Magnetic Separation in Microfluidic Flow Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices and methods for sorting and purifying particles, such as cells or nucleic acids, often disturb the particles, leading to changes in gene expression, viability, or other characteristics, and do not effectively address the need for precise sample preparation before droplet formation.

Innovation Solution

A device for magnetic separation is described, featuring a housing with a microfluidic flow path and a magnetic source disposed adjacent to the flow path. This configuration allows for the gentle and efficient separation of magnetic particles, which can be conjugated to biological particles, without direct contact with the magnetic source, minimizing damage to the particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional sorting devices are used to separate particles, then separation efficiency is improved, but particle damage and alteration of characteristics occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidparticle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary force to separate particles without direct mechanical contact. Magnetic beads conjugated to antibodies bind to target cells, and magnetic fields manipulate these bead-cell complexes through the flow path, enabling separation without physical disturbance that would damage cell characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical sorting mechanisms (such as physical sieving, filtration, or direct contact manipulation) with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic field exerts force on magnetic beads to achieve separation, substituting mechanical action with electromagnetic action that preserves particle integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If magnetic separation is performed with direct contact between magnetic source and particles, then separation speed is improved, but particle viability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation speedVSAvoidparticle viability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the magnetic separation function into two independent components: magnetic beads that directly interact with target particles, and external magnetic sources that generate separating force. This segmentation allows magnetic fields to act on beads rather than directly on cells, maintaining cell viability while achieving rapid separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic beads serve as intermediaries between the external magnetic field and target cells. The beads conjugated to antibodies bind to specific cell surfaces, and the magnetic field manipulates these bead-cell complexes, enabling fast separation without direct magnetic contact that would harm cell viability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If complex sample preparation is performed before droplet formation, then assay precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic separation device enables continuous processing of samples through a flow path, eliminating batch processing steps. Samples flow continuously through the magnetic field zone where separation occurs, maintaining uninterrupted workflow and reducing total processing time while ensuring precise separation for downstream droplet formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the sample's own magnetic properties (after antibody-magnetic bead conjugation) to enable self-separation. The magnetic fields manipulate the bead-conjugated complexes based on their inherent magnetic response, eliminating the need for complex external manipulation apparatus and reducing processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a quick and gentle magnetic separation that minimizes damage to magnetic particles and their attached components, such as cells or nucleic acids, thereby preserving their viability and characteristics, and allows for efficient purification and enrichment of magnetic particles.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic source disposed adjacent to the flow path... the magnetic particles are attracted to the magnetic source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic particles are attracted to the magnetic source that is disposed adjacent to the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12263482B1Methods and devices for magnetic separation in a flow path

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 10X GENOMICS INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for sorting or separating magnetic particles are provided. A magnetic source is disposed adjacent a flow path and exerts a magnetic field on magnetic particles in order to separate particles.