Magnetic Particle Operation Device with Segmented Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating or purifying target substances using magnetic particles in tubular devices are complicated due to the need for external mixing and storage of magnetic particles with the gel-like medium, leading to particles not contributing to the separation/purification process.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic particle operation device with a tubular container having alternately layered gel-like medium and liquid layers, where magnetic particles are stored in a sample introduction space and held by a magnet, preventing contact with the gel-like medium during storage, and dispersed for use, allowing for direct sample mixing and immobilization of target substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic particles are stored in the liquid layer of the tubular device, then the device is ready for immediate use, but the magnetic particles contact the gel-like medium layer and become trapped, reducing their effectiveness for target substance separation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional spaces: a sample introduction space for storing magnetic particles and a sample movement space for the separation process. This segmentation allows magnetic particles to be stored separately from the gel-like medium layer, preventing premature contact and trapping, while maintaining readiness for use.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles are extracted from the liquid layer and placed in a dedicated sample introduction space. This extraction prevents magnetic particles from contacting the gel-like medium layer during storage, eliminating the problem of particles becoming trapped and reducing separation efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If magnetic particles and sample are mixed outside the tubular device before introduction, then the mixing can be performed with controlled conditions, but the operational process becomes complicated requiring additional containers and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sample introduction space serves dual functions: it stores magnetic particles and also serves as the mixing chamber where samples are introduced and mixed with magnetic particles. This merging eliminates the need for separate mixing containers and steps, simplifying the operational process while maintaining controlled mixing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample introduction space is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: storing magnetic particles, receiving sample introduction, and providing mixing space. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and operational steps.
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
Simplifies the operational process by ensuring all magnetic particles contribute to the separation/purification, reducing waste and complexity, and preventing particle exposure to the gel-like medium during storage.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet is arranged in contact with or close to an outside of the sample introduction space in the container
Implementation Method 2
magnetic particles having a chemical affinity for a target substance or a molecular recognition function on a surface of a magnetic body
Implementation Method 3
magnetic particles having a chemical affinity for a target substance or a molecular recognition function on a surface of a magnetic body
Implementation Method 4
a magnetic field applying means, such as, e.g., a permanent magnet, is brought close to the tubular device. Thereafter, the magnetic substance applying means is moved along the longitudinal direction of the tubular device to move the magnetic particles so as to follow the magnetic field applying means
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic particle operation device comprising a tubular container having a longitudinal shape and including a sample introduction space in which a sample including a target substance and magnetic particles for immobilizing the target substance thereon are received, and a sample movement space in which a gel-like medium layer and a liquid layer are alternately arranged in its longitudinal direction. The magnetic particle operation device further comprising a first magnet provided outside the tubular container to face the sample introduction space, the first magnet configured to hold the magnetic particles in the sample introduction space in the container when the device is not used; and a second magnet configured to move the magnetic particles with the target substance being immobilized thereon, from the sample introduction space to the sample movement space, passing through the gel-like medium layer and the liquid layer in the longitudinal direction, when the device is used.