Magnetic Bead Collection Probe with Vibrational Agitator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manipulating magnetic beads during washing and processing steps are inefficient, often requiring physical agitation and release from a probe, leading to bead dispersion and increased fluid handling, which affects washing efficiency, time, and reagent volume.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a bead collection probe and external magnet to concentrate magnetic beads, with a mechanical translator for coordinated movement, allowing for agitation and washing without releasing the beads from the probe, using a polymer material for the probe and an agitator for selective agitation within the established magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic beads are released from the probe and physically agitated for washing, then bead dispersion is improved, but bead aggregation occurs and requires additional physical agitation to fully disperse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an agitator that contacts the probe surface to induce localized oscillations. This vibration mechanically disrupts bead aggregates and facilitates fluid exchange around the beads while they remain concentrated on the probe, eliminating the need for complete bead release and re-collection cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary agitator element that transfers mechanical energy to the bead-probe interface. This intermediary mechanism enables washing action without requiring direct manipulation of the beads themselves, resolving the contradiction between maintaining bead concentration and achieving effective washing
2Productivity
If magnetic beads are concentrated on the probe using a magnet, then bead collection efficiency is improved, but fluid carryover between washing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical vibration applied during washing steps creates oscillatory motion that expels trapped fluid from between the beads and the probe surface. This vibration-based fluid removal reduces carryover while maintaining bead concentration on the probe, eliminating the trade-off between collection efficiency and fluid contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternation between magnetically concentrating beads and applying mechanical vibration for washing. This periodic cycle of concentration-washing-concentration progressively reduces fluid carryover while maintaining high bead collection efficiency throughout the process
3Reliability
If multiple wash steps are performed with bead release and re-collection, then washing efficiency is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous washing action by keeping beads concentrated on the probe throughout the washing process. The agitator continuously contacts the probe surface to facilitate fluid exchange without interrupting the magnetic concentration, eliminating the time losses associated with repeated bead release and re-collection operations
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical vibration provides continuous mechanical agitation during washing without requiring bead dispersal. This continuous vibration-based washing mechanism achieves thorough cleaning in a single sustained operation rather than multiple interruptive cycles, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining washing 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
This approach enhances magnetic bead manipulation efficiency by reducing fluid carryover, simplifying automation, and shortening processing time, while minimizing the need for fluid transfer and reducing the risk of spillage, allowing for effective mixing and washing without fully dispersing the beads.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet external to the vessel for selectively establishing a magnetic field within the vessel
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic responsiveness of the beads then allows the beads together with any captured targets to be concentrated within the fluid using a magnet
Implementation Method 3
a vibrational source is attached to the collection probe such that, in combination with the magnet in a position external to the vessel, beads may be washed without releasing them from the collection probe
Implementation Method 4
an agitator for selective agitation within the established magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method and apparatus for removing magnetic beads together with molecular targets of interest from a fluid is described. A consumable bead collection probe is placed in a vessel containing magnetic beads suspended in the fluid. A magnet outside the vessel concentrates magnetic beads on a surface of the collection probe so they may be manipulated in and out of vessels during washing or processing steps without transferring the fluid into or out of a vessel. In a further embodiment, a vibrational source is attached to the collection probe such that, in combination with the magnet in a position external to the vessel, beads may be washed without releasing them from the collection probe.