Filtration Module for Cell Lysis Prevention in Remote Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cell culture preparation methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, often causing cells to lyse due to osmotic gradients, and are limited for remote analysis of pathogens and waterborne diseases, requiring a self-contained device for effective sample preparation and spectrometric analysis.

Innovation Solution

A filtration module device that segregates analytes from interfering particulate matter using integral filtering, dilutes the analyte for analysis, and employs multi-wavelength spectroscopy for remote sampling and identification, capable of calculating initial concentrations and providing reliable optical measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cell-washing processes and centrifugations are used to remove interfering materials, then measurement reliability is improved, but cell lysis occurs due to osmotic gradients and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidcell lysis
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes interfering particulate matter from the sample through filtration, separating it from the cells. This allows the cells to be analyzed directly without undergoing harsh washing processes that cause lysis, thereby maintaining cell integrity while achieving reliable measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component that selectively removes interfering particles from the sample. This intermediary mechanism enables the separation of harmful interfering materials from the analyte (cells) without directly exposing the cells to harmful osmotic gradients, thus preventing cell lysis while improving measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional cell-washing processes are used to reduce interference, then measurement reliability is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts interfering particulate matter through a single filtration step rather than requiring multiple sequential washing and centrifugation steps. This extraction approach significantly reduces the time and labor required for sample preparation while maintaining measurement reliability by effectively removing interfering materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuous filtration to remove interfering particles from the sample stream, allowing for uninterrupted processing compared to the intermittent nature of conventional washing and centrifugation cycles. This continuous action reduces overall processing time while maintaining effective interference removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sample preparation methods are used for remote analysis, then analysis capability is achieved, but device bulkiness and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote analysis capabilityVSAvoidexperimental set-up complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the filtration and spectrometric analysis functions into a single integrated device. This combination eliminates the need for separate, bulky experimental set-ups for sample preparation and analysis, enabling remote analysis capabilities while reducing overall device complexity and footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a multi-functional device that performs both sample preparation (filtration) and analysis (spectrometry) within a single unit. This universal design allows the device to be used for remote analysis of various samples including cell cultures, pathogens, and waterborne diseases without requiring multiple specialized pieces of equipment.

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

Enables rapid, quantitative detection and identification of particles, reducing cell lysis and improving data reliability through efficient sample preparation and analysis, suitable for various biological and environmental samples.

Implementation Method 1

integral filtering means sized to segregate the analyte by preventing the analyte from passing through the filter while allowing the interfering particulate matter to pass through the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Portable sample preparation and analysis system for micron and sub-micron particle characterization using light scattering and absorption spectroscopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Portable sample preparation and analysis system for micron and sub-micron particle characterization using light scattering and absorption spectroscopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS7986399B2Portable sample preparation and analysis system for micron and sub-micron particle characterization using light scattering and absorption spectroscopy
Publication Date: 2011.07.26 TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY LLC
  • US7986399B2 patent drawing
  • US7986399B2 patent drawing
  • US7986399B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method and device for remote sampling, preparation and optical interrogation of a sample using light scattering and light absorption methods. The portable device is a filtration-based device that removes interfering background particle material from the sample matrix by segregating or filtering the chosen analyte from the sample solution or matrix while allowing the interfering background particles to be pumped out of the device. The segregated analyte is then suspended in a diluent for analysis. The device is capable of calculating an initial concentration of the analyte, as well as diluting the analyte such that reliable optical measurements can be made. Suitable analytes include cells, microorganisms, bioparticles, pathogens and diseases. Sample matrixes include biological fluids such as blood and urine, as well as environmental samples including waste water.