Disposable Concentrating Pipette Tip for Rapid Particle Elution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating particles in liquid samples are inefficient, time-consuming, require skilled operators, and prone to contamination, especially in large-volume samples, limiting their applicability in fields like microbiology, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A disposable concentrating pipette tip (CPT) with integrated filtration and fluidic lines that combines all conduits into a single connection point, allowing for automated sample concentration and elution of particles in a reduced volume using a filter packaged in a disposable tip, reducing the risk of contamination and operator skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be separated according to density differences, 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 acoustic field-based concentration system. Acoustic radiation forces generated by ultrasonic waves concentrate particles at pressure nodes within the fluid stream, eliminating the need for high-speed rotation and long processing times while requiring no specialized operator skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustic field phase effects where particles experience periodic compression and rarefaction in the acoustic field, causing them to migrate to stable equilibrium positions (pressure nodes) where they are concentrated. This acoustic phase transition mechanism enables rapid concentration without mechanical centrifugal forces.
2Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be pelleted, but the process is tedious and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical centrifugation process with a simplified acoustic field-based system where particles are automatically concentrated by acoustic radiation forces. The system requires no manual intervention for pellet formation, decanting, or pipetting, thereby eliminating human error and making operation trivial.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic concentration system is self-regulating, with particles automatically migrating to concentration zones based on acoustic field parameters. The system performs concentration, washing, and elution cycles automatically without operator intervention, making it foolproof and easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If filtration-based concentration is used, then particles can be captured from liquid, but the filter becomes clogged over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical filtration with acoustic field-based particle concentration. Particles are concentrated in the fluid stream at acoustic pressure nodes without contacting a filter surface, eliminating clogging issues entirely. The system maintains constant particle capture efficiency regardless of processing duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable acoustic concentration cartridges that can be quickly replaced between samples. These cartridges are inexpensive and eliminate cross-contamination risks, allowing rapid sample-to-sample transitions without complex filter cleaning or sterilization procedures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple concentration steps are performed manually, then particle concentration can be achieved, but automation and integration into other systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate concentration steps (concentration, washing, elution) into a single integrated acoustic concentration cartridge. The cartridge contains all necessary functions in one modular unit that can be automatically loaded and processed, enabling seamless integration into automated analytical workflows and high-throughput screening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic concentration cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can concentrate various particle types (bacteria, viruses, exosomes, proteins) from different sample matrices using the same acoustic field mechanism. This multi-functionality enables automation across diverse applications without requiring application-specific equipment.
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 CPT system enables rapid, efficient concentration of large volumes of samples into a small volume, facilitating automated operation and reducing the risk of contamination, thereby improving workflow efficiency and enabling rapid detection of microorganisms and particles in various fields, including clinical diagnostics, environmental studies, and forensic sciences.
Implementation Method 1
Traditional flat filtration methodology is used to capture particles from a liquid onto a flat filter
Implementation Method 2
Particle concentration in liquid is traditionally performed using centrifugation. Centrifugal force is used for the separation of mixtures according to differences in the density of the individual components present in the mixture
Data Source
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.