Flow Cell Channel Geometry for Stable Cytometry Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cells in flow cytometers face a trade-off between fluidics stability and optical collection efficiency, with unity aspect ratios maximizing fluidics stability but reducing optical collection efficiency, while higher aspect ratios improve optical collection but interfere with imaging.
Innovation Solution
Flow cells with a rectangular cross-section and aspect ratio ranging from 1.0 to 1.4, optimized for both fluidics stability and optical collection efficiency, incorporating anti-reflective coatings and specific dimensions to enhance imaging quality and collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a unity aspect ratio flow channel is used, then fluidics stability is maximized, but optical collection efficiency is highly reduced due to scatter and clipping of collected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow channel by introducing an aspect ratio ranging from 1.05:1 to 1.3:1, which optimizes the balance between fluidics stability and optical collection efficiency. This parameter modification allows the flow channel to maintain stable fluid flow while improving light collection capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If an aspect ratio of 2.4 is used, then optical collection efficiency is maximized, but imaging quality is interfered with due to excessive stretching of the core stream ellipse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the aspect ratio parameter to fall within the range of 1.05:1 to 1.3:1, which is lower than the conventional 2.4:1 ratio. This parameter adjustment maintains adequate optical collection efficiency while preventing excessive stretching of the core stream ellipse that would degrade imaging quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular cross-section flow channel is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical imaging collection is reduced due to scatter and clipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the dimensional parameters of the rectangular flow channel by controlling the aspect ratio within 1.05:1 to 1.3:1 and specifying length-to-width ratios between 1:1.05 and 1:1.3. These parameter optimizations reduce optical scatter and clipping while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of rectangular geometry.
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 optimized flow cells achieve high performance across different operating modes, balancing fluidics stability and optical collection efficiency, with collection efficiencies ranging from 20% to 40%, and improved imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating anti-reflective coatings and specific dimensions to enhance imaging quality and collection efficiency
Implementation Method 2
light at the excitation wavelength scattered by the particle in a narrow angle along a mostly forward direction, referred to as forward-scatter (FSC), the excitation light that is scattered by the particle in an orthogonal direction to the excitation laser, referred to as side-scatter (SSC)
Implementation Method 3
the light emitted from fluorescent molecules in one or more detectors that measure signal over a range of spectral wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Flow cells having an optimized flow channel geometry are provided. Flow cells of interest include a cuvette configured to transport particles in a flow stream, the cuvette having a flow channel with a rectangular cross-section and an aspect ratio ranging from 1.0 to 1.4. Flow cytometers having the subject flow cells and methods of use and assembly thereof are also provided.