Continuous Centrifugal Column for Microbubble Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating microbubbles from lipid solutions are inefficient and costly due to batch-wise processing, requiring additional steps and human intervention, which prolongs the time and resources needed for generating concentrated microbubbles for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A continuous centrifugal isolation system that uses a centrifugal column to separate and concentrate microbubbles from lipid solutions via centrifugation, allowing for continuous operation and efficient extraction of concentrated microbubble suspensions while recycling excess lipid solutions, thereby reducing processing time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch-wise centrifugation is used to concentrate microbubbles, then separation and concentration can be achieved, but processing time and operational costs increase due to frequent human intervention and additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous centrifugal separation system where dilute microbubble suspension is continuously fed into the centrifugal column, and concentrated microbubbles are continuously extracted from the center outlet. This eliminates the batch-wise operation mode, allowing the separation process to run continuously without frequent stopping and manual intervention, thereby significantly improving processing speed and productivity while maintaining reliable separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with automated fluid handling where the continuous flow of suspension through the centrifugal column and the extraction of concentrated microbubbles occur without frequent human intervention. The system self-regulates the separation process through continuous operation, reducing the need for manual loading, unloading, and operation steps that characterize batch-wise processing.
2Reliability
If batch-wise centrifugation with multiple steps is used, then microbubble concentration can be achieved, but the number of operational steps and human intervention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous centrifugal separation system performs concentration, separation, and extraction in a single integrated continuous process. The suspension flows continuously through the centrifugal column where concentration occurs, and concentrated microbubbles are simultaneously extracted at the center outlet. This eliminates the multiple discrete steps required in batch-wise operation, simplifying the operational procedure while maintaining high concentration quality through consistent centrifugal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple operational functions (feeding suspension, centrifugal separation, concentration, and extraction of concentrated microbubbles) into a single integrated continuous process within the centrifugal column system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate batch-wise操作步骤, reducing operational complexity and making the process easier to operate while ensuring reliable concentration quality through unified process control.
3Reliability
If conventional batch processing is used, then microbubble separation can be achieved, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous centrifugal separation system operates without interruption, with suspension continuously fed into the centrifugal column and concentrated microbubbles continuously extracted. This eliminates the time losses associated with batch-wise operation such as stopping between batches, manual loading/unloading, and cleaning cycles. The continuous operation maintains constant separation effectiveness while dramatically reducing total processing time and resource consumption.
4Reliability
If batch-wise centrifugation is used, then microbubble concentration can be achieved, but additional extraneous components and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the centrifugal separation, concentration, and extraction functions into a single unified continuous system. The centrifugal column serves as both the separation chamber and the concentration zone, with the center outlet directly extracting concentrated microbubbles. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment and extraneous components required in batch-wise processing, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable concentration capability.
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
The system enables rapid and cost-effective continuous concentration and extraction of microbubbles, improving the efficiency of microbubble concentration and handling, and facilitating their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications by maintaining a sterile environment and producing high yields, such as generating at least 50 mL of concentrated microbubble suspension per minute.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the centrifugal body, such as a column or cylinder, exerts a centrifugal force on the dilute buoyant particles causing them to migrate to the center of the rotating body forming a region of concentrated buoyant particles
Implementation Method 2
the centrifugal body exerts a centrifugal force on the components of the solution, such as excess lipids or surfactants, causing them to migrate outward forming a region of excess solution
Implementation Method 3
the differential buoyancy of the concentrated buoyant particles, compared to the excess lipid solution, induces the upward migration of the concentrated buoyant particles within the centrifugal column facilitating extraction
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive technology described herein includes a novel mechanical apparatus and system which allows centrifugation of small micron sized particles. The invention allows for continuous separation of ultrasound contrast agents (microbubbles) from lipid solution via centrifugation assisted by a motor. The system allows for mass isolation and collection of microbubbles. The invention also allows for the dispensation of lipid solution. In one preferred embodiment, dilute microbubble solution is introduced to the system and subjected to a centrifugal force such that the particles migrate towards the center and collectively rises for extraction, while the lipid solution dispenses and is replace with an equal volume of dilute solution. In one preferred embodiment, the device includes a rotating column or cylinder driven by a belt drive assembly, with the column being supported by annular bearings on both ends. The bearings allow rotation of the outer cylinder independent of stationary input cylinder and output components.