Flow Cytometer Fluidics System with Pulse Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face challenges in efficiently transferring and processing samples, particularly in minimizing cross-contamination and optimizing fluid flow to improve throughput and accuracy in particle analysis.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sample transfer system that includes a peristaltic pump and a pulse attenuation system, along with a switching valve configuration, to aspirate, advance, and clean samples while maintaining a stable fluid flow, reducing carryover and enhancing sample processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used to transfer samples, then sample transfer efficiency is improved, but fluid flow stability deteriorates due to pulsating flow
Solution Approach 1:
A pulse attenuation system is introduced as an intermediary component between the peristaltic pump and the flow cell. This system dampens the pulsating flow generated by the pump while maintaining the overall fluid flow stability required for accurate particle analysis in the flow cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transfer system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sample transfer zone using peristaltic pumping for efficient sample movement, and a flow stabilization zone using gravity-driven flow for stable particle analysis. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If samples are transferred through common channels, then processing throughput is improved, but cross-contamination between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidics system is segmented into dedicated sample transfer channels and common flow channels. Sample-specific pumping and delivery occur through dedicated paths, while the common channel is used only after samples are properly isolated, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
Samples are pre-transferred and prepared in dedicated channels before entering the common flow path. This preliminary separation ensures that samples do not come into contact with each other until they are ready for analysis, eliminating cross-contamination risks.
3Productivity
If fluid flow rate is increased to improve throughput, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments fluid transfer into high-speed pumping phases and low-speed analysis phases. During analysis, the flow rate is reduced to ensure precise particle measurement, while throughput is maintained through efficient high-speed transfer between samples.
Solution Approach 2:
While one sample is being analyzed at controlled flow rates, the system continuously performs preparatory actions for the next sample (pumping, positioning), ensuring that the overall process maintains high throughput without compromising measurement precision during the actual analysis phase.
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 enhances sample transfer efficiency, reduces cross-contamination, and improves the accuracy of particle analysis by ensuring consistent and controlled fluid flow, thereby increasing the reliability and precision of flow cytometry results.
Implementation Method 1
a sample transfer system that includes a peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
a pulse attenuation system, along with a switching valve configuration, to aspirate, advance, and clean samples while maintaining a stable fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluidics system for a flow cytometer is disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a junction disposed between a pump and a sample probe. In some examples, the pump is a peristaltic pump. A pulse-attenuation system is also disclosed. A method for removing gaps caused by pulsations in output data is also disclosed. A fluidics system and method for processing samples in parallel is also disclosed. A fluidic system for a flow cytometer that includes an agitator for agitating a sample is also disclosed. A sheath fluid transfer system of a fluidic system for a flow cytometer is also disclosed.