Acoustophoresis Microfluidic Device for Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for processing large volumes of biological samples, such as whole blood and body fluids, are cumbersome, often require selective lysis which can kill or slow down microorganisms, and do not allow for continuous flow processing, limiting the viability and rapid growth of pathogens, and are prone to contamination and operator errors.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustophoresis in microfluidic devices that processes biological samples without selective lysis buffers, allowing continuous flow and concentrating microorganisms while separating non-specific particles, ensuring sample viability and rapid growth, and reducing contamination risks through a simplified protocol compatible with various analysis methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional chemical lysis methods are used to separate microorganisms from blood samples, then separation efficiency is improved, but microorganism viability deteriorates due to detergent damage and prolonged stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical lysis mechanisms with acoustic field-based separation (acoustophoresis). Ultrasound waves generate acoustic radiation pressure that separates particles based on density and compressibility differences, eliminating the need for detergents and chemical buffers that damage microorganisms while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from chemical parameters (detergent concentration, pH) to physical parameters (acoustic frequency, pressure amplitude). By adjusting acoustic field parameters, the system achieves effective separation while preserving microorganism integrity and enabling rapid regrowth
2Manufacturing precision
If filtration methods are used to process large sample volumes, then separation capability is improved, but processing time deteriorates due to manual steps and filter cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow acoustophoresis where samples are continuously introduced into the microfluidic device and processed in real-time. The acoustic field continuously separates microorganisms from blood cells without interruption, eliminating manual transfer steps and filter cleaning cycles, thereby dramatically reducing total processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the separation function from manual filtration operations and integrates it into an automated microfluidic system. The acoustic separation occurs inline within the device, removing the need for external filtration equipment and manual intervention, thus streamlining the workflow and reducing time loss
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional centrifugation and gel tube methods are used, then microorganism extraction is achieved, but device complexity and operator intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal microfluidic platform that handles diverse sample types (whole blood, blood cultures, body fluids) using a single acoustophoresis-based separation mechanism. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized equipment (centrifuges, gel tubes, various buffers) with one integrated system that maintains extraction efficiency across different sample matrices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges sample introduction, acoustic separation, and microorganism collection into a single integrated microfluidic device. By combining functions that previously required separate equipment and manual操作步骤 into one continuous automated process, the system reduces device complexity and minimizes operator intervention while maintaining extraction efficiency
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 method effectively decomplexifies and concentrates biological samples, ensuring the viability of microorganisms, facilitating rapid growth and accurate analysis, while minimizing contamination and operator errors, and is compatible with multiple analytical techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a separation step of the biological sample by acoustophoresis
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic transducer, attached to the separation channel, is then activated by a control signal, so as to perform a separation step of the biological sample by acoustophoresis
Implementation Method 3
the buffer and the sample being introduced at respective flow rates suitable for generating a laminar flow in the separation channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of treating a biological sample, preferably a sample of blood or bodily fluids likely to contain one or more species of interest, and comprising a step of decomplexification by acoustopherisis. The invention also relates to associated systems, devices, substrates and connection devices.