Automated Cell Sorting Cartridge With Purgeable Magnetic Flow Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell sorting systems are inefficient and labor-intensive due to manual operation, prone to clogging with inappropriate magnetic particle sizes, and require precise throughput knowledge, limiting their versatility and reusability.
Innovation Solution
An automated cell sorting system with a cartridge and instrument bay, featuring a magnetic array and actuator, allows for flexible sorting of micrometer- and nanometer-sized magnetic particles, includes a flow cell with a purge line for automatic decoupling and purging, and integrates with a robot for automated workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic particles are used for cell sorting, then targeted cells can be separated from non-targeted cells, but the system experiences clogging when inappropriate particle sizes are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the size parameters of magnetic particles (offering both nanometer-sized and micrometer-sized options) and modifying the flow cell geometry (height between 1/16w to 1/4w of magnet width) to prevent clogging while maintaining sorting effectiveness. This resolves the contradiction by changing physical parameters to eliminate the harmful clogging effect.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for cell sorting, then the system is simpler to construct, but it is operationally inefficient and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated batch processing where the system automatically flows cell suspensions through the flow cell, applies magnetic fields, and collects sorted cells without continuous manual intervention. The magnet is brought into close proximity automatically, and multiple batches can be processed sequentially, significantly improving productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Productivity
If components are configured for specific throughput volumes, then the system can accommodate the total throughput, but additional knowledge and configuration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a flow cell with adjustable height (1/16w to 1/4w of magnet width) and a magnetic array that can be repositioned, allowing the same system to accommodate different magnetic particle sizes and throughput requirements. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining productivity flexibility.
4Reliability
If the magnetic array is held in close proximity to the flow cell, then cell sorting is effective, but the system cannot be easily rinsed or washed to release clogged particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the magnetic array position adjustable rather than fixed. The array can be moved to different positions including away from the flow cell, enabling easy rinsing and washing of the flow cell to release any clogged particles. This dynamic positioning maintains sorting effectiveness when needed while enabling cleanability when required, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
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
Enables efficient, high-throughput, and reusable cell sorting with reduced manual intervention, accommodating varying magnetic particle sizes without clogging, and facilitating seamless integration with additional cell processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
The magnets of the magnetic array may be arranged with alternating polarities proximate to the flow cell
Implementation Method 2
sorting the cells to separate targeted cells from non-targeted material. Sorting cellular material using a cell sorting system can be performed by tagging targeted cells with magnetic particles, such that the targeted cells may be separated from the non-targeted cells by using a magnet to attract the targeted cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for automated cell sorting within a cell processing system. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an automated cell sorting system comprising a cartridge having a cell sorting module, where the cell sorting module comprises a flow cell, and an instrument within a bay of a cell processing workcell, where the instrument comprises a magnetic array couplable to the flow cell, each of the magnets within the magnetic array having a width of w and being spaced apart by between about w/3 to about ¾w, and wherein the flow cell has a height of between about 1/12w to about ⅛w.