Flow Cytometer Flow Cell Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow cytometers, the issue of sample mixing occurs when multiple samples flow through the same flow cell, affecting measurement and sorting accuracy due to residual samples in the flow cell and sample fluid supply portions, leading to contaminated measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell configuration with a sample fluid supply portion that includes multiple opening portions for sample and cleaning liquid flow, where the cleaning liquid supply and discharge openings are strategically positioned to prevent sample mixing by flowing in opposite directions, ensuring thorough cleaning between sample types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sample fluid supply portion is used to continuously flow multiple samples, then the device complexity is reduced, but sample mixing occurs and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample fluid supply portion is segmented into multiple independent opening portions (first, second, third opening portions), each capable of supplying different samples. This segmentation prevents sample mixing by providing separate entry points into the flow path, thereby maintaining measurement precision while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each opening portion in the sample fluid supply portion is designed to serve multiple functions: supplying different samples (training sample, sorting sample, verification sample) and accommodating cleaning liquid flow. This multi-functionality allows the structure to handle various sample types without requiring completely separate supply systems, balancing complexity and precision.
2Device complexity
If cleaning liquid is supplied through the same opening portions used for samples, then the device complexity is reduced, but sample contamination occurs and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening portions are segmented into sample-specific openings (first, second, third opening portions) and a dedicated cleaning liquid supply opening. This segmentation ensures that cleaning liquid and samples use separate entry points, preventing contamination and maintaining measurement precision while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid supply opening acts as an intermediary dedicated pathway for cleaning operations. By providing a separate opening specifically for cleaning liquid supply, the system avoids direct mixing between samples and cleaning liquid, thereby preserving sample purity and measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are allowed to flow through one flow cell without sufficient cleaning, then the productivity is improved, but sample mixing occurs and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by supplying cleaning liquid through dedicated opening portions before subsequent samples are introduced. This preliminary cleaning prevents sample mixing and ensures that each sample flows through the flow cell in a pure state, maintaining measurement precision while enabling continuous high-productivity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell enables continuous flow of multiple different samples (training, sorting, verification samples) without requiring complete system disassembly or lengthy cleaning interruptions. The multiple opening portions allow seamless transition between samples with integrated cleaning, maintaining continuous productive operation while ensuring measurement accuracy.
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 configuration effectively prevents sample mixing, ensuring accurate measurements and sorting by thoroughly cleaning the flow cell and sample fluid supply portions between different sample types, maintaining the purity of each sample flow.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning liquid supply opening portion to which a tube is connectable and which is configured to supply a cleaning liquid configured to clean the sample fluid supply portion, and a cleaning liquid discharge opening portion to which a tube is connectable and which is configured to discharge the cleaning liquid from the sample fluid supply portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell of the flow cytometer of the present invention includes: a sample flow path through which a sample fluid containing a sample flows; and a sample fluid supply portion which communicates with an upstream end of the sample flow path in the sample fluid flow direction and supplies the sample fluid to the sample flow path, wherein the sample fluid supply portion includes a plurality of sample opening portions which supply a sample fluid to the sample flow path, a cleaning liquid supply opening portion to which a second tube is connectable and which supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the sample fluid supply portion, and a cleaning liquid discharge opening portion to which a first tube is connectable and which discharges the cleaning liquid from the sample fluid supply portion.