Magnetic Picker for Target Analyte Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for detecting and isolating target analytes, such as circulating tumor cells in blood samples, are inefficient and costly due to the low numbers of cells present in a vast background of other cells, making it difficult to accurately extract and analyze these materials.
Innovation Solution
A device and system using a picker with a pressure gradient, hydraulic fluid coupling, and magnetic or light-based methods to aspirate and dispense target analytes, allowing for precise manipulation and isolation by creating a force for attraction and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional techniques (smearing and staining) are used to analyze blood samples, then the process is simple to perform, but the detection precision and isolation efficiency of target analytes are extremely low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical smearing and staining techniques with a magnetic picker system that uses magnetic fields to manipulate and isolate target analytes. The picker incorporates a magnet and magnetic bead to mechanically capture and physically separate target cells from the blood sample, substituting optical detection methods with direct magnetic manipulation for both detection and isolation functions.
2Reliability
If existing isolation methods are applied to find 3 CTCs in 7.5 ml blood sample, then the detection may be clinically relevant, but the process is extremely time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates target analytes directly from the blood sample using magnetic capture. The magnetic picker selectively binds target cells (such as CTCs) to magnetic beads, then physically extracts them from the sample matrix. This direct extraction method eliminates time-consuming conventional isolation steps while maintaining detection accuracy by focusing resources on capturing only the relevant target cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and magnetic properties of target analytes by coating magnetic beads with antibodies that bind to specific markers on target cells. This parameter change allows the targets to be manipulated magnetically, enabling rapid isolation and concentration from the blood sample, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If magnetic picker is used to isolate target analytes, then the isolation efficiency and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the magnetic picker tip contains a magnet embedded within a pipette or capillary structure. The magnetic bead is nested within the picker tip, and the entire assembly is integrated into a microfluidic or well-plate system. This nesting allows the complex magnetic isolation function to be contained within a compact, easy-to-use device that resembles conventional pipettes, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the advanced functionality.
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
The system enables efficient and accurate detection and isolation of target analytes by introducing a pressure gradient or magnetic field to draw cells into a cannula, reducing the time and cost associated with existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
A device and system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient.
Implementation Method 2
The permanent magnet includes, but is not limited to, a ring magnet, a bar magnet, a horseshoe magnet, a donut-shaped magnet, a spherical magnet, a polygon-shaped magnet, a wand magnet, a kidney-shaped magnet, or any other appropriate magnet. The magnetizable material includes, but is not limited to, metals, organic materials, inorganic materials, minerals, ferrofluids, and combinations thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.