Fractionation Device Flow Profile for Cell Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fractionation devices suffer from significant sample loss due to immobilization of cells on channel walls, especially for adherent stem cells, and lack efficiency in cell recovery and minimal manipulation, which is crucial for clinical and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A fractionation device with a unique flow profile that uses confining fluids and an elution fluid with a higher flow rate to create a central flow that confines the sample away from the channel walls, preventing adhesion and ensuring efficient separation and recovery of cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional fractionation devices are used to separate adherent stem cells, then cell separation can be achieved, but significant sample loss occurs due to immobilization of cells on channel walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a confining fluid as an intermediary substance between the sample and the channel walls. This confining fluid forms a protective layer that prevents direct contact between adherent stem cells and the channel walls, thereby eliminating the immobilization problem while maintaining effective cell separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a confining fluid flow to counterbalance the adhesive forces between cells and channel walls. The confining fluid is introduced at a flow rate that creates a hydraulic barrier, preventing cell adhesion to the walls while allowing cells to remain suspended and separable in the flow stream
2Reliability
If confining fluids are used to prevent cell adhesion, then cell recovery is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple injection ports and flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow into distinct functional zones within the channel: a central sample flow region and lateral confining fluid regions. This segmentation is achieved through strategic placement of injection ports that create spatially separated flow patterns, allowing independent control of sample introduction and confining fluid delivery without requiring complex integrated systems
3Reliability
If multiple fluids are injected through different ports, then sample confinement is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in fluid flow rates to achieve effective sample confinement. By adjusting the flow rate of the confining fluid relative to the sample flow rate, the system creates a stable confinement zone without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple operational modes. The confining fluid flow rate is optimized to be sufficient for confinement but not excessive to cause sample distortion
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 significantly reduces sample adhesion to the channel walls, enhancing cell recovery and separation efficiency while adhering to minimal manipulation principles, suitable for clinical and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
the elution fluid can have a third predefined flow rate, the third predefined flow rate being larger than the first and second flow rates so as to confine the elution fluid between the first and second confining fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for dynamic fractionation of a dispersed phase in a fluid. The device comprises a fractionation channel and from a first to a third injection ports. A first and a second confining fluids are injectable through the first and second injection ports, respectively. An elution fluid for transporting the dispersed phase is injectable into the channel through a third injection port which is arranged between the first and second injection ports. An end portion of the channel comprises from a first to a third terminal portion respectively arranged in correspondence to the first to the third injection ports and having a geometry such that the first and second confining fluids respectively have a first and second predefined flow rate and the elution fluid have a third predefined flow rate which is larger than the first and second predefined flow rates.