Magnetic Cell Separation Using Counter-Flow to Reduce False Positivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic separation techniques for target cells from bodily fluids, such as blood, face challenges in achieving high separation ratios and minimizing false positivity due to the movement of non-target cells by magnetic forces, which also require additional washing steps that can damage cells and lead to loss.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a combination of magnetic forces and opposing inertial, Dean drag, or centrifugal forces to separate target cells marked with magnetic particles from non-target cells, using a channel or chamber design where the magnetic force exceeds these opposing forces, allowing for efficient separation without the need for additional washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only magnetic force is applied to separate target cells, then target cells are pulled toward the magnet, but non-target cells also move due to generated flow and may be trapped, decreasing separation ratio and increasing false-positiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counter-flow in the opposite direction to the magnetic force to counteract the harmful flow generated during magnetic separation. This counter-flow prevents non-target cells from being trapped while maintaining the magnetic force's ability to pull target cells toward the magnet, thereby improving separation ratio and reducing false-positiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful flow generated by magnetic force into a beneficial counter-flow that specifically targets non-target cells for removal. By directing this flow opposite to the magnetic force, the system uses the same flow mechanism to achieve both target cell recovery and non-target cell removal, improving overall separation efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If washing process is performed to remove non-specifically bound cells, then false-positiveness is reduced, but target cells may be washed or cell membranes damaged by shear stress, increasing cell loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-target cells from the mixture during the magnetic separation process itself by applying a counter-flow that specifically removes non-specifically bound cells. This eliminates the need for a separate washing step, thereby preventing additional cell loss while maintaining high separation ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the separation and washing functions into a single integrated process. By combining the magnetic force-driven target cell recovery with the counter-flow-driven non-target cell removal, the system achieves both separation and cleaning simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential steps and reducing overall cell loss.
3Measurement precision
If additional washing steps are added to remove non-target cells, then separation purity is improved, but process complexity increases and cell loss increases due to shear stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (target cell recovery, non-target cell removal, and washing) into a single integrated magnetic separation process. By merging these steps, the system reduces process complexity while maintaining high separation ratio, as all functions are achieved simultaneously rather than through sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the magnetic force and counter-flow work together to simultaneously achieve target cell recovery, non-target cell removal, and washing. This universal approach allows a single process to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate steps, thereby reducing complexity while improving separation quality.
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
This approach enhances the separation ratio of target cells while reducing false positivity and cell loss, eliminating the need for a separate washing process, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of cell separation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet adjacent to an outer circumference of the channel. The magnet generates a magnetic force with respect to the sample
Implementation Method 2
a channel having a curved shape in a plan view, and in which a sample flows
Implementation Method 3
utilize a combination of magnetic forces and opposing inertial, Dean drag, or centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 4
utilize a combination of magnetic forces and opposing inertial, Dean drag, or centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A cell separation device includes a channel or chamber in which a sample flows or moves, the sample including target cells marked with magnetic particles, and non-target cells, and a magnet which generates a magnetic first force in a first direction with respect to the sample within the channel or chamber. The channel or chamber of the cell separation device is applied with a second force in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the magnetic force. According to the cell separation device and a method of separating cells, the target cells move in the first direction by the magnetic force, and the non-target cells move in the second direction by the second force, by simultaneously applying the magnetic force and the second force in opposing directions, thereby separating the target cells from the non-target cells.