Flow Cytometer Fluidic System with Automatic Aggregate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the core stream settings in flow cytometry systems is challenging and time-consuming, often leading to inaccurate data collection and suboptimal core stream formation, especially when sample quantity is limited.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system with a controller that automatically adjusts the sample fluid flow rate based on recognition of aggregate particle events, using a sheath pump and waste pump to hydrodynamically focus the sample stream, and a user interface for intuitive control of flow rates, allowing for variable flow rates and minimizing sample consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are used to adjust core stream settings (sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, sample-to-sheath pressure differential), then the core stream can be configured for different particle arrangements, but the adjustment process becomes challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent pressure controls (sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, sample-to-sheath pressure differential) into a single integrated control mechanism. This allows the operator to adjust all core stream parameters simultaneously through one control, eliminating the need for multiple iterative adjustments while maintaining the ability to configure different particle arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously managing sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, and sample-to-sheath pressure differential. This multi-functional control enables versatile core stream configuration without requiring separate controls for each parameter, simplifying the operation while preserving adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterations of adjustments are performed to set core stream controls, then accurate particle arrangement can be achieved, but substantial amount of sample is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the core stream through a single initial adjustment of the integrated control, establishing the correct particle arrangement before sample analysis begins. This eliminates the need for multiple iterative adjustments that would consume additional sample, as the optimal settings are achieved in the first adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to verify core stream formation accuracy after a single adjustment. By providing real-time information about particle arrangement quality, the feedback system enables precise core stream configuration without requiring multiple trial adjustments, thereby minimizing sample consumption.
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 system enables precise control of the core stream, reducing the occurrence of aggregate particles and improving data accuracy, while optimizing sample analysis efficiency and minimizing sample usage.
Implementation Method 1
The fluidics system typically uses a pressurized sheath stream to hydrodynamically focus the sample stream, which is known as the core stream, within the center of the sheath stream. The process of hydrodynamic focusing (also known as coaxial flow) results in laminar flow under preferred conditions
Implementation Method 2
The process of hydrodynamic focusing (also known as coaxial flow) results in laminar flow under preferred conditions and enables the optical system of the flow cytometer to illuminate, and thus analyze, the sample particles with uniformity and repeatability
Data Source
AI summary
The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.