Electromagnetic Tissue Lysis Apparatus for Remote Biomolecule Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isolating biologically relevant microorganisms and organic molecules from cellular or interstitial tissue structures are hindered by robust cell walls and impenetrable layers, requiring mechanical disruption to facilitate extraction, but current instrumentation is bulky, power-intensive, and unreliable, especially in remote settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable apparatus using time-varying electromagnetic fields to steer and accelerate magnetically-susceptible beads against tissue samples, achieving mechanical disruption without moving parts, thus enhancing reliability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical disruption techniques are used to disrupt tissue structures, then extraction efficiency of biomolecules and microorganisms is improved, but device weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical disruption systems (motors, moving parts) with an electromagnetic field-based system. Electromagnetically actuated beads perform the mechanical disruption through controlled collisions with tissue structures, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining effective tissue lysis and biomolecule extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetically actuated beads as intermediary particles that mediate the disruption process. These beads are steered and accelerated by electromagnetic fields to collide with and disrupt tissue structures, serving as a bridge between the electromagnetic field and the mechanical disruption function, thereby avoiding direct mechanical actuation mechanisms.
2Productivity
If mechanical disruption techniques are used to disrupt tissue structures, then extraction efficiency of biomolecules and microorganisms is improved, but device complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with electromagnetic field generation and control. Instead of motors, gears, and moving parts, the system uses electromagnetic coils and control circuits to steer and accelerate magnetic beads, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability through fewer moving components.
3Productivity
If mechanical disruption techniques are used to disrupt tissue structures, then extraction efficiency of biomolecules and microorganisms is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electromagnetic fields to accelerate and steer the magnetic beads through the sample tube. This periodic actuation is more energy-efficient than continuous mechanical agitation, as the electromagnetic fields are applied in controlled bursts that achieve the necessary bead velocity for effective tissue disruption while minimizing overall power consumption.
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 apparatus effectively disrupts tissue structures, enabling efficient extraction of biomolecules and microorganisms in a lightweight, low-noise, and power-efficient manner, suitable for remote field settings without the need for standard electrical power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil assembly operable to generate electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
produce motive forces on magnetic beads placed within the sample tube
Implementation Method 3
magnetic beads or other magnetic particles are also included, and the sample tube with enclosed tissue sample is inserted into a tissue sample chamber of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the process of biological tissue and/or cellular disruption, and more particularly to an apparatus which can achieve such tissue and/or cellular disruption through the imposition of a time-varying electromagnetic field generated by electrical means and used to direct magnetic beads or other magnetic particles against a tissue sample. Tissue disruption is accomplished through mechanical impact between the magnetic particles and the sample biological tissue.