Electromagnetic Fluid Assembly for 3D Magnetic Particle Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample mixing and separation technologies using magnetic particles are limited by inefficiencies in mixing, require serial processing, and are not capable of handling a broad range of sample volumes, leading to issues such as sample loss and aggregation of particles.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing system utilizing an electromagnetic assembly with adjustable electromagnets arranged in horizontal layers around a fluid container, generating multi-dimensional magnetic field gradients to agitate magnetic particles within the fluid, allowing for efficient mixing and separation across various volumes, including larger volumes up to 10 mL, without the need for microfluidic delivery systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liquid chromatography (LC) is used for sample separation, then separation of analytes can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and costly requiring multiple parallel columns for simultaneous processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based flow system of conventional LC with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets generate magnetic field gradients that directly manipulate magnetic particles suspended in the sample, eliminating the need for complex pumping mechanisms and multiple parallel columns while enabling simultaneous processing of multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental separation parameter from hydrodynamic flow control to magnetic field gradient control. By adjusting magnetic field strength and gradient parameters rather than flow rate parameters, the system achieves separation with simpler equipment and enables parallel processing through independent magnetic zone control.
2Speed
If high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to decrease processing time, then sample processing speed increases, but the complexity and cost increase significantly due to pumps and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pumping systems with electromagnetic actuation. Magnetic field gradients generated by electromagnets directly drive and control the movement of magnetic particles through the separation medium, achieving high-speed processing without requiring complex pumps, valves, and pressure control systems characteristic of HPLC.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching of electromagnet activation to create oscillating magnetic field gradients that rapidly move magnetic particles back and forth through the separation medium. This periodic action enhances mixing and mass transfer, accelerating the separation process while using simple electromagnetic components rather than complex high-pressure equipment.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic particles are used for sample separation, then automation and performance improve, but mixing efficiency is reduced due to particle aggregation and confinement near container walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically switching magnetic field gradients generated by multiple electromagnets that can be independently controlled. The magnetic fields are continuously varied in strength and position, creating moving magnetic zones that actively mix and redistribute magnetic particles throughout the sample volume, preventing aggregation and wall confinement while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple electromagnets arranged in vertical and horizontal configurations to create three-dimensional magnetic field gradients throughout the sample container. This multi-dimensional field distribution ensures uniform particle suspension and mixing throughout the entire sample volume rather than confining particles to two-dimensional regions near container walls.
4Ease of operation
If fixed-field magnets are used in magnetic sample plate applications, then particle confinement is achieved, but robust mixing cannot be accomplished causing particle clustering in discrete areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed-field magnets with dynamic electromagnets whose field strength and position can be continuously adjusted. The electromagnets are switched on and off in sequences that create moving magnetic zones, providing both particle confinement during separation phases and active mixing during agitation phases, thereby achieving both functions that fixed magnets cannot provide simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching sequences of multiple electromagnets to create oscillating magnetic field patterns. During confinement phases, specific electromagnets are activated to hold particles in designated areas; during mixing phases, the activation pattern changes to create moving field gradients that agitate and redistribute particles, achieving both confinement and mixing capabilities.
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 enables rapid and efficient mixing and separation of fluids, reducing sample and particle loss, and allows for parallel processing of multiple samples, achieving faster reaction kinetics and improved analyte capture efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
generating multi-dimensional magnetic field gradients to agitate magnetic particles within the fluid
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic assembly with adjustable electromagnets arranged in horizontal layers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for processing fluids are described in various aspects, a fluid processing system may include a magnetic assembly that includes a plurality of magnetic structures configured to generate a magnetic field gradient within a fluid container. The magnetic structures may be formed as a plurality of electromagnets configured to be individually actuated by a controller. Each of the electromagnets may generate a magnetic field within the fluid container. The electromagnets may be differentially actuated to create a magnetic field gradient within the fluid container to agitate, mix, or otherwise influence magnetic particles disposed within the fluid container. Activation of the electromagnets of an electromagnetic structure may generate a magnetic field gradient that influences magnetic particles in an x-y direction. In addition, activation of the electromagnets of a plurality of electromagnetic structures may generate magnetic field gradients that influences magnetic particles in an x-y direction and z-direction.