Hydraulic Picker for Target Analyte Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for detecting and isolating target analytes, such as circulating tumor cells in blood samples, are inefficient and costly due to the low numbers of cells present in a vast background of other cells, making it difficult to accurately extract and analyze these materials.
Innovation Solution
A device and system utilizing a picker with a pressure gradient, hydraulic fluid coupling, and magnetic or light-based methods to aspirate and dispense target analytes, allowing for precise manipulation and isolation by creating a force for attraction and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional blood analysis techniques are used to detect circulating tumor cells, then the analysis can be performed with standard equipment, but the detection accuracy is extremely low due to the vast background of normal blood cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the blood sample analysis process into multiple stages: initial imaging to locate potential CTCs, targeted aspiration of candidate cells, and subsequent analysis. This segmentation allows the system to focus resources on detecting the rare CTCs rather than analyzing all blood cells uniformly, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring overly complex equipment for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary picking system that acts as a bridge between the blood sample and final analysis. The picker with its cannula and pressure gradient mechanism serves as an intermediary device that selectively isolates CTCs from the blood background, enabling accurate detection without needing extremely complex direct detection equipment.
2Productivity
If manual techniques are used to separate and isolate target analytes from blood samples, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the time required is extremely long and the process is extremely difficult to accomplish
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated image analysis and computer-controlled picker operation that perform tasks autonomously. The computer system automatically identifies potential CTCs based on imaging data, controls the picker to aspirate candidate cells, and manages the isolation process without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby dramatically improving productivity while reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated picking system controlled by computer algorithms. Instead of manual separation techniques, the system uses automated imaging, computer-based cell identification, and motorized picker operation to isolate CTCs, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing the time required for the process.
3Reliability
If conventional separation techniques are used to extract target materials, then the methods can be performed with standard laboratory equipment, but the cost is extremely high and the process is extremely time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging and identification of circulating tumor cells before the actual aspiration and isolation process. By pre-locating and characterizing potential CTCs through imaging, the system ensures that only relevant cells are targeted for extraction, improving isolation accuracy while avoiding the need for complex post-extraction analysis of irrelevant cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where imaging results inform picker operation decisions. The computer system continuously monitors imaging data, adjusts aspiration targets based on identified CTC locations, and refines the isolation process in real-time, thereby improving reliability and accuracy without requiring overly complex equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If a picker with pressure gradient and hydraulic coupling is used to manipulate target analytes, then precise manipulation and isolation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic coupling within the picker system to achieve precise manipulation of target analytes. The hydraulic mechanism allows for controlled pressure gradients that enable accurate aspiration and dispensing of individual cells. While this increases device complexity, it provides the necessary precision for isolating rare CTCs from blood samples, and the complexity is justified by the significant improvement in manipulation accuracy.
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 enables efficient and accurate detection and isolation of target analytes by introducing a pressure gradient or magnetic field to draw cells into a cannula, reducing the time and cost associated with existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
A device and system utilizing a picker with a pressure gradient, hydraulic fluid coupling, and magnetic or light-based methods to aspirate and dispense target analytes, allowing for precise manipulation and isolation by creating a force for attraction and removal.
Implementation Method 2
A device and system utilizing a picker with a pressure gradient, hydraulic fluid coupling, and magnetic or light-based methods to aspirate and dispense target analytes, allowing for precise manipulation and isolation by creating a force for attraction and removal.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.