Biological Sample Processing Device with Magnetic Separation Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing biological samples are inefficient in separating and concentrating components of interest for optical examination, particularly in removing excess magnetic beads that interfere with imaging and cell morphology analysis.
Innovation Solution
A processing device with a container having compartments and a filtering element, assisted by magnetic fields and hydrodynamic forces, separates components by size and magnetic properties, allowing selective passage of magnetic particles and collection on optical surfaces for enhanced purity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic particles are used to label cells for separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but excess magnetic beads interfere with optical imaging and cell morphology analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes excess magnetic beads from the sample using a filtering element with specific pore sizes. The filter allows magnetic bead aggregates to be retained while permitting labeled cells to pass through or be collected separately, thereby eliminating the harmful interference of excess beads with optical imaging while preserving the labeling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different magnetic field strengths and directions. A first magnetic field with perpendicular field lines is used for separation, while a second magnetic field with parallel field lines is applied for concentration. This spatial variation in magnetic field properties enables selective manipulation of magnetic particles at different locations to achieve both separation and concentration objectives.
2Device complexity
If conventional separation methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but separation purity and concentration efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation process into distinct phases using a multi-compartment container structure. The first compartment performs initial separation under a first magnetic field, while the second compartment enables concentration under a second magnetic field. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high separation purity without requiring overly complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic field parameters, switching between two different magnetic field configurations (perpendicular for separation, parallel for concentration). This dynamic adjustment of field direction and strength enables the system to adapt to different process requirements, achieving high separation purity and concentration efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through programmable field control.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic fields are applied for particle manipulation, then separation accuracy is improved, but processing time increases due to multiple field phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing separation in the first compartment before concentration in the second compartment. The initial separation phase pre-concentrates and purifies the sample, reducing the burden on the subsequent concentration phase. This sequential preliminary processing achieves high separation accuracy while minimizing total processing time by optimizing the workflow progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing an uninterrupted two-phase magnetic field process. The transition from the first magnetic field configuration to the second is seamless, with both phases contributing productively to the overall separation and concentration objective. This continuous action eliminates idle time between operations, achieving high accuracy without excessive processing delays.
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 method enables rapid, efficient, and pure separation of components, improving the accuracy and efficiency of subsequent optical processing steps by removing excess beads and concentrating cells on an optical surface, enhancing image quality and cell analysis.
Implementation Method 1
applying a non-homogeneous magnetic field... Generating during the first phase a magnetic field with a nonzero field gradient across the filtering element
Implementation Method 2
magnets create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material... The first magnet arranged to generate during the first phase a magnetic field with a nonzero field gradient across the filtering element
Implementation Method 3
a first microstructure adapted to provide a capillary force for transporting sample fluid from the sample input portion to the sensor portion
Implementation Method 4
The optical surface may be any surface on which optical processes of a desired kind may take place, for example a surface on which the components can optically be imaged by a microscope, a camera or the like
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to means for processing a sample fluid containing different components, particularly magnetic particles (M) and targets (cells) (C+M) labeled with magnetic particles. A processing device(100) according to the invention comprises a container (110) with a first compartment (120) that can be filled with a sample fluid and that is separated from a second compartment (130) by a filtering element (140). The filtering element (140) allows the passage of only at least one selected component(M) of the sample. Moreover, an optical surface (150), for example a microscopy slide, is provided in one (120) of the compartments. Components (C+M) of the sample that are in this compartment (120) collect on the optical surface (150). The migration of sample components (M, C+M) is preferably assisted by magnetic fields (B1, B2).