Centrifuge Insert with Segmented Openings for Density Gradient Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for density gradient separation in centrifuge tubes face challenges such as difficulty in loading Ficoll or other density separation media, clogging issues due to blood clots or immunorosettes, and instability of inserts during centrifugation, which can disrupt the separation process and lead to contamination or loss of target cells.
Innovation Solution
An insert for a centrifuge tube with specific openings and a support structure that allows easy filling with density separation media, prevents clogging, and maintains stability during centrifugation, enabling reliable separation and recovery of target cell populations without mixing with the media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an insert is used to facilitate loading of density separation media, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into a support structure and a barrier member with multiple openings, allowing the barrier to be segmented into functional zones (loading openings for media introduction, separation openings for cell passage during centrifugation). This segmentation enables the insert to facilitate loading while maintaining simplicity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If the insert has openings to allow media flow, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to clogging from blood clots or immunorosettes
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the barrier member have different properties: the loading openings are positioned and sized to facilitate media introduction, while the separation openings are positioned at specific locations (e.g., lower on the barrier) and sized to allow cell passage while being less prone to clogging. This local differentiation of opening characteristics resolves the contradiction between media flow and clogging resistance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the insert is positioned to prevent mixing between sample and media, then separation precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to handling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-positioned in the centrifuge tube before loading the density separation media and sample. The support structure is designed to automatically position the barrier member at the correct height and location, establishing the separation interface in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures separation precision while simplifying handling, as the insert self-aligns and requires minimal manual adjustment during operation.
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 insert facilitates efficient and reliable density gradient separation by allowing easy loading and separation of media, preventing clogging, and ensuring the stability of the insert during centrifugation, thereby improving the recovery of target cells and reducing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
density gradient separation
Implementation Method 2
separating a target population in a sample using density gradient separation by spinning the tube in a centrifuge
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a centrifuge tube suitable for use in density gradient separation is described. The insert includes a member sized to fit within the tube for dividing the tube into a top portion and a bottom portion. Optionally the insert has a support extending or depending from the member for positioning the member within the tube. At least two openings are located on the member so that a first opening is closer to a bottom end of the tube relative to a second opening when the insert is positioned in the centrifuge tube. Also described are methods for separating a target population of cells from a sample using the insert for a centrifuge tube.