Blood Plasma Separation Device Centrifugal Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating blood plasma from whole blood are inefficient in removing red blood cells, leading to incomplete separation and potential re-mixing of fractions.
Innovation Solution
A blood plasma separation device with a first reservoir and a second reservoir, where centrifugal force separates whole blood into a plasma-rich fraction in the first reservoir and a red blood cell-containing fraction in the second reservoir, with a constricted region preventing re-mixing and allowing for efficient removal of red blood cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional centrifugal separation is used, then plasma separation is achieved, but red blood cell removal is incomplete leading to re-mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three distinct regions: a first region for receiving whole blood, a second region for collecting plasma, and a third region for collecting red blood cells. This segmentation prevents mixing between fractions by providing dedicated collection zones separated by fluid communication pathways with controlled flow directions.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid communication pathway with one-way flow control acts as an intermediary between the separation regions. This pathway allows plasma to flow from the first region to the second region while preventing backflow and re-mixing with red blood cells in the third region, ensuring fraction stability.
2Productivity
If centrifugal force is applied continuously, then separation efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with distinct collection regions and fluid communication pathways designed to maintain fraction separation. The geometry and flow control features are built-in beforehand, allowing simple centrifugal operation to achieve effective separation without complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure itself provides the separation function through its geometric design and fluid communication pathways. Once centrifugal force is applied, the device automatically directs plasma to the second region and red blood cells to the third region without requiring external control, achieving self-regulated separation.
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
The device effectively separates at least 75% of red blood cells from the plasma fraction, with options for up to 100% removal, ensuring high purity of plasma and preventing re-mixing even after centrifugal force is terminated.
Implementation Method 1
responsive to centrifugal force applied to the device, the sample of whole blood disposed within the first reservoir separates into a first fraction and a second fraction
Implementation Method 2
The channel can be configured to substantially fill with the first fraction via capillary action responsive to termination of the centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating blood plasma from whole blood includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first reservoir is configured to receive a sample of whole blood including red blood cells and includes a collection region and a constricted region. The second reservoir is fluidically connected to the constricted region of the first reservoir, such that, responsive to centrifugal force applied to the device, the sample of whole blood disposed within the first reservoir separates into a first fraction and a second fraction. The first fraction is located in the collection region and includes blood plasma from which substantially all red blood cells have been removed. The second fraction is located in the second reservoir and includes blood plasma and red blood cells that have been removed from the first fraction by the centrifugal force. The constricted region inhibits the second fraction from entering the collection region.