Magnetic Purification Apparatus with Multi-Position Sample Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic separation technologies for biological samples are costly, complex, and inefficient, particularly when using nanoparticles, and lack the ability to handle varying magnetic field gradients effectively, which affects enrichment quality and protocol development.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple sample vessel holders arranged to create varying magnetic field gradients using a static magnetic field generator, allowing for controlled magnetic particle binding and mixing outside the device, utilizing both permanent and electromagnets to optimize magnetic separation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-gradient magnetic separation systems are used with nanoparticles (30-100 nm), then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sample vessel holders (first, second, third holders) positioned at different locations relative to the magnetic field generator. Each holder can be independently used for different separation tasks, allowing the system to handle multiple samples simultaneously with different magnetic field requirements, thereby improving throughput without increasing the complexity of individual separation units.
Solution Approach 2:
A single magnetic field generator with multiple sample vessel holders serves multiple functions: it can perform high-gradient separation for nanoparticles, low-gradient separation for larger particles, and accommodate different sample volumes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for different separation scenarios, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high separation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample vessel holders at different positions are used, then versatility in handling varying magnetic field gradients is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample vessel holders are integrated into a single device structure around one magnetic field generator. The first, second, and third holders are positioned at different distances and angles relative to the generator, creating a gradient of magnetic field strengths. This unified design allows the system to handle various particle sizes and separation requirements without needing multiple separate devices, achieving versatility while controlling complexity through integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetic separation columns with ferromagnetic matrices are used, then separation capability is improved, but non-specific binding and cell stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ferromagnetic matrix component from the separation system entirely. Instead of using a column filled with ferromagnetic particles that cause non-specific binding, the system uses a simple magnetic field generator with sample vessel holders. The separation is achieved through the magnetic field acting on magnetically labeled cells in free suspension, eliminating the harmful contact between cells and the ferromagnetic matrix while maintaining high separation capability.
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, cost-effective magnetic purification of biological samples with improved enrichment quality and simplified handling, suitable for rapid protocol development and use of smaller magnetic particles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one device for generating a static magnetic field gradient
Implementation Method 2
magnetic separation is achieved by labeling target materials with receptor- or ligand-conjugated magnetic particles
Implementation Method 3
A crystal grain size of at least 30 nm is required to generate the so-called paramagnetic behavior. Such magnetic materials are often described as magnetically sensitive, magnetizable, or superparamagnetic because they exhibit high magnetic polarization only under the influence of an external magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for magnetic processing of biological samples (10), having at least one device for generating a static magnetic field gradient (11), at least one holder (15) for sample vessels (24) which comprises at least two sample vessel receptacles (17, 18, 20, 21), said sample vessel receptacles (17, 18, 20, 21) being disposed in a different position relative to the device for generating a static magnetic field gradient (11), and a set for magnetic purification of biological samples, comprising: an apparatus for magnetic purification of biological samples of the type designated above; magnetic or magnetisable particles, in particular microbeads; and a protocol for magnetic purification of biological samples.