Acoustic Particle Separation in Microfluidic Biofluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for separating target particles from non-target particles in biofluids are limited by their inability to efficiently distinguish between particles of similar size and density, leading to incomplete separation and potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the pretreatment of biofluids with additives to alter the size, density, or aggregation potential of target and non-target particles, combined with the use of microfluidic separation channels and acoustic energy to selectively accumulate target particles in a primary stream and non-target particles in a secondary stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation methods are used, then the process is simple, but the separation efficiency between particles of similar size and density is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying physical properties of particles and fluid through pretreatment. Additives are introduced to alter particle size, density, compressibility, and aggregation potential, creating differential responses to acoustic forces that enable efficient separation of particles with similar characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation methods with acoustic field-based separation. Acoustic energy is applied to the biofluid to generate acoustic forces that selectively accumulate particles in primary and secondary streams, achieving separation without mechanical filtration or centrifugation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If acoustic energy is applied to separate particles, then separation selectivity improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation selectivityVSAvoidacoustic energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action through pretreatment of the biofluid before acoustic separation. Additives are introduced to pre-alter particle properties (size, density, compressibility, aggregation potential), which enhances the differential acoustic response and improves separation selectivity, thereby reducing the energy required for effective separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If target particles are removed from biofluid, then purity increases, but loss of therapeutic components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle purityVSAvoidtherapeutic particle loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different acoustic response zones within the biofluid flow. Particles with specific local properties (target particles vs. non-target particles) experience different acoustic forces due to their differential compressibility and density, enabling selective accumulation in primary and secondary streams while preserving therapeutic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enables efficient and selective separation of target particles from non-target particles, achieving high purity and recovery rates, and allowing for the recycling and therapeutic reuse of target particles.

Implementation Method 1

applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel to accumulate target particles within a primary stream along the separation channel and accumulate non-target particles within a secondary stream along the separation channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel to accumulate target particles within a primary stream along the separation channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic streaming:

Implementation Method 3

introducing an additive to alter at least one of density of the biofluid, density of the target particles, and density of the non-target particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity gradient: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 4

introducing an additive into the biofluid to alter at least one of size of the target particles, size of the non-target particles, compressibility of the biofluid, compressibility of the target particles, compressibility of the non-target particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressibility difference:

Data Source

PatentUS20250198985A1Acoustic separation of particles for bioprocessing

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY INC

AI summary

A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.