Iso-dielectric Separation System for Rapid Leukocyte Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring sepsis progression and leukocyte activation are inadequate due to the time required for existing measures, such as surface markers and cytokines, which precludes real-time monitoring and effective treatment assessment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a microfluidic device and an iso-dielectric separation (IDS) device that isolates and measures the electrical properties of leukocytes from a sample, allowing for rapid detection of inflammatory conditions and leukocyte activation by matching flow rates and measuring the iso-dielectric point (IDP) of cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface markers and cytokines are used to measure leukocyte activation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional biochemical assays (surface markers and cytokines) with electrical field-based measurement. The IDS device uses dielectric properties and electrical impedance to detect leukocyte activation, substituting mechanical/chemical measurement systems with electrical field interactions that provide both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in dielectric properties and electrical impedance parameters of leukocytes to detect activation. By monitoring these electrical parameters rather than biochemical markers, the system achieves rapid measurement without sacrificing detection sensitivity, directly resolving the time-precision contradiction.
2Productivity
If flow rate matching device is added to integrate microfluidic device with electrical measurement device, then device complexity increases, but productivity improves
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate matching device serves multiple functions: it acts as a buffer reservoir, a flow rate regulator, and a connection interface between the microfluidic isolation device and the IDS measurement device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, making the added complexity worthwhile for the significant productivity gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate matching device acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the microfluidic device and the IDS device. It buffers flow rate differences and ensures compatible operation between the two devices, enabling integration while maintaining measurement throughput and system reliability.
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
Enables the measurement of leukocyte activation from a drop of whole blood within 15 minutes, providing fine temporal resolution for monitoring sepsis progression and improving the assessment of treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic device that isolates one or more leukocytes from the sample
Implementation Method 2
an iso-dielectric separation (IDS) device that measures the iso-dielectric point of a leukocyte
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a microfluidic device configured to isolate one or more particles from a mixture, a flow rate matching device configured to match flow rate of the microfluidic device with flow rate of an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles, and an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles.