Magnetic Separation Module With Intermediary Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for magnetic separation in biomedical applications often damage particles, such as cells or nucleic acids, due to mechanical stress and alter their characteristics, necessitating improved techniques for gentle and efficient separation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separable flow module with voids and a magnetic module featuring magnetic features that mate with the voids, allowing for magnetic separation without direct contact, minimizing particle damage and enabling easy release and reuse of the magnetic module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional magnetic separation methods are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but particle damage and alteration of particle characteristics occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separable modules: a flow module containing voids and a magnetic module containing magnetic features. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be applied through the wall without direct contact between magnetic particles and the magnetic module, thereby maintaining separation efficiency while preventing particle damage
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic wall acts as an intermediary between the magnetic features and the particles. The wall transmits the magnetic field while physically isolating the particles from direct contact with the magnetic module, enabling efficient separation without mechanical stress or particle damage
2Productivity
If conventional magnetic separation methods are used, then separation is achieved, but extensive washing or sterilization is required
Solution Approach 1:
The separable modular design allows the magnetic module to be easily removed from the flow module after separation. This eliminates the need for extensive washing or sterilization of the entire device, as the magnetic module can be quickly detached and reused without contamination of the flow module
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic module is extracted as a separate, removable component from the flow module. This extraction enables the magnetic module to be reused without washing or sterilization, while the flow module remains clean and ready for the next sample, significantly reducing time loss
3Productivity
If direct contact magnetic separation is used, then separation efficiency is improved, but contamination and particle entrapment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic wall serves as an intermediary that transmits the magnetic field while preventing direct contact between particles and the magnetic module. This eliminates particle entrapment in magnetic features and prevents contamination, maintaining high separation efficiency without harmful side effects
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 provides a quick and gentle separation method that preserves the integrity of magnetic particles and their attached components, enhancing viability and scalability by avoiding contamination and the need for extensive washing or sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic module with a plurality of magnetic features that mate with the plurality of voids
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic particles may be immobilized adjacent the voids in the sorting region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, and their methods of use, for sorting or separating magnetic particles are provided. A system having a magnetic module with features that mate with voids in a flow module exerts a magnetic field on magnetic particles to separate particles.