Flexible Bioprocessing Container Partition for Magnetic Bead Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic bead-removal systems are inefficient as they require multiple exposures to a magnetic field and reduced flow rates to effectively separate magnetic beads from fluid mixtures, leading to increased time, cost, and operator monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a flexible container with a partition and a magnetic field-generating device, allowing a fluid mixture to flow around the partition and be exposed to a magnetic field, thereby retaining magnetic particles within the container while allowing the fluid and biological components to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mixture is exposed to magnetic field multiple times or at reduced flow rate, then magnetic bead removal efficiency is improved, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internal compartment is divided into a first region and second region by a partition, creating distinct functional zones. The first region receives the magnetic field for bead retention while the second region allows purified fluid exit, enabling single-pass separation without recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition acts as an intermediary structure between the magnetic field-exposed region and the outlet region. It forces fluid to flow around the partition, ensuring all fluid passes through the magnetic field zone while maintaining separate functional areas within the container.
2Reliability
If recirculation or secondary magnets are used, then magnetic bead removal is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into functional regions using a simple partition rather than adding secondary magnets or recirculation systems. This internal division achieves complete separation in a single pass without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition extracts the need for secondary magnets or recirculation mechanisms by creating a forced flow path that ensures all fluid contacts the magnetic field zone, achieving complete bead removal with the existing single magnet.
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 approach enables efficient separation of magnetic particles from fluid mixtures at higher flow rates, reducing operational time and costs, and minimizing the need for operator monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field-generating device, allowing a fluid mixture to flow around the partition and be exposed to a magnetic field, thereby retaining magnetic particles within the container
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic particle separation system includes a magnetic field generating device having an upper surface with a receiving area formed thereon; and a magnetic field generating element disposed beneath the upper surface, the magnetic field generating element being configured to produce a magnetic field above the upper surface. A container assembly is disposed on the upper surface and includes: a flexible container having an outer wall with an interior surface that at least partially bounds an internal compartment, the outer wall having a front side and an opposing back side with the internal compartment disposed therebetween; a fluid inlet extending through the outer wall at the front side; a fluid outlet extending through the outer wall at the front side; and a first partition projecting into the internal compartment from the front side between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.