Microfluidic Cell Purification With Size and Magnetic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for isolating and enriching rare cells and particles from bodily fluids face challenges in achieving consistent and reliable separation with minimal cell loss, particularly due to the low concentration of these cells and the need for gentle and uniform processing.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising microfluidic channels and magnets configured to separate particles based on size and magnetic susceptibility, utilizing deterministic lateral displacement arrays and magnetic separators to achieve precise separation and enrichment of particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separation steps are used to enrich rare cells, then enrichment quality improves, but processing time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenrichment qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the enrichment process into multiple sequential microfluidic separation devices, each performing a specific separation function (e.g., size-based separation, magnetic separation). This segmentation allows complex multi-step enrichment to be achieved through modular, standardized units that can be connected in series, improving reliability while maintaining manageable processing time through parallelization of identical units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple separation devices are nested within an integrated automated system that coordinates their operation. The system allows samples to flow through multiple separation stages without manual intervention, with each stage building upon the previous separation. This nesting enables high-quality enrichment through multiple steps while the automated coordination minimizes additional processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If conventional isolation methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cell loss increases and processing uniformity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidcell loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces conventional mechanical separation methods (centrifugation, filtration) with microfluidic-based separation mechanisms including deterministic lateral displacement and magnetic separation. These microfluidic methods operate under gentle flow conditions that preserve cell integrity while achieving precise separation based on physical properties, significantly reducing cell loss compared to harsh mechanical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the separation parameters by using multiple microfluidic devices with different separation mechanisms (size-based, magnetic susceptibility-based) rather than relying on a single method. Each device is optimized for specific particle properties, allowing gentle separation that maintains cell viability while achieving high purity enrichment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but processing consistency and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidprocessing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal microfluidic separation devices that can process different sample types (blood, urine, other bodily fluids) and different target cells (circulating tumor cells, rare immune cells) using the same fundamental separation principles. This universality is achieved through standardized device designs and protocols that can be automated, ensuring consistent processing across different samples and operators while maintaining reduced complexity through reuse of proven components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enriches rare cells and particles with minimal loss, providing consistent and reliable clinical information for disease diagnosis and treatment by ensuring uniform processing and retention of target particles.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing deterministic lateral displacement arrays and magnetic separators to achieve precise separation and enrichment of particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeterministic lateral displacement:

Implementation Method 2

A system comprising microfluidic channels and magnets configured to separate particles based on size and magnetic susceptibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic separation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12436081B2Methods and devices for multi-step cell purification and concentration

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ZEON CORP

AI summary

Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods that can separate and concentrate particles in a sample.