Microfluidic Particle Sorting with Optical Detection and Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sorting particles, such as those described in European patent EP 3 314 012 B1, are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when dealing with a high ratio of negative to positive particles, and often result in significant sample loss and the need for large buffer volumes.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system with a cartridge containing multiple sorting units and an instrument that controls fluid flow, allowing for the detection of positive particles and temporary reduction of flow rate to sort a large number of particles quickly while minimizing buffer usage and sample loss, with a design that includes a microfluidic sorting-unit with a sample feeding conduit, a sorted positive particles conduit, and a waste conduit, and an optical system for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual microfluidic chip or FACS is used for particle sorting, then selection accuracy is improved, but sorting speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the particle sorting process into distinct functional modules: a microfluidic cartridge containing multiple sorting units with independent conduits, an optical detection system, and a flow control system. This segmentation allows parallel processing of particles through multiple sorting units simultaneously, achieving high-speed automated sorting while maintaining the precision of optical detection methods.
2Measurement precision
If FACS sorting is used to select particles, then positive particles can be identified, but sample loss increases and buffer volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sorting function from complex FACS instrumentation and implements it within an integrated microfluidic cartridge system. The cartridge contains dedicated sorted positive particles conduit and waste conduit that directly route particles to collection or disposal, minimizing sample loss. The system processes particles through a streamlined path with minimal buffer volumes required for spacing, thereby reducing both sample loss and buffer consumption while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Productivity
If high particle concentration is processed, then productivity improves, but particle spacing for effective sorting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional particle spacing (in a single flow stream) to three-dimensional sorting by implementing multiple sorting units with parallel conduits. This dimensional expansion allows high particle concentration processing while maintaining adequate spacing within each conduit, as particles are distributed across multiple spatial pathways. The microfluidic design ensures proper spacing is maintained within each unit while the overall system handles large numbers of particles through parallel processing.
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 the sorting of up to 50 million particles in less than 2 hours with minimal loss and buffer usage, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of previous methods by rapidly identifying and isolating positive particles amidst a large number of negative ones.
Implementation Method 1
an instrument which controls the flow of fluids through the cartridge and which regulates the flow rate of particles in response to detecting a positive particle in the feeding conduit upstream of the sorting-junction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for sorting particles by characteristics that can be optically detected. The system comprises a microfluidic device that is capable of sorting the particles, and an instrument driving the fluids through the microfluidic device and invoking the sorting events in response to the optical signals emitted by the particles. The present invention also relates to a method for enrichment or isolation of a nucleotide fragment comprising a known nucleotide sequence element and to a kit comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices and a plurality of fluids configured for use with the microfluidic device for sorting of emulsion droplets.