Density-Based Collector for Isolating Rare Target Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing suspensions, such as blood samples, are inefficient in detecting and isolating rare materials like circulating tumor cells due to their low concentrations, making it difficult and time-consuming to diagnose and treat cancer effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a primary vessel, collector, and processing vessel with a two-part seal, including a float and sealing ring, that uses density-based separation and displacement fluids to efficiently isolate target materials from suspensions, allowing for accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional blood film analysis techniques are used to detect circulating tumor cells, then the analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but the detection efficiency is extremely low and time-consuming due to the rarity of target cells among billions of blood cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the blood sample processing into distinct density-based separation stages using multiple separation media with different density ranges. This divides the complex task of finding rare CTCs among billions of blood cells into manageable steps that progressively isolate the target cells, dramatically improving detection efficiency without requiring overly complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces density-based separation media as intermediary substances that facilitate the isolation of circulating tumor cells. These separation media act as mediators between the blood sample and the detection system, enabling efficient separation based on density differences without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems.
2Loss of time
If manual examination of blood samples is used, then the cost of equipment is low, but the time required for analysis is excessive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary density-based separation and concentration of circulating tumor cells before the actual detection step. By pre-isolating and concentrating the rare target cells from the bulk blood sample using density gradient separation, the subsequent examination requires minimal time and can be performed manually or with simple automated systems, thus reducing both analysis time and equipment costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If density-based separation is implemented to isolate rare target materials, then the separation precision is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high separation precision by changing the density parameter of the separation media to match the target cell density range. By selecting separation media with specific density ranges that correspond to the density of circulating tumor cells, the system achieves precise isolation without requiring complex mechanical separation devices, thus maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
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 the efficient separation and analysis of rare materials from suspensions, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with detecting and isolating target components like circulating tumor cells.
Implementation Method 1
a two-part seal including an internal pliant part and an external constricting part. The internal pliant part may be a float and the external constricting part may be a sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
The processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid to be expelled, such that the at least one displacement fluid pushes the target material into the collector
Implementation Method 3
A system comprising a primary vessel, collector, and processing vessel with a two-part seal, including a float and sealing ring, that uses density-based separation and displacement fluids to efficiently isolate target materials from suspensions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a primary vessel, such as a tube, a collector, and a two-part seal including an internal pliant part and an external constricting part. The internal pliant part may be a float and the external constricting part may be a sealing ring. The system may also include a processing vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube, a syringe or a test tube. The collector is sized and shaped to fit into a primary vessel and funnels the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessel. In one implementation, the processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid to be expelled, such that the at least one displacement fluid pushes the target material into the collector.