Ferromagnetic Pattern Channel for Blood Cancer Cell Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for separating blood cancer cells are inefficient due to long test times, limited information on cancer cell presence and quantity, and difficulty in distinguishing cancer types, with interference from non-specifically combined blood cells.

Innovation Solution

A multiple separation device with a channel and ferromagnetic patterns on its bottom surface, where a compound solution containing magnetic nano-beads and antibodies is flowed, allowing cancer cells to be captured based on flow velocity and magnetic force control, enabling specific separation of cancer cells by type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional blood cancer cell separation methods are used, then cancer cells can be separated, but the test time is long and only basic information on cancer cell presence and quantity is obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest timeVSAvoidcancer cell type information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The separation channel is divided into multiple sections with different ferromagnetic pattern configurations, allowing simultaneous separation of different cancer cell types in parallel. Each section targets specific cancer cell types with unique ferromagnetic patterns, enabling multi-type cancer cell separation in a single test run, thus reducing total test time while preserving detailed cancer cell type information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a spatial dimension to the separation process by arranging ferromagnetic patterns at different locations and orientations within the channel. This spatial arrangement allows different cancer cell types to be separated into different spatial zones based on their specific magnetic response characteristics, enabling simultaneous multi-type separation without extending test time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If conventional separation methods are used, then cancer cells can be detected, but interference from non-specifically combined blood cells occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer cell detection accuracyVSAvoidnon-specific blood cell interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the channel are equipped with ferromagnetic patterns having distinct magnetic properties tailored to capture specific cancer cell types. This localized differentiation ensures that only cancer cells with matching surface markers are captured at each location, while non-specific blood cells pass through without binding, thereby eliminating interference and improving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes variations in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) across different channel sections to selectively capture cancer cells. By adjusting magnetic field parameters to match specific cancer cell types, the system achieves high-specificity capture that excludes non-specific blood cell interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used, then cancer cell separation is achieved, but it is difficult to analyze types of cancer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer type analysis capabilityVSAvoidseparation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is segmented into multiple functional zones, each containing ferromagnetic patterns designed for specific cancer cell types. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple cancer types simultaneously without requiring complex external equipment, achieving high adaptability through a moderately complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation device is designed with multiple ferromagnetic pattern configurations that can detect and separate various cancer cell types using a single integrated system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices or complex procedural steps, achieving versatile cancer type analysis with controlled device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method allows for accurate and efficient separation of cancer cells, improving diagnostic specificity and reducing interference from normal blood cells, enabling effective cancer diagnosis and type identification.

Implementation Method 1

a ferromagnetic pattern disposed under a bottom surface of the channel. A flow velocity of the compound solution or a magnetic force of the ferromagnetic pattern is changed depending on a location of the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9157840B2Multiple separation device and method of separating blood cancer cell

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

The present inventive concept provides a multiple separation device and a method of separating a blood cancer cell using the same. In the device and the method, a blood sample is put in a fine channel and then cancer cells can be separated according to the type of cancer by controlling a flow velocity of the blood or a magnetic force of ferromagnetic pattern.