Disposable Microfluidic Cartridge with Flow Switch for Cell Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry systems face challenges in accurately sorting individual cells into small areas due to limitations in droplet delivery precision and the need for reusable cartridges that require frequent cleaning, leading to residue buildup and decreased accuracy over time.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable microfluidic cartridges with a flow switch mechanism that differentially sorts microparticles based on flow rate, allowing for precise sorting of individual cells into smaller areas without the need for cleaning, using a system with alternating fluidic flow paths and controlled fluid pressures to direct cells into either a sample or waste outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow cytometry systems use reusable cartridges, then cost is reduced, but residue buildup decreases sorting accuracy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic cartridges that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and preventing residue buildup. Each cartridge is designed for one-time use, ensuring consistent sorting accuracy without the time loss associated with cleaning reusable components.
2Measurement precision
If droplet delivery precision is improved for sorting individual cells, then sorting accuracy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sorting process into distinct functional modules within the microfluidic cartridge, including separate channels for sample flow, sheath flow, and sorted cell collection. This modular segmentation achieves precise droplet delivery while keeping each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrodynamic focusing through controlled fluid flows to precisely position and deliver droplets containing individual cells. By utilizing fluid pressure and flow rate control rather than complex mechanical positioning systems, the device achieves high precision with reduced complexity.
3Productivity
If sorting rate is increased to match conventional flow cytometer speed, then productivity improves, but sorting precision may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic system maintains continuous fluid flow and cell transport through the sorting chamber, allowing for high-speed processing without interrupting the detection and sorting process. This continuous operation enables high productivity while maintaining precision through consistent flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching of outlet channels to direct sorted cells to different collection containers. This rapid periodic switching allows the system to handle multiple cell types at high speed while maintaining precise control over which cells go to which container, preserving sorting precision despite increased throughput.
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 approach enables efficient and accurate sorting of both groups and individual microparticles, improving precision and reducing contamination risks while eliminating the need for cartridge cleaning, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of the sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
a source of fluid (e.g., within the flow cytometry apparatus) for applying a centering flow rate into the microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
Upon impinging upon each cell, the laser beam is scattered in a pattern characteristic of the morphology, density, refractive index and size of the cell
Implementation Method 3
the spectral characteristics of the laser beam may act to excite certain fluorochromes associated with selected cells
Implementation Method 4
a flow switch mechanism that differentially sorts microparticles based on flow rate, allowing for precise sorting of individual cells into smaller areas without the need for cleaning, using a system with alternating fluidic flow paths and controlled fluid pressures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for sorting and isolating individual microparticles (e.g., cells) by bulk sorting groups of microparticles into groups containing one or more microparticle having a desirable characteristic (e.g., a label such as a florescent label, shape, size, etc.), and then sorting the individual microparticles with this desired characteristic individual particles.