Microchannel Cassette Sorting for Viable Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for identifying, isolating, and characterizing biological components, such as cells, are time-consuming, prone to sample contamination, and fail to accurately detect multiple positive signals, isolate viable cells, or differentiate single cells from multiple cells, with limitations in the number of cells that can be screened efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cassette system with microchannels and housings that allow for the detection and sorting of target particles using electromagnetic radiation, including a substrate with transmissive portions for radiation transmission, fill and release ports, and a method involving sonication and fluorescent material to enhance sorting efficiency and viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for identifying and isolating biological components, then the process can be completed, but it requires multiple time-consuming selection steps and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sorting process into parallel microchannels, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple particles. Each microchannel acts as an independent processing unit, enabling high-throughput sorting without sequential delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical manipulation with optical fields for particle manipulation and sorting. Electromagnetic radiation is used to detect and manipulate particles, eliminating the need for physical handling and multiple mechanical selection steps.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then particles can be detected, but the system fails to accurately detect multiple positive signals and differentiate single cells from multiple cells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds spatial dimensionality by using multiple microchannels arranged in parallel arrays. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple particles in different spatial locations, enabling accurate counting and differentiation of single versus multiple cells through spatial distribution analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluorescently labeled particles that emit different colors or intensities based on their properties. This optical signaling enables detection of multiple positive signals and differentiation of particle types through color or intensity variations in the fluorescent signal.
3Reliability
If conventional isolation methods are used, then cells can be isolated, but the system fails to isolate viable cells and maintains sample contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical isolation methods with optical trapping and manipulation using electromagnetic radiation. This contactless approach eliminates mechanical stress on cells and prevents contamination from physical handling, preserving cell viability while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a controlled, sterile environment within the microchannel system where samples are processed in isolation. The enclosed microchannel structure maintains an inert atmosphere that prevents contamination while allowing optical access for detection and manipulation.
4Productivity
If conventional screening methods are used, then cells can be screened, but the number of cells that can be screened with reasonable expediency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device is segmented into multiple parallel microchannels that can process particles simultaneously. This parallel architecture increases throughput capacity while keeping each individual channel simple in structure, allowing high-volume screening without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables rapid, efficient, and sterile sorting of target particles, particularly viable cells, with high purity and viability, achieving rates of up to 100,000 cells per second and purity greater than 95%, suitable for pharmaceutical compositions.
Implementation Method 1
a transmissive portion located in one or each of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the transmissive portion permits transmission of electromagnetic radiation from outside of the cassette to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a method involving sonication and fluorescent material to enhance sorting efficiency and viability
Implementation Method 3
a method involving sonication and fluorescent material to enhance sorting efficiency and viability
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for sorting target particles. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a cassette for sorting target particles, methods for sorting target particles, methods of loading a microchannel for maintaining sample material viability, methods of quantifying sample material, and an optical apparatus for laser scanning and particle sorting.