Microchip Microparticle Sorting With Negative-Pressure Branch Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting technologies face challenges in rapidly and stably extracting target microparticles from a sheath flow in a channel, limiting the speed and accuracy of analysis in microchip-type microparticle sorting apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting method that generates negative pressure in a branch channel to collect target microparticles by forming a counter flow that opposes the main channel flow, using an actuator to deform the branch channel and increase its volume, allowing for efficient separation and collection of target particles beyond the introduction opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an actuator is used to control the feeding direction of sheath flow by pressing against a chamber, then the sheath flow direction can be changed, but the structure becomes complex and the response speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an acoustic field-based control mechanism. Acoustic radiation pressure generated by ultrasonic waves acts on the sheath flow to change its feeding direction at the branching portion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and chambers while achieving faster response speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustic radiation pressure (a form of pressure wave) to control the sheath flow direction. The acoustic field creates pressure differences that redirect the fluid flow without mechanical contact, simplifying the system structure while maintaining effective flow control.
2Reliability
If laser irradiation is used to generate air bubbles for controlling sheath flow direction, then the sorting function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser-based bubble generation system with a direct acoustic radiation pressure mechanism. The ultrasonic acoustic field directly manipulates the sheath flow direction without requiring intermediate bubble formation, simplifying the device structure and improving operational stability by eliminating bubble-related variability.
3Productivity
If the branch channel is positioned downstream from the detection area, then sufficient detection time is ensured, but the sorting speed decreases due to longer channel length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the branch channel opening to be located at the same longitudinal position as the detection area (in the streamwise direction), rather than downstream. This spatial reconfiguration allows sorting to occur simultaneously with detection, enabling target microparticles to be collected into the branch channel without extending the channel length, thus maintaining both detection precision and sorting speed.
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
This method enables rapid and stable extraction of target microparticles, preventing non-target particles from entering the sorting channel and improving the speed and accuracy of analysis by maintaining a higher flow rate into the branch channel than the introduction flow rate, ensuring efficient sorting operations.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the feeding direction of a sheath flow by using an acoustic radiation pressure
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a microparticle sorting method including a procedure of collecting a microparticle in a fluid that flows through a main channel in a branch channel that is in communication with the main channel by generating a negative pressure in the branch channel. In the procedure, a flow of a fluid is formed that flows toward a side of the main channel from a side of the branch channel at a communication opening between the main channel and the branch channel.