Capillary Blood Plasma Filter for Low-Energy Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating blood plasma from whole blood are inefficient, often requiring expensive equipment, high energy input, and result in limited purity or clogging issues, making them unsuitable for resource-limited or point-of-care settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a filter module and a plasma collection module that uses capillary action to separate blood plasma from other blood components without the need for centrifugation or electrophoresis, utilizing membranes like VIVID GF and AHLSTROM 142 for efficient plasma collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation is used to separate plasma from whole blood, then separation purity is improved, but energy consumption and equipment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the centrifugal mechanical system with a capillary-driven passive filtration system. The capillary membrane utilizes surface tension and capillary forces to drive plasma separation without external mechanical energy input, eliminating the need for centrifuges while achieving effective plasma separation from whole blood.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary membrane system is self-driven through inherent capillary forces present in the porous membrane structure. The plasma flow is automatically generated by the interaction between the liquid and the capillary pores, requiring no external power source or mechanical actuation, thus enabling energy-free operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation is used to separate plasma from whole blood, then separation purity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential separation function from the complex centrifugal system and implements it through a simple capillary membrane filter. By taking out only the necessary plasma separation capability and implementing it through passive capillary forces, the system eliminates unnecessary mechanical components, motors, and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary membrane filter is designed as a simple, low-cost, disposable component that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, and reusable centrifuge equipment while providing sufficient separation purity for diagnostic applications.
3Reliability
If synthetic membranes are used for blood plasma separation, then centrifugation problems are avoided, but device complexity increases due to multiple filter layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous capillary membrane with specifically engineered pore sizes that enable plasma separation through capillary forces. The porous structure provides the necessary filtration capability while maintaining simplicity, as the capillary action naturally drives plasma through the pores without requiring multiple layers or complex mechanical structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional filter materials are used, then filtration is achieved, but flow rate is retarded due to material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the capillary membrane parameters, particularly the pore size and surface properties, to enhance capillary forces. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both effective plasma filtration and maintained flow rate, as the optimized capillary structure facilitates rapid plasma transport through the membrane without clogging or excessive resistance.
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 allows for the separation of a fixed volume of plasma with minimal energy input, achieving high purity and efficiency, and is suitable for resource-limited settings, enabling effective plasma collection for diagnostic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a collection membrane configured to draw blood plasma into the plasma collection module by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems, devices, kits, and methods for separating blood plasma from whole blood. In particular, the present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for separating a fixed volume of blood plasma from whole blood with minimal energy input.