Magnetic Selector With Moveable Carrier For Cell Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological fluid processing systems face challenges in efficiently separating and purifying target immune-phenotypic cell subsets from heterogeneous cell sources, particularly in achieving high purity and recovery profiles using magnetic selection methods.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic selector system with a moveable magnet carrier and automated control, capable of applying and disengaging a magnetic field within a fluid processing system, facilitates immunomagnetic selection, washing, and resuspension of target cells, allowing for customizable processing parameters and adaptable to various cell types and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a magnetic selector system is used to separate target cells from heterogeneous cell sources, then cell separation purity and recovery are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic selector system is divided into distinct functional modules: a magnet carrier assembly that can be independently moved between engaged and disengaged positions, a container assembly for holding cell samples, and a fluid processing system. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system architecture and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet carrier is designed with movable positioning capability, transitioning between an engaged position (where magnets are adjacent to the container floor to apply magnetic field) and a disengaged position (where magnets are spaced from the container). This dynamic positioning enables automated control of magnetic field application, improving separation precision while allowing automated operation.
2Productivity
If automated magnetic selection and washing processes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic selector system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: immunomagnetic selection of target cells, automated washing of cell samples, and resuspension of separated cells. The same magnet carrier and container assembly serve all these functions, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated fluid handling that performs washing and resuspension operations without manual intervention. The fluid processing system automatically introduces wash solutions, removes supernatants, and resuspends cell pellets based on the positioning of the magnet carrier, enabling high-throughput processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetic particles are used to form complexes with target cells, then cell separation purity is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively extracts only the target cell population bound to magnetic particles from the heterogeneous cell source. By using specific magnetic reagents that bind only to target cells, the system achieves high purity separation while minimizing loss of non-target cells, which remain in the supernatant and can be recovered if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the magnetic field strength and duration of magnetic field application to achieve complete separation of magnetic particle-bound target cells from the supernatant. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system ensures maximum recovery of target cells while maintaining high purity, preventing both over-retention and premature release of cells.
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 separation and purification of target cells with high purity and recovery, accommodating diverse applications and cell types through automated and configurable magnetic selection and washing processes.
Implementation Method 1
moving the magnet carrier to the first state to apply a magnetic field to a fluid in the container
Implementation Method 2
adding a fluid having magnetic particles to a fluid in the container to form a complex with target cells in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a magnetic selector is provided. The magnetic selector includes a housing including a floor having a floor surface, a magnet carrier disposed on an opposite side of the floor from the floor surface and having at least one magnet disposed thereon, the magnet carrier being moveable relative to the floor between a first state wherein the magnet carrier is adjacent the floor and a second state wherein the magnet carrier is spaced from the floor. The method includes disposing a container on the floor surface, moving the magnet carrier to the first state to apply a magnetic field to a fluid in the container, moving the magnet carrier to the second state from the first state to disengage the magnetic field from the container, and removing the container.