Filtration Unit Impeller Tangential Flow Plasma Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating plasma from whole blood for downstream processing, such as centrifugation, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, leading to inconsistent volumes and cell contamination, which is particularly challenging for large-scale processing of cfDNA for cancer diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A filtration unit with an impeller generating tangential fluid flow across a filter, which continuously drives analytes through the filter, preventing fouling and allowing for efficient separation of plasma from whole blood, even at high hematocrit levels, without the need for external pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugation is used to separate plasma from whole blood, then separation can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the centrifugal separation mechanism with a filtration-based system that uses pressure differential and flow dynamics to separate plasma from whole blood, eliminating the need for centrifugation equipment and manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is designed to automatically separate plasma from whole blood through the filter membrane based on pressure differential, without requiring manual intervention for sample transfer, volume measurement, or separation control
2Productivity
If dead-end filtration is used to separate plasma, then filtration can occur, but the filter quickly fouls due to high particle concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic cross-flow component that moves the fluid stream across the filter surface, preventing static accumulation of particles and maintaining consistent filtration performance throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and removes particles from the filtration zone through the cross-flow mechanism, preventing them from accumulating on the filter surface and causing fouling, thereby maintaining high filtration rates
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual sample handling is used for plasma separation, then flexibility is maintained, but human error and cell contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system automatically performs plasma separation based on predefined pressure and flow parameters, eliminating manual sample handling steps that could introduce human error or cell contamination while maintaining consistent sample quality
4Productivity
If high pressure is applied to increase filtration throughput, then processing speed increases, but cell lysis and haemoglobin release increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic cross-flow to maintain efficient filtration at lower pressure differentials, preventing cell lysis while achieving high plasma throughput through continuous fluid movement across the filter surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pressure differential parameter to operate in a range that enables high filtration throughput without exceeding the threshold that would cause cell lysis, achieving productivity improvement without generating harmful effects
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 solution enables rapid and efficient separation of plasma and analytes like cfDNA, reducing cell lysis and contamination, and is adaptable for automated processing, improving the reliability and consistency of downstream analyses.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller located adjacent to the filter, wherein the impeller is configured to generate tangential fluid flow in the vicinity of the filter
Implementation Method 2
Molecules larger than the membrane pores will not penetrate within the membrane void volume (Ultrafiltration Membranes)
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration unit for separating at least one analyte from a fluid sample. The filtration unit includes: an inlet configured to receive the fluid sample and an outlet configured to receive the at least one analyte; a fluid pathway providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, where the fluid pathway has a longitudinal axis along which the fluid sample flows, in use; a filter located in the fluid pathway, where the filter includes at least one surface configured to allow the passage of the at least one analyte and the at least one surface is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fluid pathway; and an impeller located adjacent to the filter, where the impeller is configured to generate tangential fluid flow in the vicinity of the filter and wherein the impeller includes a rotatable shaft coupled to at least one blade having a rounded leading edge.