Magnetic Separation With Field Shielding for Automated Target Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for rapid and reliable automated magnetic separation of a selected target within a biological sample with high yield and high purity, where the application of a magnetic field can be customized and controlled.
Innovation Solution
A method involving binding the target biological population to magnetic particles, circulating the sample through fluidics pathways, exposing to a magnetic field gradient, and using a magnetic field shield to control the separation process, allowing for repeated collection and release of the target population.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic separation is performed using conventional methods, then target population can be separated, but the process is time-consuming and lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the magnetic field through electromagnets that can be rapidly activated and deactivated. This allows the magnetic separation process to be automated and accelerated, with the field being applied only when needed for capture and removed when release is required, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations of conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated electromagnetic system. The electromagnets controlled by a microprocessor automatically perform the separation function without manual intervention, substituting the mechanical and manual processes with an automated electromagnetic field-based system that operates faster and more efficiently
2Reliability
If magnetic field is applied continuously to maintain target population capture, then high purity separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied periodically rather than continuously - activated during capture phases and deactivated during release phases. This periodic application maintains high separation purity when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-operational periods, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic properties of the beads and targets themselves to maintain capture without continuous external energy input. Once captured, the magnetic assemblies remain held in place by the magnetic field, and the system automatically manages the field application based on process requirements, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining separation integrity
3Productivity
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve capture efficiency, then yield increases, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is segmented into multiple independent electromagnets rather than using a single complex magnetic system. Each electromagnet can be independently controlled, allowing efficient capture through coordinated activation while simplifying the overall control architecture through modular, independent units managed by a microprocessor
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor serves as an intermediary between the control system and the electromagnets, managing the complexity of field control. The microprocessor automatically regulates the magnetic field application to multiple electromagnets, translating high-level commands into precise magnetic field control, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high capture efficiency
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 efficient and automated collection of target biological populations with high reproducibility and reduced operational costs, achieving high purity and yield in magnetic separation.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the target biological population bound to the magnetic particles to a magnetic field gradient
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for automatic magnetic separation of magnetized targets in a biological sample are herein disclosed, where they comprise a magnetic field shield/barrier controllably operable to control the magnetic field in terms of reaching and attracting the magnetized targets within the biological sample.