Closed Microparticle Separation for Large-Volume Sterile Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating and concentrating microparticles or plasma, such as centrifugation and microfluidic chips, face challenges with cell damage and inefficiency when processing large volumes, requiring significant time and labor.
Innovation Solution
A closed automatic separation system and method using a target object separation device with a fluid injection unit, integrated inlets and outlets, and collection units, connected in a hermetically sealed manner to prevent external exposure, allowing for parallel arrangement and automation of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifuges are used to separate and concentrate microparticles, then separation and concentration can be achieved through density differences, but the equipment is expensive and there is a risk of physically damaging microparticles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with a magnetic field system. Magnetic particles are introduced to bind target microparticles, and a magnet is used to separate them, substituting the heavy mechanical centrifuge with a simpler magnetic separation system that avoids high-speed rotation and mechanical stress on samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary substance. These magnetic particles bind to target microparticles through specific recognition (e.g., antibodies), and the bound complex is then separated using magnetic field, serving as a mediator between the target microparticles and the separation mechanism
2Productivity
If microfluidic chip-based technology is used for separation and concentration, then small amounts of reagents and low power are required with high portability, but processing liters to tens of liters of reagents requires significant time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation process into multiple parallel stages using multiple microfluidic chips connected in series. Each chip handles a portion of the total volume, and by operating multiple chips simultaneously or in sequence, the system can process large volumes (liters to tens of liters) without requiring excessive time, effectively dividing the large-scale processing task into manageable segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple microfluidic chip systems into an integrated automated platform. By combining multiple chips, pumps, and control systems into a unified automated processing line, the system maintains the advantages of microfluidic technology (low reagent consumption, portability) while achieving high throughput capable of processing large volumes efficiently
3Productivity
If manual processing is used for large volumes of reagents, then flexibility is maintained, but significant time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the microfluidic chips and connected pumping systems perform the separation process autonomously. The system self-regulates fluid flow, automatically processes samples through the chip channels, and collects separated components without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while dramatically reducing labor requirements and increasing throughput
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 separation and concentration of target objects without damage, reducing contamination risk and automating the process for large volumes, thereby improving throughput and reducing labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid injection device; a target object separation unit including one or more target object separation devices
Implementation Method 2
To separate and concentrate such specific microparticles or plasma, centrifuges are primarily used, which separate and concentrate microparticles or plasma mainly through density differences between cells
Implementation Method 3
a connection unit including at least one of a first connection part connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, or a second connection part connecting the target object integrated outlet and the target object collection unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an automatic separation system and method for target objects designed to prevent external exposure. In one embodiment, the automatic separation system for target objects may include: a fluid injection device; a target object separation unit containing one or more target object separation devices; an integrated inlet for injecting fluid into the target object separation unit using the fluid injection device; a target object integrated outlet for discharging target objects concentrated in a specific direction from the target object separation unit; a target object collection unit; and a connection unit that includes at least one of a first connection part connecting the fluid injection device and the integrated inlet, or a second connection part connecting the target object integrated outlet and the target object collection unit.