Fluidic Particle Deformation System for High-Throughput Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cytometer systems for deforming and analyzing particles, such as cells, are limited by low throughput, inconsistency, and labor intensity, making them cost-prohibitive and inefficient for clinical and research applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a substrate with an inlet and outlet, and a fluidic pathway with a delivery region to focus particles and a deformation region where opposing flows induce extension of particles, enabling high-throughput and consistent deformation analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current cytometer systems are used for particle deformation analysis, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is limited due to low throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the particle analysis process into multiple parallel channels, each capable of independently deforming and measuring particles. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple particles, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated deformation regions and detection modules for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-particle sequential analysis to multi-particle parallel analysis by adding a spatial dimension to the system architecture. Multiple deformation regions are arranged in parallel, enabling concurrent processing of multiple particles and significantly improving productivity without compromising measurement quality.
2Measurement precision
If current cytometer systems perform deformation analysis, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to labor intensity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal deformation regions that can accommodate different particle types and sizes through adjustable flow rates and deformation parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision across diverse measurement applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes adjustable flow rates, deformation region geometries, and detection parameters that can be optimized for different particle types. This parameter flexibility allows a single system to perform various deformation analyses without requiring complex reconfiguration, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
3Productivity
If high throughput is achieved through the deformation region, then productivity improves, but consistency of deformation analysis may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where detection modules monitor particle deformation in real-time and provide signals to control flow rates and deformation parameters. This feedback loop ensures consistent deformation analysis even at high throughput by dynamically adjusting system parameters to maintain optimal deformation conditions for each particle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic adjustment of flow rates and deformation parameters based on real-time particle characteristics. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to variations in particle properties while maintaining high throughput, ensuring consistent and reliable deformation analysis across diverse samples without sacrificing productivity.
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 allows for efficient deformation and analysis of particles at a high throughput, enabling direct correlation of surface biomarkers with mechanical properties, which can guide treatment decisions and enhance drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery region configured to receive the plurality of particles from the inlet and focus the plurality of particles from a random distribution to a focused state
Implementation Method 2
the first flow and the second flow are configured to induce extension of one or more particles in the plurality of particles
Data Source
AI summary
A system for deforming a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a reusable substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet, wherein the inlet or outlet is configured to couple to a module to introduce or collect a washing or flushing solution. A fluidic pathway is disposed in the reusable substrate and fluidically couples to the inlet and the outlet and includes a delivery region fluidically coupled to the inlet and configured to focus the plurality of particles along at least one streamline and a deformation region located downstream with respect to the delivery region and formed by an intersection of the fluidic pathway and an opposing inlet channel, wherein flow of a fluid from the opposing inlet channel at the intersection mechanically deforms the plurality of particles passing through the deformation region.