Flow Cytometry Bubble Detection Upstream Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bubbles in flow cytometer systems cause anomalies and spurious signals, leading to corrupted experimental data, with current solutions only allowing corrective action after data corruption has occurred.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometry system equipped with a bubble detector and automated controller that detects bubbles using impedance, electromagnetic, capacitance, or ultrasound methods, and takes preventative measures such as alerting the user, flagging data, or ceasing data collection to prevent data corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flow cytometry systems are used without bubble detection, then the system structure remains simple, but data corruption occurs due to bubbles in the interrogation zone
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble detector is positioned upstream of the interrogation zone to detect bubbles before they reach the critical measurement area. This preliminary detection allows the system to take corrective action (flushing, alerting, or pausing) before data corruption occurs, thereby improving data integrity without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated bubble detector component is introduced as an intermediary element between the fluid source and the interrogation zone. This separate detection mechanism monitors for bubbles independently and triggers appropriate responses, allowing the main flow cytometry system to remain relatively simple while gaining enhanced reliability through this auxiliary protective component.
2Reliability
If bubble detection and automated control systems are added, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the bubble detector continuously monitors the fluid stream and provides real-time information to the controller. When bubbles are detected, the controller automatically responds by triggering corrective actions such as activating a pump to flush the line, alerting the user, or pausing data collection. This automated feedback mechanism improves data integrity while keeping the system architecture manageable through standardized control loops.
3Loss of time
If corrective action is delayed until after bubble detection in the interrogation zone, then the detection system remains simple, but experimental data is corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble detector is strategically positioned upstream of the interrogation zone to enable preliminary detection of bubbles before they reach the measurement area. This early warning system provides sufficient lead time for the controller to initiate corrective actions (such as flushing the line or pausing acquisition) before bubbles can corrupt the experimental data, thereby preventing both data loss and unnecessary repetition of experiments.
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 system effectively prevents data corruption by detecting bubbles before they reach the interrogation zone, allowing for timely corrective actions and maintaining data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A bubble detector is connected to the flow channel. The bubble detector may be an impedance detector
Implementation Method 2
The bubble detector may be an electromagnetic detector
Implementation Method 3
The bubble detector may be a capacitance detector
Implementation Method 4
The bubble detector may be an ultrasound detector
Data Source
AI summary
The flow cytometry system of the present invention includes a flow channel including an interrogation zone. A light source and a light detector are connected to the interrogation zone, such that a sample flowing through the interrogation zone can be optically analyzed through methods known in the art of flow cytometry. A bubble detector is connected to the flow channel. A controller is connected to the bubble detector and is adapted to perform a predetermined output in response to the detection of a bubble in the flow channel. The predetermined output may include alerting a user as to the presence of a bubble, flagging potentially corrupted data, and ceasing data collection until the interrogation zone is clear of bubbles.