Acoustofluidic Separation Using Isotopic-Ratio Liquids Without Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustofluidic methods face challenges in separating particles with the same sign acoustic contrast due to the need for complex microfluidic cavity structures or additional steps to modify liquid properties, leading to interference with subsequent analysis instruments.

Innovation Solution

Using a second liquid with a different acoustic impedance and isotopic ratio relative to the first liquid to perform acoustofluidic operations, minimizing interference by avoiding the addition of particles, compounds, or ions, thus enabling integration with analytical instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If particles with the same sign acoustic contrast are separated using time-of-flight principle, then separation is achieved, but the microfluidic cavity structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidmicrofluidic cavity structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the acoustic impedance parameter of the suspending liquid by mixing it with a liquid having different acoustic impedance and isotopic ratio. This parameter change creates different acoustic contrast for particles with the same sign, enabling their separation without requiring complex microfluidic cavity structures or time-of-flight principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If particles with the same sign acoustic contrast are separated by modifying liquid properties, then separation is achieved, but it requires additional steps and adds complexity to the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-mixing the suspending liquid with a liquid of different acoustic impedance and isotopic ratio before introducing the particle suspension. This preliminary modification of the liquid properties enables direct separation in the acoustofluidic device without requiring additional modification steps during the separation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If additional particles or compounds are added to modify liquid properties for separation, then acoustic contrast is improved, but interference with subsequent analysis instruments occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic contrastVSAvoidinterference with analysis instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameter (acoustic impedance) of the suspending liquid by mixing with a liquid of different isotopic ratio, rather than adding particles or compounds. This approach improves acoustic contrast for particle separation while avoiding contamination that would interfere with subsequent mass spectrometry or blood gas analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes the use of chemical additives (particles, compounds, ions) with a physical method (acoustic impedance mismatch through isotopic ratio difference) to achieve the same separation effect without harmful side effects on analysis instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Achieves effective separation and manipulation of particles without disturbing the liquid sample, allowing integration with analytical instruments like mass spectrometers and blood gas analyzers.

Implementation Method 1

a standing wave may appear in the channel. This standing wave exerts a force on the particles in the suspension dependent on the acoustic contrast of each individual particle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

An ultrasound transducer, particularly a piezoelectric element, is attached to the substrate and actuated to produce an ultrasonic vibration in the substrate in the range of about 1-10 Mhz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

contacting the liquid sample with second liquid which: a. has a different acoustic impedance relative to the first liquid, and b. has a different isotopic ratio of at least one chemical element of the molecules making up the first liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic impedance difference:

Data Source

PatentEP4603185A1Methods and systems for acoustofluidic operations using different isotopic ratio second liquid

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 ACOUSORT

Figure 1A~3

AI summary

1. A method of performing an acoustofluidic operation, comprising the steps of: i. providing a liquid sample comprising a first liquid, ii. contacting the liquid sample with second liquid which: a. has a different acoustic impedance relative to the first liquid, and b. has a different isotopic ratio of at least one chemical element of the molecules making up the first liquid, iii. positioning the liquid sample and second liquid in a cavity, and iv. performing an acoustofluidic operation by providing at least a part of a, preferably standing, acoustic wave in the cavity. Also disclosed are an acoustofluidic system, a use, and a second liquid.