Magnetic Particle Separation Vessel with Alternating Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating, mixing, and concentrating magnetic particles in biological analysis are inefficient, particularly for large volumes and small fluid samples, leading to prolonged separation times, aggregation issues, and laborious manual processes that can result in sample contamination and analyte loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a reaction vessel with a large upper compartment, an elongated lower compartment, and strategically positioned magnets to apply simultaneous and alternating magnetic fields for separation, mixing, and concentration, allowing for efficient separation, washing, and concentration of magnetic particles within a single container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple washing cycles are performed by suspending and separating magnetic particles repeatedly, then purification effectiveness is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using alternating magnetic fields that periodically reverse direction to achieve particle separation and mixing cycles. The magnetic field alternates between attracting particles to one side of the vessel and releasing them to mix with the fluid, enabling multiple washing cycles without manual intervention. This periodic action maintains purification effectiveness while significantly reducing processing time and operational complexity compared to traditional manual suspension and separation methods.
2Reliability
If magnetic particles are separated by permanent magnets positioned at the bottom of the reaction vessel, then separation is achieved, but separation time becomes prolonged especially for larger volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static permanent magnets to dynamic electromagnetic fields that can be actively controlled and reversed. The electromagnetic field can be rapidly switched on and off, and its direction can be changed, allowing particles to be quickly attracted to and released from the vessel walls. This dynamic approach dramatically increases separation speed while maintaining reliable separation capability, solving the contradiction between separation effectiveness and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using electromagnetic fields that can penetrate through the entire volume of the fluid, not just acting from the bottom surface. The field can be applied uniformly throughout the vessel or focused at specific locations, enabling three-dimensional control of particle movement. This allows simultaneous separation of particles throughout the entire sample volume, dramatically increasing separation speed compared to bottom-only magnetic attraction.
3Reliability
If magnetic particles are held against the wall by a magnet during separation, then fluid removal is facilitated, but particle mixing with the fluid is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using alternating magnetic fields that periodically reverse direction to achieve particle separation and mixing cycles. The magnetic field alternates between attracting particles to one side of the vessel and releasing them to mix with the fluid, enabling multiple washing cycles without manual intervention. This periodic action maintains purification effectiveness while significantly reducing processing time and operational complexity compared to traditional manual suspension and separation methods.
4Reliability
If manual suspension and separation processes are used, then particle washing is achieved, but sample contamination and analyte loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual mechanical operations (pipetting, vortexing, manual suspension) with automated electromagnetic field control. The electromagnetic field automatically performs particle attraction, release, and fluid removal operations without human contact with the sample. This eliminates contamination risks from manual handling while maintaining effective particle washing and purification 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 enables rapid and efficient separation, mixing, and concentration of magnetic particles, reducing separation time, minimizing sample contamination, and conserving analytes, thus improving the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
Permanent magnets attract the particles to the wall of the reaction vessel and hold them there
Implementation Method 2
The use of magnetic particles as a solid phase and separation by permanent magnets is known in principle
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the container in which the fluid and the particles are comprised, to magnetic fields of different and changing directions
Implementation Method 4
magnetic particles can be drawn to, for example, the wall of a container in which the fluid with the magnetic particles was contained
Data Source
AI summary
A process for manipulating magnetic particles suspended in a fluid that are able to bind to an entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel having a large funnel shaped upper compartment, an elongate lower compartment of substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The process consists of:a) subjecting the magnetic particles to two simultaneously applied magnetic fields to separate all said magnetic particles present in at least the upper compartment of the vessel from the fluid,b) transferring the separated magnetic particles from the upper compartment to the lower compartment,c) removing the fluid from the vessel,d) adding a washing liquid to the lower compartment,e) subjecting the magnetic particles to at least two magnetic fields applied successively with changing directions to wash all the magnetic particles present in the lower compartment, andconcentrating said magnetic particles in said lower compartment.