Closed-System Centrifuge Tube With Microchannels for Sample Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Sample loss and contamination during sample preparation and centrifugation processes in traditional centrifuge tubes, especially in low-volume assays, due to manual manipulation and exposure of samples to the environment, leading to poor analytical test results.

Innovation Solution

A closed system centrifuge tube design with multiple ports and channels that allow for controlled sample and reagent addition/removal without opening the tube, including a pellet accumulation zone, waste removal port, and pellet removal port, connected by thin-walled microchannels, enabling efficient pellet extraction and isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation and opening of centrifuge tube is performed for sample preparation, then ease of operation is improved, but sample loss and contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsample loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge tube is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pellet accumulation zone for sample concentration, a waste accumulation zone for waste management, and separate ports for sample and waste removal. This segmentation allows independent operation of sample and waste streams, preventing cross-contamination and sample loss while maintaining ease of use through dedicated access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary waste accumulation zone between the pellet accumulation zone and the external environment. This intermediate zone captures waste products during centrifugation, preventing direct contact between waste and the sample area. The waste can be removed through a separate port, acting as a mediator that isolates harmful waste from the sample while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation and opening of centrifuge tube is performed for sample preparation, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination of sample increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge tube is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pellet accumulation zone for sample concentration, a waste accumulation zone for waste management, and separate ports for sample and waste removal. This segmentation allows independent operation of sample and waste streams, preventing cross-contamination and sample loss while maintaining ease of use through dedicated access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary waste accumulation zone between the pellet accumulation zone and the external environment. This intermediate zone captures waste products during centrifugation, preventing direct contact between waste and the sample area. The waste can be removed through a separate port, acting as a mediator that isolates harmful waste from the sample while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If traditional centrifuge tube design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sample loss during transfer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsample loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the centrifuge tube structure itself: the tube provides both centrifugation containment and integrated sample/waste accumulation zones. The pellet accumulation zone and waste accumulation zone are built into the tube structure, eliminating the need for separate collection vessels. This integration reduces sample loss by maintaining a closed system while the modular port design keeps the overall complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary waste accumulation zone between the pellet accumulation zone and the external environment. This intermediate zone captures waste products during centrifugation, preventing direct contact between waste and the sample area. The waste can be removed through a separate port, acting as a mediator that isolates harmful waste from the sample while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If insufficient removal of supernatant is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but sample contamination and dilution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsample concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge tube is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pellet accumulation zone for sample concentration, a waste accumulation zone for waste management, and separate ports for sample and waste removal. This segmentation allows independent operation of sample and waste streams, preventing cross-contamination and sample loss while maintaining ease of use through dedicated access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates visual indicators or feedback mechanisms that show the user the status of supernatant removal. The separated zones provide visual feedback on whether the pellet is properly isolated from waste, allowing users to stop removal at the optimal point to achieve the desired sample concentration without over-removal causing dilution or under-removal causing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Minimizes sample loss and contamination by maintaining a closed system during sample preparation, ensuring high concentration and efficient transfer of pellets for analytical tests.

Implementation Method 1

centrifuge tubes to separate a sample from an overall solution including the sample and reagents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a microchannel that runs through thin walls of the inner centrifuge tube. In some embodiments, the microchannel is connected to the pellet accumulation zone through the acute-angled elbow joint and connected to one or more pellet removal ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through microchannel:

Data Source

PatentUS12453967B2Closed system centrifuge tube for performing sample transfer

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A closed system centrifuge tube is described and discussed herein that enables removal of waste and transfer and removal of samples via one or more ports of the centrifuge tube within the closed system, without exposing the sample to the outer environment. This may enable greater sample retention during sample processing and centrifugation of the sample.