Fluidic Device for Corpuscle Mass Density and Weight Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the mass density and weight of corpuscles, such as microspheres, cells, spheroids, and organoids, are limited in size range and cannot accurately measure larger corpuscles, and often require expensive equipment and cannot provide repeated measurements for improved accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with a sedimentation chamber connected to an inlet channel and a pumping system, which allows for individual and automated measurements of mass density and weight of corpuscles, along with size and shape data, using a culture liquid or saline solution, and includes features like temperature control and recirculation to enhance measurement precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sedimentation velocity method is used to calculate density of phytoplankton and polystyrene spheres, then measurement can be performed, but the average size of spheroids and organoids cannot be reached and only single step data collection is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement process into multiple discrete steps: introducing the corpuscle into the measurement chamber, allowing sedimentation, measuring position at different time points, and repeating the process. This segmentation enables both single corpuscle analysis and statistical analysis of multiple corpuscles, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by introducing the corpuscle into the measurement chamber and establishing the measurement conditions before actual measurement begins. The system prepares the measurement environment, including controlling liquid flow and positioning, which enables subsequent repeated measurements of the same corpuscle with high precision.
2Ease of operation
If optical induced electrokinetics system (OEK) is used to lift corpuscles in microfluidic channel, then corpuscles can be manipulated, but the system is expensive and not adapted to corpuscles greater than twenty micrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex optical induced electrokinetics system with a simpler mechanical sedimentation-based system. By using gravity-driven sedimentation and basic fluid flow control, the device achieves corpuscle manipulation without requiring expensive optical equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining manipulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement chamber and associated components are designed as simple, potentially disposable elements that do not require expensive maintenance. This approach replaces the costly, complex OEK system with affordable components that can be easily replaced or discarded, making the system more accessible and adaptable to various corpuscle sizes.
3Reliability
If suspended microchannel resonators (SMRs) are used to measure density of single cells, then vacuum condition obstacle is overcome, but only corpuscles smaller than tens of micrometers can be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by using sedimentation velocity and position tracking instead of resonant frequency measurement. This parameter change allows the system to handle larger corpuscles (spheroids and organoids up to millimeter scale) while maintaining reliable density measurement in solution, overcoming the size limitation of SMRs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from measuring resonant frequency (a single-point measurement) to tracking the corpuscle's position over time and space during sedimentation. This dimensional change in measurement approach enables the analysis of larger corpuscles by observing their movement through the measurement chamber rather than relying on resonant properties.
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 device enables precise and accurate measurements of mass density, weight, size, and shape of corpuscles across a wide size range, from 1 to 5,000 micrometers, improving data reliability and allowing for repeated non-destructive analyses, which is particularly beneficial for biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sedimentation chamber fluidly connected to an inlet channel configured to be immersed in a liquid. The fluidic device further comprises a pumping system connected to the sedimentation chamber. The pumping system is adapted to control the flow of liquid in the sedimentation chamber.
Implementation Method 2
Methods are known for calculating the density of phytoplankton and polystyrene spheres using the sedimentation velocity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a fluidic device for measuring at least one of corpuscle mass density and weight. The fluidic device comprises a sedimentation chamber fluidly connected to an inlet channel configured to be immersed in a liquid. The fluidic device further comprises a pumping system connected to the sedimentation chamber. The pumping system is adapted to control the flow of liquid in the sedimentation chamber. A processor of the fluidic device is configured to obtain corpuscle data related to a corpuscle in at least one region of the sedimentation chamber; and calculate at least one of corpuscle mass density and weight based on the data received.