Microfluidic Particle Sorting Using Focus-Stacked Time Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry systems are bulky, expensive, and impractical for point-of-care analysis due to their complexity and high cost, limiting their application in detecting and sorting particles such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for molecular characterization.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system with a flow cell, illumination module, detection module, and data processing module is developed, utilizing a light redirection device and spatial filters to generate time-dependent signals for particle sorting, enabling efficient detection and sorting of particles based on their features, with reduced size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry systems are used for particle detection and sorting, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional complex optical detection systems with an acoustic-based detection and sorting system. Acoustic waves interact with particles in the fluid stream, enabling detection and manipulation without bulky optical components. This substitution dramatically reduces system complexity and size while maintaining particle detection and sorting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects particle presence, characterizes particle properties, and enables sorting all through acoustic wave interactions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate optical detection and mechanical sorting systems, reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry systems are used for particle detection and sorting, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky optical components (light sources, lenses, detectors) with compact acoustic transducers and waveguides. Acoustic waves can be generated and detected in much smaller footprints compared to optical systems, enabling miniaturization of the entire flow cytometry platform while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic waves propagating through the fluid medium itself for detection and sorting, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and complex alignment systems. The fluid acts as both the sample carrier and the acoustic waveguide, reducing system volume
3Reliability
If conventional flow cytometry systems are used for particle detection and sorting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic system automatically adapts to different particle types and sizes through the inherent physics of acoustic wave-particle interactions. The system requires minimal manual calibration or adjustment, as the acoustic properties naturally respond to particle characteristics, making the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable detection across diverse samples
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 allows for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable detection and sorting of particles, particularly CTCs, with high throughput and reduced computational intensity, suitable for clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination module comprising a light redirection device configured to scan a light beam in a scanning direction, wherein the scanning direction is about perpendicular to the flow direction
Implementation Method 2
a detection module comprising at least one spatial filter, the at least one spatial filter comprising a forward spatial filter and the at least one spatial filter comprises: a front surface; a plurality of apertures, the plurality of apertures arranged in a line comprising a tilting angle with the flow direction, wherein the detection module is configured to generate a time-dependent signal upon detection of the particle within the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for sorting particles utilizing focus stacking of two-dimensional images are described. Such systems, devices and methods may further provide for particle processing and may encompass, on a microfluidic scale, sample enrichment, sample mixing, sample/particle sorting, verification of sorting and feedback-based optical sorting.