Magnetic Separation Device With Sharp Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for high-throughput biomedical assays often disrupt particles during sorting, altering characteristics like gene expression and viability, highlighting the need for improved purification techniques.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic separation device with a housing and receptacle featuring a magnetic source with sharp features and a strong magnetic gradient to separate magnetic particles from non-magnetic particles, minimizing disruption and allowing for quick and gentle separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sorting methods are used to separate particles, then separation efficiency is improved, but particle characteristics (gene expression, activation, viability) are altered due to disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sorting methods (which physically disturb particles) with a magnetic field-based separation system. Magnetic beads with sharp features generate localized magnetic gradients that selectively capture target particles without mechanical contact or disturbance, thereby maintaining particle viability and characteristics while achieving efficient separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary medium between the magnetic source and target particles. These beads with sharp features concentrate magnetic flux and create localized high-gradient regions that mediate the separation process, enabling efficient particle isolation without direct mechanical intervention that would disturb particle characteristics.
2Productivity
If strong magnetic fields are used to improve separation speed, then productivity increases, but damage to attached components (cells, nuclei) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic beads with sharp features that create highly localized magnetic field gradients at specific points rather than applying a uniform strong magnetic field throughout. This local concentration of magnetic flux enables rapid separation of target particles while the surrounding areas experience minimal magnetic stress, protecting attached cellular components from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the magnetic field generation into multiple discrete magnetic beads with sharp features distributed throughout the sample. Each bead creates a localized high-gradient region, collectively achieving efficient separation without requiring a single intense magnetic field that would cause widespread damage to biological components.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional magnetic separation devices are used, then separation capability is provided, but recovery yield is low in small sample volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field gradient parameter by using magnetic beads with sharp features instead of conventional smooth magnetic sources. This geometric modification creates dramatically enhanced local magnetic gradients that are highly effective in small sample volumes, improving recovery yield by enabling complete capture of target particles even in limited quantities without requiring large sample volumes.
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 enables efficient and gentle separation of magnetic particles, preserving the integrity of attached components, such as cells or nuclei, and allowing for high recovery yields in small sample volumes, reducing damage and improving viability.
Implementation Method 1
produce a magnetic gradient of at least about 10 T/m
Implementation Method 2
magnetic source includes at least one sharp feature
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for sorting or separating magnetic particles are provided. A magnetic source, e.g., with at least one sharp feature, can be employed to exert a strong magnetic field on magnetic particles in order to separate particles of a desired and predictable property.