Air Bubble Cell Manipulation via Flow Channel Pneumatics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manipulating organisms, such as cells, in cell biology research face challenges in efficiently and precisely controlling the position and attachment of cells to air bubbles for manipulation and recovery, particularly in a culture vessel setting.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that form and control air bubbles in a liquid culture using a flow channel to attach and manipulate organisms, involving airflow control to position and recover cells by moving the flow channel relative to the liquid and vessel surface, and using a double tube structure for gas supply and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional suction methods are used to manipulate cells in culture vessels, then cell manipulation can be performed, but the precision and efficiency of cell positioning and attachment control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air bubbles formed through a flow channel to manipulate cells. Gas is introduced into the liquid culture medium to create air bubbles that can attach to and transport cells. This pneumatic approach enables precise control of cell positioning and movement without direct mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between precision and efficiency in cell manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bubble acts as an intermediary between the manipulation system and the cells. Instead of directly suctioning or touching cells with mechanical tools, the air bubble serves as a mediator that can selectively attach to cells and transport them. This intermediary approach improves both positioning precision and manipulation efficiency while maintaining cell viability.
2Productivity
If air bubbles are formed to attach and manipulate organisms, then cell attachment and separation efficiency is improved, but control over airflow and bubble position becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is designed to be movable relative to the culture vessel, allowing dynamic adjustment of air bubble formation position and airflow direction. This dynamic capability enables efficient cell separation and attachment control without requiring complex fixed airflow control systems, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel serves multiple functions: it introduces gas to form air bubbles, controls airflow within the bubbles, and enables movement to position bubbles at different locations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex control systems into a single integrated component, improving cell separation efficiency while managing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flow channel is moved relative to the liquid and vessel surface to generate airflow, then cell manipulation precision is improved, but the complexity of position control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flow channel utilizes the relative motion between itself and the culture vessel to generate the required airflow patterns for cell manipulation. The system leverages its own movement to create the airflow, rather than requiring separate complex airflow generation mechanisms. This self-service approach improves manipulation precision while keeping position control manageable.
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
Enables precise manipulation and recovery of cells by forming and controlling air bubbles, allowing for efficient separation and attachment of cells to the gas-liquid interface, improving the handling and subculturing of cells without damaging their viability.
Implementation Method 1
an air bubble forming step for forming an air bubble in liquid in which the organism has been immersed
Implementation Method 2
an airflow controlling step for generating an airflow in the air bubble and manipulating a position of the organism with the airflow
Implementation Method 3
an organism attaching step for attaching the organism to the air bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A first aspect of the present invention provides a manipulating method of an organism including forming an air bubble in liquid where the organism is immersed, attaching the organism to the air bubble, and controlling an airflow by generating the airflow in the air bubble and manipulating a position of the organism with the airflow.