Fluid Sample Target Isolation Using Magnetic Particle Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting and isolating targets from complex samples are time-consuming, laborious, and prone to contamination, often resulting in incomplete bead movement and unwanted carryover, which can jeopardize downstream applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a container with an opening that permits natural movement of targets and contaminants to a destination fluid, combined with the application of magnetic forces to draw bound paramagnetic particle complexes, and techniques like pre- and post-aspiration and generating air pockets to minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then targets can be isolated from samples, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is segmented into distinct phases: sample preparation in first container, magnetic separation in second container, and elution in third container. This segmentation allows parallel processing and eliminates sequential bottlenecks, significantly reducing total processing time while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries that bind to target molecules in the sample, enabling rapid separation from the complex matrix. This intermediary approach allows selective isolation without time-consuming centrifugation or filtration steps, directly addressing the productivity-time contradiction.
2Reliability
If conventional isolation methods are used, then targets can be extracted, but contamination and carryover occur
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful sample matrix is extracted and retained in the first container while only the target-bound magnetic particles are transferred to the second container. This selective extraction eliminates carryover of interfering substances, directly reducing contamination without compromising target recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable magnetic particle beads are used for each extraction cycle, ensuring that no contaminants from previous samples can carry over. This single-use approach guarantees isolation purity while maintaining reliability across multiple processing cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetic particles are used for extraction, then target isolation is improved, but incomplete bead movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic fields are applied in advance to concentrate all magnetic particles at the bottom of each container before transfer. This preliminary action ensures complete bead collection and prevents any particles from being left behind during the transfer process, directly addressing the reliability-precision contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts magnetic field strength and duration based on container position and particle concentration. This dynamic control ensures complete bead movement under all conditions, maintaining both transfer efficiency and isolation completeness.
4Ease of operation
If manual processing is used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic separation system is designed with universal magnetic fields that can process multiple containers simultaneously using the same protocol. This multi-functionality allows automated high-throughput processing while maintaining the flexibility to adjust parameters for different sample types and targets.
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 approach allows for efficient and complete transfer of targets while significantly reducing contamination, improving the speed and reliability of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
application of a magnetic force to draw the one or more target-PMP complexes and/or the one or more contaminant-PMP complexes from the sample into the destination fluid
Implementation Method 2
a natural transport process (e.g. diffusion, convection, etc.) that moves a target from a sample or a fluid comprising a sample to a destination fluid
Implementation Method 3
generating an air pocket between the sample and the destination fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for isolating, extracting or separating at least one target or component from a sample or a fluid comprising a sample. In some aspects, provided herein are systems and methods for isolating at least one target or component from a sample or a fluid comprising a sample by diffusion of particles from the sample or fluid comprising a sample to a destination fluid. In some aspects, provided herein are systems and methods for isolating at least one target from a fluid sample by drawing a particle (e.g. a target, a contaminant) bound to a magnetic particle (e.g.) a paramagnetic particle) into a destination fluid through application of a magnetic force. In some aspects, provided herein are systems and methods where a target or sample component or a complex comprising a magnetic particle and a target or sample component is transferred to another or different device or reagent mixture or reagent for further processing and/or analysis, identification or quantification.