Flexible Filter Array for CTC Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track-etched microfilters are ineffective in enriching viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood due to cell damage and lysis during the filtration process, leading to low capture efficiency and clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible filter array with a spring-like geometry is used, which deforms under flow pressure to reduce mechanical stress on cells and features a high porosity design, allowing for efficient enrichment of CTCs while minimizing cell damage and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional track-etched microfilters are used for filtration, then particle separation is achieved, but cell damage and lysis occur leading to low capture efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The filter membrane is designed with dynamic flexibility to deform under flow pressure, transforming from a rigid structure to a compliant one that adapts to the filtration process. This dynamic behavior reduces mechanical stress on cells while maintaining filtration function, resolving the contradiction between capture efficiency and cell damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the filter membrane from rigid to flexible by selecting specific polymer materials and controlling membrane thickness (1-10 micrometers). This parameter change allows the membrane to deform elastically under pressure, reducing cell damage while maintaining effective particle separation
2Productivity
If conventional microfilters are used, then filtration is performed, but clogging issues occur during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible thin film membrane that can deform under flow pressure to prevent clogging. The flexibility allows the membrane to accommodate particle accumulation without forming complete blockages, maintaining productivity while resisting clogging through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic flexibility of the membrane allows it to adapt to varying flow conditions and particle loads. Under high flow rates, the membrane deforms to maintain porosity and prevent clogging, ensuring continuous productivity without reliability loss
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid filter membranes are used, then structural stability is maintained, but mechanical stress on cells increases causing lysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the filter from rigid to flexible by selecting polymer materials with appropriate elastic moduli and controlling membrane thickness. This parameter transformation maintains structural stability through elastic recovery while reducing mechanical stress on cells during filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane provides beforehand cushioning by deforming under flow pressure before cells encounter the filtration barrier. This pre-deformation absorbs mechanical energy and reduces the impact stress on cells, preventing lysis while maintaining filtration effectiveness
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
The flexible filter array achieves high capture efficiency and viability of CTCs, processing large blood volumes without clogging, and allows for precise pressure regulation to maintain cell integrity during filtration.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible filter array with a spring-like geometry is used, which deforms under flow pressure to reduce mechanical stress on cells
Implementation Method 2
Filtration is a process by which particles may be separated from a fluid or mixture of particles by taking advantage of differences in their physical properties
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering device includes a housing and one or more flexible filter arrays. The flexible filter arrays can be coupled to the housing. Each flexible filter array can include a plurality of members and one or more support members. The plurality of members each can have a proximal and a distal end, the plurality of members being spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The one or more support members can be coupled to one or more of the plurality of members. Each of the plurality of members can be configured to deflect relative to the one or more support members.