Acoustic Density Adjusting Apparatus for Cell Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing density adjusting apparatuses for cell suspensions, such as those using centrifugal force or filtration, are costly, complex, and not amenable to miniaturization, and methods like passive concentration struggle with achieving precise desired densities due to dependence on flow path shape.
Innovation Solution
A density adjusting apparatus with a micro flow path structure featuring a main flow path and branch flow paths equipped with concentration valves, controlled by processing circuitry to adjust particle density by opening and closing the valves based on measured and goal densities, allowing for precise concentration and dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centrifugal force is used to adjust cell density, then cell density can be adjusted, but the apparatus becomes expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with an acoustic field system. Specifically, it uses acoustic radiation pressure generated by standing waves in a micro flow path to concentrate cells at nodal points, eliminating the need for centrifugal units and complex mechanical structures while achieving precise cell density adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for cell concentration from mechanical centrifugal force to acoustic frequency. By controlling the frequency and intensity of acoustic waves, the system can precisely adjust cell density without requiring complex mechanical components, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Measurement precision
If centrifugal force is used to adjust cell density, then cell density can be adjusted, but the apparatus is not susceptible to miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical centrifugal system with a compact acoustic field system that can be implemented in micro flow paths. The acoustic radiation pressure method uses standing waves generated in small channels to concentrate cells, enabling miniaturization while maintaining precise cell density adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional centrifugal separation to one-dimensional acoustic node-based concentration along the micro flow path. Cells are concentrated at specific nodal positions within the acoustic field, allowing precise control of cell density in a miniaturized format without requiring large centrifugal components
3Measurement precision
If filtering is used to adjust cell density, then cell density can be adjusted, but particles are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the filtering mechanical system with an acoustic field system. Acoustic radiation pressure gently concentrates cells at nodal points without physical contact or membrane filtration, completely eliminating cell loss while achieving precise cell density adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic radiation pressure as an intermediary force to concentrate cells. This non-contact acoustic field acts as a mediator that redistributes cells spatially without requiring physical filtration membranes, thus preventing cell loss while achieving the desired cell density
4Measurement precision
If passive concentration is used in micro flow path, then cell concentration can be achieved, but the concentration ratio depends on flow path shape making it difficult to adjust to desired density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through adjustable acoustic frequency and intensity parameters. By varying the acoustic field characteristics, the concentration ratio and cell density can be dynamically adjusted independent of flow path geometry, providing versatile density control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from fixed flow path shape to adjustable acoustic field parameters (frequency, intensity, wavelength). This allows the concentration ratio to be tuned by modifying acoustic parameters rather than being constrained by the physical geometry of the micro flow path, achieving flexible density adjustment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and precise adjustment of cell suspension density without particle loss, achieving densities 1 to 6.7 times higher than the input, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a density adjusting apparatus that causes a liquid containing particles to flow through a micro flow path while applying acoustic waves to the liquid, thereby concentrating the particles at specific positions in the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A density adjusting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flow path structure and processing circuitry. The flow path structure includes a main flow path and at least one branch flow path. A particle suspension flows into the main flow path. The one or more branch flow paths branch from the main flow path and are provided with one or more concentration valves related to concentrating the particle suspension. The processing circuitry obtains density information indicating a density of particles contained in the particle suspension and goal information indicating a goal density of the particles contained in output liquid caused to flow out of the main flow path. The processing circuitry controls opening and closing of the concentration valves, on the basis of the density information and the goal information.