Disposable Flow Cell for Flow Cytometry with Plate Flow Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems are limited by a maximum sample volume of 10-20 μl/s due to laminar-turbulent speed limits, with sample flow width restricted by laser power distribution and vertical stability, making it difficult to achieve 'plate flow' geometry, which is essential for optimal sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A disposable injection-molded flow cell with a cuboid sheath preparation area, curved sample injection area, and pyramidal flow formation area, featuring a sample injector perpendicular to the laser beam, allowing for the creation of a 'plate flow' geometry and enabling alignment without mechanical movement of optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow cell geometry is used, then sample flow width is limited by laser power distribution and vertical stability, but sample volume throughput remains restricted to 10-20 μl/s due to laminar-turbulent speed limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by tilting the sample flow at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the laser beam direction. This angular orientation allows the sample flow to extend beyond the traditional width constraints imposed by the laser profile, effectively increasing the usable sample volume throughput while maintaining laminar flow conditions. The flow cell geometry is specifically designed with angled entry and exit surfaces to achieve this dimensional reorientation of the sample stream.
2Productivity
If sample flow width is increased to improve throughput, then vertical stability of the flow deteriorates, but washing time between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample flow is segmented into multiple parallel streams or sub-channels within the flow cell. Each segment maintains its own vertical stability and laminar flow characteristics, while collectively they provide increased total throughput. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger sample volumes without compromising the vertical stability of individual flow paths, thereby reducing washing time between samples while maintaining assay precision.
3Productivity
If flow speed is increased beyond laminar-turbulent limit, then sample volume throughput improves, but flow regime stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A sheath fluid is introduced as an intermediary medium that surrounds and confines the sample stream. The sheath fluid maintains a controlled velocity profile and laminar flow regime, while the sample flows through its center. This intermediary sheath flow allows the sample to move at higher speeds without transitioning to turbulent flow, as the sheath fluid acts as a stabilizing boundary that maintains laminar conditions throughout the combined flow structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable injection moulded flow cell or cuvette for use in flow cytometer for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. The present disclosure provides a cuvette for use in an optical flow cytometer, comprising a cuboid sheath preparation area, a curved sample injection area with a rectangular cross section, a pyramidal shaped flow formation area, and a sample injector which is arranged in the transition area from the cuboid sheath preparation area to the curved sample injection area.