Magnetic Separator Plate Adapter for Single Cell Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RNA-Seq techniques analyze the RNA of entire cell populations, yielding only bulk averages and failing to capture the heterogeneity of individual cells, while automated single cell sequencing systems require improved fluid interaction for efficient and consistent results.
Innovation Solution
An automated single cell sequencing system integrating a magnetic separator with a magnetic separator plate adapter that suspends tubes above an array of magnets, ensuring consistent interaction and improving the magnetic bead-based cleanup process, combined with an automated controller for single cell partitioning and barcoding, and a liquid handling gantry for pipetting, to streamline library preparation and reduce manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tubes are placed directly on the magnetic separator plate, then the magnetic bead-based cleanup process can be performed, but the interaction between fluid and magnets is inconsistent leading to variable results
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic separator plate adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the tubes and the magnetic separator plate. The adapter includes a raised frame that suspends the tubes above the magnets, creating a consistent air gap. This mediator ensures uniform magnetic field interaction across all tubes while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic separator system is segmented into distinct components: the magnetic separator plate with magnets, the magnetic separator plate adapter with raised frame, and the tubes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the adapter's raised frame specifically designed to provide consistent suspension height for uniform magnetic interaction.
2Productivity
If automated liquid handling is implemented, then productivity increases, but the system requires precise and consistent magnetic interaction for reliable results
Solution Approach 1:
The raised frame of the magnetic separator plate adapter creates an equipotential environment by suspending all tubes at the same height above the magnetic separator plate. This ensures that each tube experiences identical magnetic field strength, providing the precision required for automated liquid handling operations.
3Loss of time
If manual操作流程 is used for library preparation, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and technical variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic separator plate adapter with its raised frame design enables the system to self-regulate the magnetic interaction conditions. The structure automatically maintains consistent tube suspension without requiring manual adjustment or specialized technical intervention, facilitating automated operation.
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 achieves consistent and reproducible single cell gene expression libraries with reduced technical variability, saving time and resources by automating the workflow, eliminating the need for specialized expertise, and enhancing productivity through integrated and validated protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic separator comprising an array of magnets configured to interact with an array of tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic separator is disclosed. The magnetic separator comprises an array of magnets configured to interact with a tube holder plate, wherein the tube holder plate comprises an array of tubes. The magnetic separator comprises a raised frame extending around a periphery of the array of magnets such that the raised frame is configured to support the tube holder plate such that the array of tubes is suspended above the array of magnets.