Agitating Filter Device for Biological Sample Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from biological samples are inefficient, leading to low target cell density, contamination, and the need for specialized equipment, which can result in delayed diagnosis and repeated sampling, affecting patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a device with a filtration unit and agitator that uses a series of liquid transfer steps through an agitating filter to efficiently separate target cells from contaminants, preserving cells in a native state for rapid analysis, utilizing a pressure measurer to stop filtration at a predetermined pressure, and employing peristaltic pumps for suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filtration is used to separate target cells from biological samples, then separation efficiency is improved, but filtration clogging and pressure buildup occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic backflushing cycles where filtration occurs in one direction to capture target cells, then reverses flow direction to clear accumulated debris from the filter surface. This periodic reversal prevents clogging while maintaining high separation efficiency throughout the filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reversible flow system as an intermediary mechanism between the sample input and filter. By controlling flow direction through valves and pressure differentials, the system mediates between the need for continuous filtration and the need to prevent clogging, allowing bidirectional flow to clear the filter surface.
2Speed
If pressure is increased to improve filtration speed, then processing time is reduced, but filter clogging occurs more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically alternates between high-pressure forward filtration and lower-pressure backflushing. During forward filtration, higher pressure accelerates processing; during backflushing, reduced pressure clears debris. This periodic pressure variation maintains high average filtration speed while preventing rapid clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the usual unidirectional filtration approach by implementing reversible flow. When clogging begins to occur under high pressure, the system reverses flow direction to flush debris off the filter surface, thereby sustaining high filtration speeds without permanent clogging.
3Device complexity
If manual evaluation methods are used to identify target cells, then specialized equipment is reduced, but diagnostic time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary enrichment of target cells through filtration and concentration before evaluation. By pre-concentrating target cells from large sample volumes into small enriched fractions, the system reduces the time needed for subsequent manual or automated evaluation, eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment while maintaining rapid diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and isolates target cells from complex biological samples through filtration and enrichment steps. By separating target cells from the bulk sample matrix and concentrating them, the patent simplifies subsequent evaluation procedures, allowing rapid identification without requiring complex specialized equipment for direct analysis of whole samples.
4Reliability
If repeat sampling is performed to ensure accurate diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient burden and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary enrichment of target cells from large sample volumes, concentrating rare target cells into detectable levels in a single sampling event. This preliminary concentration ensures sufficient target cell recovery for accurate diagnosis, eliminating the need for repeat sampling while maintaining high diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of target cells through filtration and enrichment processes. By increasing target cell concentration from trace levels to detectable levels in a single processing step, the patent ensures accurate diagnosis from one sample, avoiding the time loss associated with repeated sampling.
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 rapid and effective purification and enrichment of target cells, reducing the need for repeat sampling, minimizing time to analysis, and allowing for the preservation and analysis of non-target components, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration unit having a first side and a second side... pass a fluid sample through a filter thus purifying certain components of the sample
Implementation Method 2
a pressure measurer in fluid communication with the second side of the filtration unit
Implementation Method 3
a first suction means having a first suction reservoir and in elective fluid communication with the first side of the filtration unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device for sample purification and enrichment comprising a filtration unit having a filter and an agitator, wherein suction draws a sample across the filter and a back wash flushes materials collected in the filter. The amount of collected material in the filter is determined by a pressure measurer controlling the suction and back wash.