Disposable Pipette Tip Concentrator for Rapid Bio-Particle Enrichment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating particles in liquids, such as centrifugation and filtration, are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to human error, especially when dealing with low concentrations of biothreat agents or environmental samples, and lack automated solutions for rapid concentration of large volumes into small volumes.
Innovation Solution
A filtration-based concentration system with a disposable concentrating pipette tip that combines sample fluidic lines and a filter, allowing for efficient aspiration, filtration, and elution of particles, reducing sample volume while minimizing contamination risks and operator skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be separated according to density, but the process takes several minutes to many hours and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an automated filtration system that uses a peristaltic pump to drive liquid through a filter membrane. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotation and skilled operator intervention, reducing concentration time from hours to minutes while maintaining particle separation efficiency through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is designed to be self-regulating, with the pump automatically controlling liquid flow through the filter based on pre-set parameters. The system performs concentration without requiring skilled operator intervention, as the automated mechanism handles flow rate control and particle collection independently.
2Measurement precision
If traditional filtration is used to capture particles, then particles can be separated from liquid, but the filter clogs over time increasing resistance to flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control by using a peristaltic pump that can adjust flow rates in real-time. As the filter begins to clog, the pump automatically reduces flow rate to maintain optimal filtration conditions, preventing complete blockage and extending productive filtration time while maintaining particle separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic flow reversal or pulsing through the filter membrane, which helps prevent clog formation by periodically clearing trapped particles. This periodic action maintains flow rate and filtration efficiency over extended operation periods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple centrifugation steps are performed manually, then particles can be concentrated, but the process is tedious and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration and concentration steps into a single integrated automated device. The peristaltic pump, filter membrane, and collection chamber work together as one unified system that performs what previously required multiple separate centrifugation operations, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform multiple manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated pump-driven filtration system replaces manual centrifugation operations, transforming a skill-intensive mechanical process into an automated fluid handling system that requires minimal operator intervention and reduces human error.
4Measurement precision
If large sample volumes are processed manually, then particles can be concentrated into small volumes, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump-driven filtration system replaces manual processing, enabling rapid aspiration and filtration of large sample volumes. The automated pump can process liters of sample quickly, concentrating particles into small volumes at speeds impossible to achieve manually, thereby improving both detection sensitivity and processing 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 rapid and efficient concentration of large sample volumes into small volumes, improving detection sensitivity and reducing analysis time, while ensuring low contamination risks and cost-effectiveness, suitable for various applications including bioterrorism detection and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid is passed through while particles and molecules larger than the filter pore size are captured and retained
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum source is activated, and the liquid sample is drawn through the filter
Implementation Method 3
an elution fluid or foam is used to elute the captured material and dispense it in a reduced volume
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.