Membrane-Based Sample Isolation in Closed Enclosures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample isolation methods are not suitable for closed or self-contained environments, such as microgravity settings or clean rooms, as they can leak and expose samples to contaminants, and lack efficiency in separating specific molecules and particles.
Innovation Solution
A pipette-free, closed system utilizing first and second membranes within an enclosure with valves to regulate reagent flow, allowing selective isolation of samples like nucleic acids, proteins, or cells, using membranes with specific pore diameters and functionalized surfaces for binding and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sample isolation methods are used, then sample isolation can be achieved, but the system leaks and exposes samples to contaminants in closed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membranes as thin film barriers within a closed enclosure to separate reagents and samples. These membranes prevent leakage while allowing controlled物质 transfer, thereby eliminating contamination in closed environments like microgravity settings or clean rooms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary membrane system that mediates between different reagent compartments. The membranes act as selective barriers that enable controlled interaction between reagents while preventing direct mixing and contamination, solving the reliability issue in closed environments.
2Reliability
If traditional sample isolation methods are used, then sample isolation can be achieved, but the system lacks efficiency in separating specific molecules and particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing specific regions of the membranes with different properties. Different membrane areas have different pore sizes and surface characteristics tailored for separating specific molecules and particles, thereby improving separation efficiency for different sample types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous membranes with controlled pore diameters to separate molecules and particles based on size and affinity. The porous structure provides high surface area for binding and separation, significantly improving the efficiency of isolating specific biological materials like nucleic acids, proteins, or cells.
3Reliability
If a closed system with multiple membranes and valves is used, then sample isolation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample isolation system into modular compartments separated by membranes, with individual valves controlling each section. This segmentation allows reliable controlled environments while simplifying operation through independent control of each module, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the membrane system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: separation, filtration, binding, and containment. The same membrane structure performs several isolation functions, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 effectively isolates and separates samples without leakage, maintaining a controlled environment and minimizing contamination, suitable for use in environments like microgravity or clean rooms, while ensuring efficient separation and purification of biological materials.
Implementation Method 1
membranes with specific pore diameters and functionalized surfaces for binding and separation
Implementation Method 2
functionalized surfaces for binding and separation
Implementation Method 3
valves to regulate reagent flow
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.