Acoustic Fluid Bag System for Low-Stress Cell Fractionation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid collection and fractionation systems, such as those used for blood processing, face challenges including high shear stress on cells due to centrifugation, lengthy processing times, and the need for multiple manual steps, which can contaminate samples and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A closed, disposable multiple fluid bag system incorporating acoustic wave generators to create an acoustic force field within channels for sorting and fractionating fluids, eliminating the need for centrifugation and reducing manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation is used to fractionate biological fluid, then the fluid can be separated into components, but high shear stress is applied to cells and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an acoustic field-based separation system. Acoustic wave generators create standing waves that generate acoustic radiation forces to separate cells and fluid components based on their acoustic properties, eliminating the need for high-speed rotation and associated shear stress while achieving effective fractionation
2Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation is used for fractionation, then components can be separated, but processing duration is extended to several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic separation system processes fluid at much higher speeds than centrifugation because it relies on acoustic radiation forces rather than gravitational centrifugal forces. The system can achieve complete fractionation in minutes rather than hours by using controlled acoustic fields to rapidly separate components through the channel
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with pre-configured acoustic wave generators and channel geometries that optimize separation efficiency from the start. The acoustic fields are pre-established to create optimal standing wave patterns that immediately begin separating components as fluid enters, eliminating the gradual separation process required by centrifugation
3Ease of operation
If multiple manual steps are performed for fractionation, then fluid can be transferred between bags, but contamination risk increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fractionation function directly into the fluid transfer pathway. The acoustic separation channel is incorporated within the closed bag system, allowing fluid to be transferred and fractionated in a continuous, automated process without requiring separate manual intervention steps for each operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated acoustic fields to perform the separation function without manual intervention. Valves and pumps within the closed system automatically control fluid flow through the acoustic channel, and the system self-regulates the fractionation process, eliminating the need for operator manipulation and reducing contamination risk
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
This system enables efficient, sterile, and high-throughput fractionation of biological fluids into specific components without centrifugation, minimizing shear stress and manual intervention, thereby improving product quality and processing speed.
Implementation Method 1
a channel having first and second walls along a second transverse axis, at least one wall being arranged for receiving an acoustic wave generator, said thickness of channel and said acoustic wave generator being intended to cooperate in order to generate an acoustic force field over the thickness of the channel for sorting and fractionating a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multiple bag system for fractionating a fluid, including a fluid collecting bag with at least one outlet port; at least first and second sampling bags, each having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port; and a mechanism for transferring fluid from the fluid collecting bag to the sampling bags. The fluid transfer mechanism includes an acoustic sorter. Also disclosed is a method for fractionating a fluid into fluid products.