Electromagnetic Trap for Fluid Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analytical techniques for fluid sampling often trade off convenience with sensitivity and accuracy, requiring physical transport of samples to laboratories, which can impact quality and detection of analytes due to sample quantity and transport time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using magnetic particles and electromagnetic traps to process fluid samples at the source, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple analytes in larger sample volumes without the need for precise fluid handling or transport, utilizing DC and AC currents to trap, mix, and release particles within a flow-through structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical samples are transported to a testing laboratory for analysis, then analytical sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but sample quantity and transport time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sample processing function by introducing magnetic particles that can be selectively trapped and processed separately from the bulk fluid sample. This allows the sample to be processed in-situ without requiring large quantities to be transported, as only the magnetic particles and their bound analytes need to be recovered.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as an intermediary carrier between the fluid sample and the detection system. The particles bind to analytes in the sample and can be selectively recovered using electromagnetic traps, allowing sensitive detection without transporting large volumes of fluid sample.
2Measurement precision
If physical samples are transported to a testing laboratory for analysis, then analytical sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration and preparation of the sample in-situ by trapping magnetic particles bound to analytes at the sampling location before analysis. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming transport of samples to a laboratory, as the particles can be processed and analyzed immediately at the field site.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles perform self-concentration and self-transport functions through their interaction with the electromagnetic trap. The particles automatically bind to analytes, are concentrated by the trap, and can be released for analysis without requiring external laboratory infrastructure or manual handling.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are trapped and mixed within an electromagnetic trap, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical mixing and concentration devices with an electromagnetic trap system. The electromagnetic fields automatically concentrate and mix the magnetic particles with the analytes without requiring mechanical pumps, valves, or manual handling, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining high detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are used to bind analytes, then sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameters such as magnetic particle size, surface chemistry, and electromagnetic field strength that can be optimized during manufacturing. By controlling these parameters, the magnetic particles can be designed to bind specifically to target analytes with high sensitivity, while the electromagnetic trap provides additional selectivity through field strength control.
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 on-site processing of fluid samples in milliliters to liters, improving detection accuracy and convenience by allowing direct sampling and release back into the environment, while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy comparable to laboratory-scale systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic trap between the first open end and the second open end
Implementation Method 2
activating the first electromagnetic trap to trap and mix the magnetic particles within the first electromagnetic trap
Implementation Method 3
the AC current received by the first electromagnetic trap mixes the magnetic particles and the fluid sample within the first electromagnetic trap
Implementation Method 4
the magnetic particles include a first receptor to bind the first target analyte in the fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a fluid sample containing a first target analyte includes introducing a first batch of magnetic particles into a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit having a first open end, a second open end, and a first electromagnetic trap between the first open end and the second open end. The magnetic particles include a first receptor to bind the first target analyte in the fluid sample. The method further includes activating the first electromagnetic trap to trap and mix the magnetic particles within the first electromagnetic trap. A flow of the fluid sample is introduced through the fluid conduit from the first open end to the second open end. Deactivating first electromagnetic trap releases the magnetic particles from the first electromagnetic trap.