Cell Washing Device Using Bulk Acoustic Wave Phantom Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for washing red blood cells prior to transfusion are tedious, time-consuming, and require extensive use of tubing and expensive centrifuges, necessitating a more streamlined process.
Innovation Solution
The use of a separation device with a non-circular, non-square cross-sectional shape and a standing bulk acoustic wave (SBAW) to separate components from a multicomponent mixture, where the SBAW generates pressure nodes that guide components through a separation channel with distinct geometries, allowing for efficient separation and collection of red blood cells from wash solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centrifuges and multistep washing processes are used, then red blood cells can be separated from wash solution, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires expensive equipment with rotating seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal separation system with an acoustic wave-based separation system. Bulk acoustic waves generate pressure nodes that selectively position red blood cells within the fluid stream, enabling separation without mechanical centrifuges or rotating seals. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming multistep washing process while maintaining effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes bulk acoustic waves (mechanical vibration) propagating through the separation channel to create standing wave patterns with pressure nodes. These vibrations selectively affect red blood cells based on their acoustic properties, causing them to migrate to specific positions in the channel where they can be collected, thereby achieving rapid separation without traditional mechanical methods.
2Reliability
If traditional centrifuges with rotating seals are used, then cell separation can be achieved, but expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugal separation equipment with a simpler acoustic wave generation system. The separation channel with integrated acoustic transducers eliminates the need for expensive centrifuges with rotating seals, reducing both equipment cost and operational complexity while maintaining reliable cell separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation channel is designed to generate its own separation forces through bulk acoustic waves. The acoustic field automatically creates pressure nodes that selectively position red blood cells without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex control systems, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If extensive tubing and multistep processes are used, then thorough washing can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple washing and separation steps into a single integrated separation channel. The acoustic wave-based separation performs cell concentration and wash solution removal simultaneously in one continuous process, eliminating the need for extensive tubing connections and multiple manual transfer steps, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process operates continuously with the acoustic field actively separating cells throughout the entire fluid flow through the channel. This continuous action replaces discrete, stepwise washing operations, reducing operational complexity and making the process less tedious while ensuring thorough washing through sustained acoustic 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
This method significantly simplifies the blood washing process by using acoustic waves to efficiently separate and concentrate red blood cells, reducing processing time and equipment requirements while maintaining high purity and concentration.
Implementation Method 1
flowing the multicomponent mixture relative to a standing bulk acoustic wave to thereby separate the component from the multicomponent mixture
Implementation Method 2
The first surface of the device can include a material that is configured to reflect an acoustic wave
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
Separation devices for separating a component from a multicomponent mixture are provided. The separation devices can include a body that defines a separation channel with a cross-sectional geometry that is not circular, rectangular, or square. The separation devices can be positioned relative to a base having an acoustic wave generator. A standing bulk acoustic wave generated by the acoustic wave generator can separate one or more components from the multicomponent mixture. Methods are provided for separating one or more components from a multicomponent mixture using the separation devices.