Acoustic Particle Concentration in Liquid Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting and quantifying particles in air and liquids are inefficient, particularly at low concentrations, leading to difficulties in biothreat detection and environmental analysis, as they require large sample volumes, are prone to human error, and are not suitable for emergency response scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A novel membrane filter-based system for fractionating and concentrating particles, using a cascade filter stack with staged filters of decreasing pore size, pressure, vacuum, and mechanical shear to achieve rapid and efficient separation and concentration of biological particles in a small volume, allowing for simultaneous foam elution to minimize fluid volume and maximize detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be separated by density, but the process takes several minutes to several hours and requires multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an acoustic field-based concentration system. Acoustic radiation force acts on particles in the liquid sample to concentrate them at specific locations within the chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and multiple manual steps while reducing concentration time from minutes/hours to seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for particle concentration from mechanical centrifugal force to acoustic radiation force. By applying acoustic waves at specific frequencies and amplitudes, particles are concentrated through acoustic standing waves, achieving rapid concentration without the time-consuming mechanical centrifugation process.
2Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be separated, but the technique requires powered equipment and high operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical centrifugation system requiring skilled operation with a simpler acoustic field-based system. The acoustic concentration chamber uses sound waves that automatically concentrate particles without requiring manual intervention or specialized operator skills, making the system easier to operate and automate.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic concentration system is self-regulating through the physics of acoustic radiation force. Particles automatically concentrate at acoustic pressure nodes or antinodes based on their acoustic properties, eliminating the need for operator skill in timing, speed control, or manual intervention required by centrifugation.
3Quantity of substance
If wet cyclone collectors are used for aerosol collection, then biological particles can be collected into liquid, but the device has difficulty maintaining set fluid volume and requires storage under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collection system into distinct functional zones: an aerosol injection zone, an acoustic concentration chamber, and a detection zone. The liquid sample is contained in a controlled chamber where acoustic fields concentrate particles without the fluid handling issues of wet cyclones, maintaining stable fluid volume while enabling efficient particle collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wet cyclone collection system with an acoustic field-based concentration system. Instead of relying on centrifugal force in a rotating cyclone that struggles with fluid volume control, the system uses acoustic radiation force in a stationary chamber to concentrate particles, providing stable fluid volume control and eliminating environmental storage requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If dry filters are used for particle collection, then particles can be collected from air and liquid, but it is extremely difficult to remove particles into liquid for detector analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an acoustic field-based concentration system working directly in liquid. Particles are concentrated acoustically within the liquid sample without requiring transfer from a dry filter, eliminating the difficult and inefficient particle elution step while maintaining high collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic radiation force as an intermediary mechanism to concentrate particles directly in the liquid phase. This eliminates the need for the intermediate step of collecting particles on a dry filter and then transferring them to liquid, providing a direct path from collection to detection that is both efficient and easy to implement.
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
The system enables rapid concentration of particles from large volumes to small, manageable samples in seconds, improving detection limits, reducing processing time, and facilitating automation, making it suitable for biothreat detection and environmental analysis.
Implementation Method 1
concentration of particles from a liquid using acoustic radiation force
Implementation Method 2
concentration of particles from a liquid using acoustic radiation force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for devices, systems and methods for fractionation and concentration of particles from a fluid sample. This includes a cartridge containing staged filters having porous surface in series of decreasing pore size for capture of particles from a fluid sample; and a permeate pressure source in fluid communication with the cartridge; wherein the particles are eluted from the porous surfaces and dispensed in a reduced fluid volume.