Cell Sorter Electrode Configuration for Reliable Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric cytometry devices lack clarity on specific configurations of the sorter unit, separation control section, and sorting method, leading to unreliable cell sorting due to varying cell flow speeds influenced by cell structure, shape, and size, necessitating individual delay time settings for each flow path design.
Innovation Solution
A cell sorter with a measuring electrode, working electrode, and detection electrode, where the detection electrode is separate from the measuring electrode and in proximity to the working electrode, allowing for real-time detection and generation of a sorting signal to form a working electric field without requiring a delay time for each flow path design, ensuring reliable cell sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a given delay time is set for cell sorting after the measurement area, then the sorting can be performed, but the sorting reliability deteriorates because cell flow speed varies with cell structure, shape, and size
Solution Approach 1:
The detection electrode provides real-time feedback on cell presence to the output section, which dynamically controls the working electrode activation. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for predetermined delay time settings, as the system automatically synchronizes sorting action with actual cell arrival at the sorting location.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection electrode detects cells in advance before they reach the sorting location, allowing the output section to prepare and activate the working electrode at the optimal moment. This preliminary detection and preparation ensures reliable sorting without requiring complex delay time calculations.
2Productivity
If separate detection electrode and working electrode are used in proximity, then real-time cell detection and sorting control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection electrode and working electrode are positioned in close proximity within the same flow path region, merging the detection and sorting functions into a unified spatial arrangement. This allows the detection electrode to sense cell arrival and the working electrode to immediately respond with sorting action, enhancing throughput while sharing a compact structural space.
Solution Approach 2:
The output section acts as an intermediary that receives detection signals from the detection electrode and translates them into controlled working signals for the working electrode. This intermediary control layer coordinates the temporal and spatial relationship between detection and sorting actions, enabling high-speed operation without requiring direct physical coupling between electrodes.
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 configuration eliminates the need for setting a delay time for each flow path design, enabling more reliable cell sorting and enhanced throughput by controlling cell movement with reduced pitch between cells.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring electrode forms a measuring electric field in the flow path to measure a complex dielectric constant of each of the cells flowing through the flow path
Implementation Method 2
The working electrode forms, in the flow path, a working electric field to sort the cells by imparting a dielectrophoretic force to the cells and using the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cell sorter including a measuring electrode, working electrode, detection electrode, and output section. The measuring electrode forms a measuring electric field in a flow path to measure a complex dielectric constant of each cells flowing through the flow path. The working electrode forms, in the flow path, a working electric field to sort the cells by imparting a dielectrophoretic force to the cells and using the flow path. The detection electrode detects the presence of the cell in the fluid flowing through the flow path. The output section acquires a sorting signal based on information about the measured complex dielectric constant and a detection signal indicating the detection of the cell by the detection electrode. The output section outputs a working signal adapted to form the working electric field to the working electrode when the detection signal is acquired if the sorting signal is acquired.