of the target object separation device 200. As a result, the spacing between the columnar structures 270 can be made wider than the length of the incised structure 280 so as not to obstruct the secondary flow.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the column structure 270 can be used to prevent the central part of the channel of the target object separation device from bending downwards.

[0091] Figure 5a is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a target object separation device with improved QC (Quality Control) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Referring to Figure 5a, a method for manufacturing the target object separation device 200 may include the steps of providing a base substrate 310 and curing a first layer on which one or more first structures 330, 335 and one or more second structures 320, 325 are formed. In one embodiment, the first structures 330, 335 are structures formed in a first passage section 380 for the target object to flow in a certain direction as the fluid injected into the injection section flows, and the second structures 320, 325 may be structures formed in second passage sections 370, 375 which are formed separately from the first passage section to confirm that the height of the first passage section is formed at a certain height. Furthermore, the first structures 330, 335 and the second structures 320, 325 may be formed at the same height. In one embodiment, the second passages 370 and 375 may be arranged in whole or in part in a repeating pattern or in a plurality of modified patterns.

[0093] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing the target object separator 200 may include the step of curing a second layer on a base substrate 310, which will form columns 340, 345 and barrier walls 350, 355 of the target object separator. In one embodiment, the columns 340, 345 and the barrier walls 350, 355 may be formed at the same height. The barrier walls 350, 355 are walls between a first passage section 380 and a second passage section 370, 375, and can have independent passages that prevent fluid passage, inflow, interference, etc., between the first passage section 380 and the second passage sections 370, 375.

[0094] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing the target object separation device 200 may include the step of attaching a cover to the top of the column and barrier wall created in the process described above. The attachment of the cover may form a first passage section 380 and second passage sections 370, 375. In one embodiment, the first passage section 380 and the second passage sections 370, 375 may be one or more.

[0095] In one embodiment, the QC process can proceed by filling the second passages 370 and 375 with a QC solution. Furthermore, the heights of the second passages 370 and 375 and the second structures 320 and 325 can be identified by irradiating the QC solution with a light source. In one embodiment, the irradiation of the QC solution with a light source can be performed through an LED or visible light.

[0096] In one embodiment, the heights of the second passages 370 and 375 are manufactured to be the same as the height of the first passage 370, so the height of the first passage 370 can be indirectly determined by the heights of the second passages 370 and 375 identified through the QC solution. Similarly, the heights of the second structures 320 and 325 are manufactured to be the same as the heights of the first structures 330 and 335, so the height of the first structure can be indirectly determined by the heights of the second structures 320 and 325 identified through the QC solution.

[0097] According to one embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether the first passage section, through which the fluid containing fine particles passes before use of the target object separation device, is manufactured to a certain height via the second passage sections 370 and 375. Here, "certain height" does not refer to a specific value, but may be a concept that includes heights within a specific range.

[0098] Figure 5b is a diagram illustrating a QC method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to Figure 5b, the quality control (QC) of the target object separation device 200 can be detected by the color change due to the height difference in the passage. That is, the color appears darker in passages with higher heights and lighter in passages with lower heights. This is detected by an optical sensor, and the height is calculated from the color change (change in absorbance). To do this, a calibration curve (reference curve) must first be created. This is done by taking images of the same dye solution at each height, analyzing the degree of darkness with software, and creating a calibration curve (reference curve) based on this, where the x-axis is height and the y-axis is absorbance.

[0100] In one embodiment, a method is illustrated in which the height of the second passage (QC channel) and the height of the second structure are identified by irradiating a QC solution with a light source. In the explanation with reference to Figure 5b, the Beer-Lambert Law is used, but is not limited to this, and various methods can be used to identify the height of the second passage and the second structure. For example, after filling with the QC solution, images of various regions of the second passage can be acquired, and the heights of various regions of the second passage can be identified through the brightness of the colors by analyzing the images of the various regions with dedicated software.

[0101] In one embodiment, according to the Lambert-Beer law, the intensity of light passing through a substance can be expressed as follows: [Mathematical Equation 1].

[0102]

number

[0103] Here, I is the dose or intensity of light (or photons) after passing through a QC solution of thickness x, I0 is the initial dose or intensity of light (or photons), μ is the linear attenuation coefficient, and x may be the thickness of the QC solution. Using [Mathematical Equation 1] and a pre-prepared height-absorbance calibration curve (Reference curve), the height of at least one of the second passage and the second structure can be identified.

[0104] For example, after filling the second passage with QC solution and capturing the corresponding image, the light intensity can be measured using dedicated software. If the light intensity after passing through the second passage at point 400 is I1, the height corresponding to I1 can be identified as X1 through the calibration curve. This reveals that X1 is the height obtained by subtracting the height of the second structure from the height of the second passage, and further, this height can be recognized as the height obtained by subtracting the height of the first structure from the height of the first passage. Similarly, if the light intensity after passing through the second passage at point 500 is I2, the height corresponding to I2 can be identified as X2 through the calibration curve. This reveals that X2 is the height of the second passage, and this height can be indirectly recognized as the height of the first passage. Furthermore, the height of the second structure can be identified as X2-X1, and this height can be indirectly recognized as the height of the first structure. In one embodiment, if at least one of the heights of the second passage and the second structure falls outside the reference range, the target object separation device may be deemed defective and not used.

[0105] In one embodiment, the QC solution used fills the second passage and, after the QC process is completed, is cured to improve the bonding strength of the target object separation device. For this purpose, the QC solution may contain one or more main substances having one or more vinyl groups and being in a liquid state. The QC solution may also further contain initiators soluble in the main substances, dyes soluble in the main substances, and so on.

[0106] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an automated target object separation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, the automatic target object separation system 100 is a system for separating the fluid 610 into target objects 620 and non-target objects 630. In one embodiment, the automatic target object separation system 100 may include a fluid injection device 110 and a target object separation unit 120. The target object separation unit 120 may also include a plurality of target object separation devices arranged in parallel.

[0108] In one embodiment, the fluid injection device 110 can control the fluid flow so that the fluid from the target object separation unit 120 is injected into the integrated inlet and, beyond the integrated inlet, into the respective inlets of the multiple target object separation devices. For example, the fluid injection device 110 may be a pump such as a peristaltic pump, diaphragm pump, syringe pump, gear pump, vacuum pump, or piston pump. That is, the fluid injection device 110 may be a device that controls the fluid so that it can be continuously injected into the integrated inlet and the inlets of the target object separation devices.

[0109] In one embodiment, a fluid is injected by a fluid injection device 110 into an integrated inlet of a target object separation unit 120, and the fluid injected into the integrated inlet can flow into the inlets of a plurality of target object separation devices. The fluid flowing into the inlets of the plurality of target object separation devices can concentrate the target objects in one direction and discharge non-target objects in other directions as it flows through each target object separation device. As a result, the target object separation device may be equipped with a target object acquisition unit that discharges the concentrated target objects in one direction and a non-target object discharge unit that discharges non-target objects. Target objects discharged from the plurality of target object acquisition units are collected and discharged at a target object integrated discharge port, and the discharged target objects can be collected in a target object collection unit. Similarly, non-target objects discharged from the plurality of non-target object discharge units are collected and discharged at a non-target object integrated discharge port, and the discharged non-target objects can be collected in a non-target object collection unit.

[0110] In one embodiment, the automatic target object separation device may include only the fluid injection device 110, the target object separation unit 120, the integrated inlet, the integrated outlet, and the connecting unit that securely connects the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, or it may include the target object collection unit and the non-target object collection unit as well.

[0111] Figure 6 illustrates the separation of cells using a cell culture medium as an example, but the fluid is not limited to cell culture medium and can include various fluids containing fine particles, such as whole blood. However, for the sake of explanation, the following explanation will use cell culture medium as an example of the fluid.

[0112] In one embodiment, the fluid injection device 110 can acquire a fluid 610, which is a cell culture medium, and adjust it to continuously inject it into the target object separation unit 120. For example, the fluid injection device 110 is an interlocking pump and can adjust it so that a fixed amount of fluid is injected into the integrated inlet within a predetermined time. For example, the fluid injection device 110 may play a role in adjusting the injection rate to 0.1 to 20 mL of fluid per minute. The fixed amount of fluid that flows into the integrated inlet of the target object separation unit 120 can be divided and injected into the inlets of the target object separation devices connected in parallel. As the cell culture medium flows inside the target object separation device, the cells contained in the cell culture medium can be concentrated in a certain direction. This allows the target object acquisition unit to obtain cells concentrated in a certain direction, resulting in a high concentration of cells. For example, a target object with a concentration between approximately 5 and 100 times that of the fluid can be obtained. According to one embodiment, a high concentration of target object can be obtained in a short time by the automatic target object separation device.

[0113] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an automatic target object separation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to Figure 7, the automatic target object separation device 700 may include a fluid injection device 710, a memory 720, a display 730, a user input unit 740, a coupling unit 750, and a processor 760. However, not all of the components shown in Figure 7 are essential components of the automatic target object separation device 700. The automatic target object separation device 700 can be realized with more components than those shown in Figure 7, or with fewer components than those shown in Figure 7.

[0115] For example, the automatic target object separation device 700 may further include a target object separation unit, a target object collection unit, a non-target object collection unit, and so on.

[0116] In one embodiment, the fluid injection device 710 may be a device for continuously injecting fluid into the target object separation section of an automatic target object separation device. The fluid injection device 710 may also include a pump.

[0117] In one embodiment, memory 720 may contain and store various types of data, such as programs and files, including applications. The processor 760 may access and utilize the data stored in memory 720, or it may store new data in memory 720. In one embodiment, memory 720 may include a database. In one embodiment, memory 720 may store an algorithm for controlling the flow rate. This allows the processor 760 to use the algorithm stored in memory 720 to control the speed of the fluid injected using the fluid injection device. Furthermore, the fluid speed can also be adjusted by controlling the operating speed of the fluid injection device, for example, its rotational speed.

[0118] In one embodiment, the display 730 can display and output information processed by the automatic target object separation device 700. When the display 730 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display 730 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The display 730 may include at least one of the following: liquid crystal display, thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, organic light-emitting diode, flexible display, 3D display, and electrophoretic display. Depending on the implementation of the automatic target object separation device 700, the automatic target object separation device 700 may include two or more displays 730.

[0119] In one embodiment, the user input unit 740 means means for the user to input data for controlling the automatic target object separation device 700. For example, the user input unit 740 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, a voice recognition device, a gesture recognition device, etc.

[0120] In one embodiment, the connecting portion 750 can connect the components of the automatic target object separation device 700 to each other. The connecting portion 750 can serve to connect the fluid, the target object separation unit, the target object collection unit, and the non-target object collection unit within the automatic target object separation device 700 without leakage of the fluid or exposure to the outside. For example, the connecting portion 750 may include tubes, pipes, etc. Also, for example, the connecting portion 750 may be formed from a material such as sterilizable silicone, bioprene, or DEHP-free PVC. In contrast to existing centrifugal separation methods, which require the transfer of the target object to a centrifugal tube, exposing the target object to external contamination, one embodiment has a closed structure and is not exposed to the outside, thus preventing contamination by the external environment.

[0121] In one embodiment, the processor 760 controls the overall operation of the automatic target object separation device 700 and may include at least one processor such as a CPU or GPU. The processor 760 can control other components included in the automatic target object separation device 700 to perform operations for operating the automatic target object separation device 700. For example, the processor 760 may execute a program stored in memory 720, read a stored file, or save a new file. In one embodiment, the processor 760 can perform operations for operating the automatic target object separation device 700 by executing a program stored in memory 720. For example, the processor 760 can obtain user input to drive the automatic target object separation system via the user input unit 740 and, based on the user input, control the fluid injection device 710 to continuously inject fluid into the target object separation unit. Alternatively, for example, the processor 760 can output separation operation information of the automatic target object separation device 700 or the automatic target object separation system to the display 730. Here, separation operation information may include whether or not an operation is performed, fluid information (e.g., fluid type, quantity, identification information), target object information, non-target object information, flow velocity information, separation speed information, elapsed time information, required time information, etc. Also, for example, the processor 760 can obtain user input for controlling the flow velocity via the user input unit 740 and control the velocity of the injected fluid based on an algorithm for controlling the flow velocity stored in the memory 720.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the target object can be automatically separated without any additional work. If an existing centrifuge is used, the upper layer liquid must be removed manually after centrifugation is complete, but the apparatus according to one embodiment automatically separates the target object, so the entire process can be performed automatically without any additional work.

[0123] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the automatic target object separation device 700 can continuously separate target objects regardless of the sample volume. Since the target object separation device, such as a microfluidic chip, does not have a filter or membrane structure, clogging does not occur, and therefore the automatic target object separation device 700 can continuously separate target objects regardless of the sample volume.

[0124] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the automatic target separation device 700 can process the target object without damaging it during the separation process. Unlike centrifugation, the target separation device predominantly applies shear stress for only a very short time, resulting in less physical damage to the target object. With these advantages, it can be applied to sensitive processes such as the manufacture of cell therapy agents.

[0125] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the automatic target object separation system can be used even inside a clean bench because the drive unit can be miniaturized.

[0126] The descriptions of this disclosure set forth herein are illustrative, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs will understand that the invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical idea or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0127] The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modified or altered forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as the concept of equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. In an automated target object separation system, Fluid injection device, A target object separation unit including multiple target object separation devices, An integrated inlet for injecting fluid into the target object separation section using the fluid injection device, The target object separation unit includes a target object integration outlet that discharges target objects concentrated in a certain direction, A target object collection unit for collecting target objects discharged to the integrated target object discharge port, and The connecting portion includes at least one of the following: a first connecting portion connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, and a second connecting portion connecting the target object integrated discharge port and the target object collection unit. The aforementioned connecting portion is The system further includes a fourth connecting portion that connects the integrated injection port and each of the injection ports of the plurality of target object separation devices, An automatic target object separation system in which the fluid injected into the integrated inlet is divided and injected into the respective inlets of the plurality of target object separation devices via the fourth connecting part.

2. The automatic separation system for the target object is, A non-target object integrated discharge port for discharging non-target objects that are not the target objects from the target object separation unit, and The system further includes a non-target object collection unit that collects non-target objects discharged to the aforementioned non-target object integrated discharge port, The aforementioned connecting portion is The automatic separation system for target objects according to claim 1, further comprising a third connecting portion that connects the non-target object integrated discharge port and the non-target object collection portion.

3. The automatic target object separation system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of target object separation devices are arranged in parallel.

4. The aforementioned connecting portion is The automatic target object separation system according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the fluid injection device, the target object separation unit, the integrated injection port, the integrated target object discharge port, and the target object collection unit are connected in a closed manner so as not to be exposed to the outside.

5. The automatic separation system for the target object is, User input section, and The system further includes a processor that controls at least one of the fluid injection device and the connecting portion, The aforementioned processor, A first user input is obtained via the user input unit to drive the automatic separation system for the target object, An automatic target object separation system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid injection device is controlled to continuously inject the fluid into the target object separation section based on the first user input.

6. The automatic separation system for the target object is, The display and, The system further includes a processor that controls at least one of the fluid injection device and the connecting portion, The aforementioned processor, The display outputs separation operation information of the automatic separation system for the target object. The aforementioned separation operation information is, An automatic separation system for target objects according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following: information on the fluid, information on the target object, information on non-target objects, flow velocity information, separation velocity information, elapsed time information, and required time information.

7. The automatic separation system for the target object is, A memory for storing algorithms for controlling flow velocity, User input section, and The system includes a processor that controls at least one of the fluid injection device and the connecting portion, The aforementioned processor, A second user input for controlling the flow rate is received via the user input unit. An automatic separation system for target objects according to claim 1, wherein the velocity of the injected fluid is controlled based on the second user input and an algorithm for controlling the flow velocity.

8. The aforementioned target object separation unit is The automatic target object separation system according to claim 1, which is replaceable depending on the type of target object and whether or not the target object separation unit is used.

9. Each of the aforementioned plurality of target object separation devices is: An injection section into which the fluid flowing in from the aforementioned integrated inlet is injected, A first passage section comprising one or more first structures, such that the target object flows in a concentrated direction during the process of the injected fluid flowing, and The automatic target object separation system according to claim 1, comprising a target object acquisition unit for acquiring target objects concentrated in a certain direction.

10. Each of the aforementioned plurality of target object separation devices is: Non-target object discharge unit, A high-speed channel portion is formed extending to at least a part of the region between the injection portion and the target object acquisition portion, A second passage section is formed separately from the first passage section and has the same height as the first passage section, and The automatic target object separation system according to claim 9, further comprising at least one column structure arranged in one or more of the injection section, the first passage section, the second passage section, the target object acquisition section, and the non-target object discharge section.

11. An automatic method for separating target objects, The steps include: injecting fluid into the integrated injection port of the target object separation section using a fluid injection device; The steps include: causing the fluid to flow through the target object separation unit, which includes multiple target object separation devices; Based on the flow of the aforementioned fluid, the steps include: discharging the target objects concentrated in a certain direction in the target object separation unit through the target object integration outlet; and The step includes collecting the target objects discharged to the target object integrated discharge port into the target object collection unit, The step of causing the fluid to flow through the target object separation unit is, The steps include: dividing and injecting the fluid injected into the integrated inlet via a fourth connecting portion that connects the integrated inlet and each of the inlets of the plurality of target object separation devices into the respective inlets of the plurality of target object separation devices; and The step of causing the fluid injected into each of the multiple target object separation devices to flow within each of the multiple target object separation devices, An automatic method for separating target objects, wherein one or more of the following are connected in a closed manner so as not to be exposed to the outside: between the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, and between the target object integrated discharge port and the target object collection unit.

12. Based on the flow of the aforementioned fluid, the steps include: discharging non-target objects from the target object separation unit through the non-target object integrated discharge port; and The method further includes the step of collecting the non-target objects discharged to the non-target object integrated discharge port into a non-target object collection unit, The method for automatically separating target objects according to claim 11, wherein the non-target object integrated discharge port and the non-target object collection unit are connected in a closed manner so as not to be exposed to the outside.

13. The method for automatically separating target objects according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of target object separation devices are arranged in parallel.

14. The automatic separation method for the target object is: A step of obtaining a first user input for driving the automatic separation system for the target object, A step of controlling at least one of the integrated inlet and the first connecting part connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet in order to continuously inject fluid into the target object separation section using the fluid injection device based on the first user input, The steps include receiving a second user input for controlling the flow rate, A step of controlling the velocity of the injected fluid based on the second user input and the algorithm for controlling the flow velocity, and The step includes outputting separation operation information of the automatic separation system for the target object, The aforementioned separation operation information is, The method for automatically separating target objects according to claim 11, comprising at least one of the following: information on the fluid, information on the target object, information on non-target objects, flow velocity information, separation speed information, elapsed time information, and required time information.

15. The aforementioned target object separation unit is The automatic target separation method according to claim 11, which is interchangeable depending on the type of target object and whether or not the target object separation unit is used.

Images