Hydrodynamic Filter Protrusions for Target Molecule Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrodynamic filters are inefficient in capturing target molecules, particularly small and fragile biological molecules like circulating tumor cells, due to their design and the risk of damage or loss during the filtration process.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic filter design featuring multiple protrusions with adjustable distances and materials like silicon-based polymers, which includes flexible structures to capture target molecules by reducing leakage and damage, with a filtering apparatus and method that utilizes multiple obstacle structures and bead attachment to enhance capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydrodynamic filter design is used, then the filter structure is simple, but the capture efficiency of target molecules is low
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple protrusions (first protrusion, second protrusion, third protrusion, fourth protrusion) arranged in sequences, creating multiple filtration pathways. This segmentation increases the effective filtration area and capture efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional two-dimensional flat filter design to a three-dimensional structure with protrusions extending into the flow path. This dimensional change creates multiple capture zones and increases the probability of target molecule interception without significantly increasing the footprint area.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional filter design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the filtration precision for small molecules is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters including the distance between protrusions (5-100 μm), the spacing within protrusion sequences (1-10 μm), and protrusion heights (1-10 μm). These parameter adjustments enable precise filtration of small target molecules while maintaining compatibility with standard microfabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter have different protrusion configurations - first and second protrusions form one sequence pattern, while third and fourth protrusions form another sequence pattern. This local variation in structure allows optimization for different flow conditions and target molecule sizes within the same filter component.
3Reliability
If conventional hydrodynamic filter is used, then the device is simple to operate, but target molecules may be damaged or lost during filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with flexible materials having elasticity greater than 0.5, allowing them to deform elastically when target molecules pass through. This flexibility enables the structure to adapt to different molecule sizes and shapes without causing mechanical damage, while maintaining the overall structural integrity and simple operation of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusions act as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes mechanical stress from target molecules during passage. This beforehand cushioning prevents damage to fragile biological molecules while maintaining straightforward device operation without requiring complex control systems.
4Loss of time
If conventional filter design is used, then the analysis time is long, but the device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple protrusion sequences create continuous filtration pathways that process target molecules in parallel. This continuous action across multiple zones reduces the time required for complete filtration while maintaining a structurally simple design that can be manufactured as a single integrated component.
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 design significantly increases the capture efficiency of target molecules, reduces the risk of leakage and damage, and allows for more precise filtration of small biological molecules, improving analysis time and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrodynamic filter is a system for capturing target molecules included in a fluid by using a flow of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of protrusions of the first portion faces the plurality of protrusions of the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodynamic filter includes a first portion, and a second portion which is spaced apart from and faces the first portion. The first portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a first direction, and the second portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filtering apparatus including a body which includes a plurality of the hydrodynamic filters and filters a fluid including target molecules, an inlet portion in connection with the body, and an outlet portion in connection with the body.