Broad Leading Edge Separation Element for Particle Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical devices for manipulating biological cells and particles are inefficient in segregating smaller and larger particles due to clogging issues and reduced throughput, particularly when dealing with mixed populations like circulating tumor cells and red blood cells.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a separation element with a segregating step having a leading edge significantly broader than the channel width, allowing for the segregation of particles based on their ability to traverse a passageway with varying heights and shapes, reducing clogging and maintaining constant throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional separation element with narrow leading edge is used, then particle segregation is achieved, but clogging occurs and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the leading edge of the separatrix in the lateral dimension (across the channel width) to create a broad leading edge that spans the entire channel. This dimensional extension allows multiple particles to be simultaneously segregated at different lateral positions, dramatically increasing throughput while the elevated position maintains size-based separation functionality and prevents clogging by distributing particles across a wide separation zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The broad leading edge effectively segments the channel into multiple parallel separation zones across its width. Each segment handles particle segregation independently at its lateral position, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple particles without interference, thus increasing overall throughput while maintaining reliable size-based separation at each segment.
2Measurement precision
If the channel height is reduced to segregate larger particles, then separation precision is improved, but smaller particles cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variation by having the separatrix elevate only at its leading edge (where separation occurs) while maintaining lower height in downstream regions. This localized elevation at the leading edge provides precise size-based separation for larger particles, while the downstream region maintains sufficient height to allow smaller particles to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between separation precision and particle passage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for segregating particles on the basis of their ability to flow through a stepped passageway. At least some of the particles are unable to pass through a narrower passageway bounded by a segregating step, resulting in segregation of the particles. The breadth of the leading edge of at least one step of the apparatus is significantly greater than the overall width of the passageway in which the step occurs, permitting high and rapid sample throughput. The apparatus and methods described herein can be used to segregate particles of a wide variety of types. By way of example, they can be used to segregate circulating tumor cells from a human blood sample.