Array Ultrasonic Probe for Simultaneous Sample Lysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sonication devices for liquid samples are limited in throughput, require excessive cleaning, and are not suitable for simultaneous processing of multiple samples, often contaminating probes and being cumbersome for high-volume applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a rack for holding an array of sample vials with an ultrasonic probe that applies mechanical stress and vibrational energy to the vials' bottom surfaces, allowing for simultaneous sonication of multiple samples without direct contact, thus preventing contamination and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If probe sonication is used to supply substantial energy, then sonication effectiveness is improved, but the device is limited to one sample at a time and requires costly cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The single probe is segmented into multiple probes arranged in an array, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples while maintaining the substantial energy delivery capability of probe sonication. Each probe independently processes one sample, thereby increasing throughput without sacrificing sonication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe array apparatus is designed to process multiple different sample types simultaneously using the same probe structure and sonication mechanism, making the system universally applicable to various sonication needs while maintaining high throughput and reducing per-sample processing time.
2Power
If metal probe is immersed into the sample, then substantial sonic energy is transferred, but the probe becomes contaminated and requires costly cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The probes are designed as disposable plastic components rather than expensive metal probes. After use, each probe is discarded rather than cleaned, eliminating costly cleaning procedures and reducing contamination risks. The low cost of disposable plastic probes makes this economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling medium (such as water or gel) is introduced as an intermediary between the probe and the sample. This allows sonic energy to be transferred effectively without the probe directly contacting and contaminating the sample, thereby reducing or eliminating cleaning requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If bath sonication is used, then cleaning is simplified, but the amount of energy transferred to the sample is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling medium serves as an intermediary that transmits sonic energy from the probe through the container wall to the sample. This allows the probe to remain outside the sample (simplifying cleaning) while still delivering substantial energy through the medium and container interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of immersing the probe directly into the sample (zero-dimensional contact), the system uses the container wall as an intermediate surface, transferring energy through a different dimensional path. The probe contacts the container exterior, and energy propagates through the wall to the sample interior, bypassing direct sample contact.
4Device complexity
If manual operation is used for single sample sonication, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple probes are merged into a single integrated array structure that operates simultaneously. The probes share common support infrastructure, control systems, and housing, allowing multiple samples to be processed at once while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control mechanisms.
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 efficient lysis of multiple samples with high throughput, minimizing contamination and cleaning requirements, while ensuring homogeneous energy distribution and comparability of results across samples.
Implementation Method 1
an external converter is provided which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range, and an ultrasonic probe is provided to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sample container. The ultrasonic probe is in communication with a converter and transmits the mechanical vibrations to the wall of the sample container and thereby to the inner volume to excite and mix the sample material in the container.
Implementation Method 2
water transfers the sonic energy from a transducer to a sample, or with probe sonicators where a metal probe immersed into the sample applies the sonic energy to it
Implementation Method 3
an external converter is provided which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing sonication on liquid samples comprises a rack for holding an array of sample vials, an ultrasonic probe with an arrangement of recesses corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively receive and contact an outer surface of a bottom portion of a respective one of the sample vials, and a counter-holder with an arrangement of pushing members corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively apply a force to a respective one of the sample vials so as to push the bottom portion of each vial into contact with the associated recess of the probe. The apparatus can be used in a method of preparing a sample for detection of cell components (e.g. cell analyte, proteins, nucleid acids etc.) and applying sonication within certain parameter ranges which can provide a universal lysis method that can be applied to a large variety of cells or organisms like all bacteria, viruses, spores, yeast and mold within the same apparatus and process.