Acoustofluidic Nanoparticle Separation via Flow Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of acoustophoresis are ineffective in separating particles smaller than 1 μm in size due to weak primary acoustic forces, making it challenging to manipulate and isolate nanoparticles and other sub-micrometer-sized particles.
Innovation Solution
Combining acoustophoresis with acoustic fluid relocation, where a standing acoustic wave field is applied to a mixture of particles in a microfluidic device, allowing for the separation of sub-micron-sized particles from micron-sized particles by utilizing acoustic forces and fluid drag to relocate smaller particles to lateral streams while larger particles remain in the central stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustophoresis is used to separate particles, then particles greater than 1 μm can be isolated and enriched, but particles less than 1 μm cannot be effectively separated due to weak acoustic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle population into two distinct size groups (greater than 1 μm and less than 1 μm) and applies different separation mechanisms to each group within the same device, allowing both size ranges to be effectively separated despite the different force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separation mechanisms (acoustophoresis for larger particles and acoustic fluid relocation for smaller particles) into a single integrated system, enabling comprehensive separation of particles across a broad size range that neither mechanism could achieve alone
2Measurement precision
If acoustic forces are increased to manipulate sub-micron particles, then separation capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal acoustic device that performs multiple separation functions (acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation) using a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate complex devices for different particle size ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the acoustic field (frequency, amplitude, waveform) to optimize separation for different particle sizes without altering the physical device structure, allowing flexible adaptation to various separation needs
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 separation and enrichment of nanoparticles and microparticles, achieving high purity levels, with the ability to isolate particles such as viruses, bacteria, and exosomes from biological fluids, and can be used in clinical applications for sample purification.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustophoresis is a method for suspending matter in a medium using acoustic radiation pressure from intense sound waves in the medium
Implementation Method 2
the standing acoustic wave field subjects the flow stream to acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a method of separating particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure also describes a microfluidic device that can be used to separate particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure describes methods of separating nanoparticles, microparticles, nanoparticles from microparticles, and micron-sized particles from sub-micron-sized particles.