Flow Cytometry Sampling Probe for Bubble-Free High-Throughput Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for high-throughput flow cytometry and sorting of biological samples are limited by the introduction of air bubbles and require complex systems of syringes, loops, and valves, which compromise sample processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A simple probe system with a fluid supply and exhaust configured to convey samples to a flow cytometer, minimizing air bubbles and eliminating the need for complex systems, allowing for high-throughput sampling and sorting without manual or automated washing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a complex system with syringes, loops, and valves is used for high-throughput flow cytometry, then sample processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases and air bubbles are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic syringe, loop, and valve components from the system, extracting only the essential function of sample delivery. The simplified probe system eliminates air bubble introduction while maintaining high-throughput capability through direct sample aspiration and delivery to the flow cytometer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe system performs self-cleaning through continuous fluid flow during sample aspiration and delivery. The same fluid stream that carries the sample also flushes the probe interior, eliminating the need for separate washing steps and manual intervention, thereby maintaining high throughput without complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a complex system with syringes, loops, and valves is used for high-throughput flow cytometry, then sample processing capability is improved, but air bubbles are introduced compromising accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing rateVSAvoidsample analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the syringe, loop, and valve components that generate air bubbles, the patent eliminates the source of measurement errors. The direct aspiration and delivery system maintains sample integrity while achieving high processing rates, ensuring both productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a continuous fluid stream as an intermediary that carries the sample from the well plate directly to the flow cytometer without intermediate storage or transfer components. This direct fluid pathway prevents air bubble formation and maintains sample accuracy throughout the high-speed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual or automated washing steps are added to the probe system, then sample contamination is reduced, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample purityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The probe system maintains continuous fluid flow during sample aspiration, delivery, and transition between samples. This uninterrupted fluid stream continuously cleans the probe interior, ensuring sample purity without interrupting the processing workflow, thereby eliminating the need for separate washing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The probe performs its own cleaning function through the continuous sample-carrying fluid stream. The same fluid that delivers the sample also flushes the probe walls and internal surfaces, making the system self-cleaning and eliminating the need for external washing operations that would reduce throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables efficient, bubble-free sample processing at rates exceeding 30 samples per minute, improving the accuracy and efficiency of flow cytometry analysis and sorting without the complexity of traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid supply to convey fluid to the open end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a fluid exhaust to convey the fluid stream away from the open end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20230280351A1High throughput analysis and sorting, and sampling interface and assembly for high throughput analysis and sorting

Publication Date: 2023.09.07 IANNOTTI MICHAEL

AI summary

A method of analyzing and/or sorting selected cells or other biological components, for example for cell-based therapy, includes sampling a sample with an open end of a probe to obtain a fluid stream with the sample in it. The probe with the open end also has a fluid supply to convey fluid to the open end, and a fluid exhaust to convey the fluid stream away from the open end. The method then includes conveying the fluid stream to a flow cytometer and analyzing the fluid stream by flow cytometry; and/or separating it into at least two components. An apparatus with the probe connected to the flow cytometer may support this method. The method can provide for sampling of multiple samples efficiently, in particular to select cells for cell-based therapies.