Compact Cell Sorter Integration for Bubble-Free Droplet Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometers and cell sorters require external supporting equipment for safety and temperature control, which increases costs and lab space requirements, making them bulky and inefficient for laboratory use.
Innovation Solution
A compact integrated flow cytometer and cell sorter system with a fluidics system, flow cell, deflection chamber, and droplet deposition unit, featuring a gas bubble remover, transparent cuvette for optical interrogation, and a nozzle assembly with a kinematic linkage for precise droplet formation and sealing, integrated with a DDU system for safe and efficient sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external supporting equipment is connected to maintain safety and temperature control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates temperature control and safety features directly into the flow cytometer housing. The housing contains integrated heating elements and temperature sensors that maintain sample temperature without external equipment. Safety features such as biohazard containment and waste fluid management are built into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate external supporting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cytometer housing performs self-service functions by incorporating all necessary temperature control and safety mechanisms within its structure. The system monitors and regulates its own temperature through integrated sensors and heating elements, and maintains safety containment without requiring external intervention or equipment.
2Temperature
If external supporting equipment is used for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is merged into the housing structure itself. Heating elements and temperature sensors are integrated within the housing walls and sample flow paths, allowing temperature regulation without occupying additional lab space. The housing becomes both the containment structure and the thermal control system.
3Reliability
If multiple external devices are connected for safety and temperature control, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates autonomously with integrated temperature control and safety monitoring built into the housing. Users simply load samples and initiate runs without needing to connect or configure external temperature control devices or safety equipment. The system self-regulates temperature and maintains safety containment throughout 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 system reduces footprint, enabling multiple units to be placed in a lab while maintaining safety and efficiency, allowing for precise sorting and interrogation of cells or particles without the need for external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a fluidics system under pressure to cause a sheath fluid and a sample biological fluid to flow, the fluidics system includes a gas bubble remover eliminating gas bubbles in the sheath fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fluidics system under pressure to cause a sheath fluid and a sample biological fluid to flow, the flow cell coupled in communication with the fluidics system to receive the sheath fluid, wherein a sample biological fluid flows with cells or particles through the flow cell to be surrounded by the sheath fluid
Implementation Method 3
the deflection chamber under the flow cell to receive the drops of sample biological fluid and sheath fluid out of the flow cell, the deflection chamber to selectively deflect one or more of the drops along one or more deflection paths based on the selective charging of the drops
Implementation Method 4
a droplet deposition unit (DDU) system in communication with the deflection chamber to receive selectively deflected drops in the stream of the sample biological fluid with the one or more biological cells or particles into one or more containers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a flow cell and a fluidics system under pressure causing sheath and sample biological fluids to flow. The fluidics system includes a gas bubble remover to remove and eliminate gas bubbles in the sheath fluid. The flow cell receives sheath fluid from the fluidics system, wherein the sample biological fluid flows with cells or particles through the flow cell to be surrounded by the sheath fluid. A deflection chamber under the flow cell receives drops of the sample biological fluid and sheath fluid out of the flow cell to selectively deflect one or more of the drops along one or more deflection paths. A droplet deposition unit system in communication with the deflection chamber receives the selectively deflected drops in the stream of the sample biological fluid with the one or more biological cells or particles into one or more containers.