Disposable Concentrating Pipette Tip for Rapid Particle Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating particles in liquid samples are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to human error, particularly for low-concentration analytes, and lack automated systems that can rapidly concentrate large volumes into small volumes without sample contamination.
Innovation Solution
A filtration-based concentration system using a disposable concentrating pipette tip (CPT) with integrated fluidic lines and a filter, allowing for rapid aspiration, filtration, and elution of samples, reducing the risk of contamination and requiring minimal operator skill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugation is used for particle concentration, then particles can be separated according to density differences, but the process becomes time-consuming (minutes to hours) and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic radiation force acts on particles in the liquid stream, enabling separation and concentration without mechanical rotation or skilled operator intervention, thus reducing processing time while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a liquid stream (hydraulic flow) carrying particles through an acoustic field. The combination of fluid flow and acoustic radiation force enables particle concentration in a continuous process, eliminating the batch processing nature of centrifugation and reducing overall concentration time
2Reliability
If traditional filtration is used to capture particles, then particles can be separated from liquid, but the filter channels become clogged over time requiring replacement or complex cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an acoustic field-based particle manipulation system. Acoustic radiation force concentrates particles in the liquid stream without requiring physical contact with a filter medium, eliminating clogging issues and the associated complexity of filter replacement or cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the liquid stream and the collection surface. This acoustic mediator manipulates particle positions and concentrations in the fluid phase, enabling separation without direct particle-filter contact, thus preventing clogging while maintaining capture efficiency
3Reliability
If manual centrifugation operations are performed, then particles can be concentrated, but the process becomes tedious and prone to human error due to multiple steps requiring high operator concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-operating system where the acoustic field automatically manipulates particles through the liquid stream. The system requires minimal operator intervention beyond initiating the flow and acoustic field, eliminating the need for skilled operators to monitor and adjust multiple manual steps, thus reducing human error while maintaining concentration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous flow process where particles are constantly carried through the acoustic field and concentrated in real-time. This continuous operation replaces the discontinuous, step-by-step manual centrifugation process, reducing the need for operator concentration and minimizing opportunities for human error
4Ease of operation
If automated centrifugation systems are developed, then operator skill requirements are reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automated mechanical centrifugation systems with a simpler acoustic field-based system. The acoustic radiation force mechanism is inherently more straightforward to control and automate, requiring less complex mechanical components and control systems while achieving the same particle concentration goals, thus reducing overall system complexity and cost
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 efficient concentration of large volumes into small volumes, facilitating rapid detection of low-concentration analytes, reducing contamination risks, and improving workflow efficiency in laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
filtration-based concentration system
Implementation Method 2
acoustic radiation force, without the need for mechanical centrifugation or complex automated systems
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 concentrates 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 and identify. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.