Microfluidic Stepped Separation Element for Stem Cell Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating hematopoietic stem cells from cord blood are expensive, cumbersome, and often ineffective, requiring large volumes of blood for storage, which increases costs and decreases convenience.
Innovation Solution
A microscale apparatus with a stepped separation element that allows for efficient separation of cells based on size, comprising a body, cover, and separation element with fluid ports, capable of retaining specific cell dimensions, facilitating the collection of stem cells while allowing other components to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If present methods of separating stem cells from cord blood are used, then stem cell separation is achieved, but the process is expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element is divided into multiple steps or stages, each with different separation characteristics. This segmentation allows complex separation tasks to be broken down into simpler stages, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining effective stem cell separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional separation surfaces to a three-dimensional stepped structure. This dimensional change creates multiple separation zones at different heights, enabling more efficient stem cell separation with simpler operational procedures.
2Reliability
If present methods of separating stem cells from cord blood are used, then stem cell separation is achieved, but the effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different steps of the separation element have locally optimized properties tailored to specific separation requirements. Each step can be designed with specific dimensions, surface characteristics, or chemical properties to target particular cell types, thereby improving both effectiveness and efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation element utilizes variations in geometric parameters (step heights, widths, spacing) to optimize separation performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the device achieves high effectiveness in isolating stem cells while maintaining high productivity through streamlined fluid flow paths.
3Quantity of substance
If a large volume of cord blood is stored, then a sufficient number of hematopoietic stem cells are preserved, but the cost increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element extracts and isolates stem cells from the bulk cord blood sample. By removing only the necessary stem cells for storage rather than preserving the entire blood volume, the system achieves the required cell quantity while dramatically reducing storage volume, cost, and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is performed preliminarily before storage, concentrating stem cells into a small volume. This preliminary action eliminates the need for storing large volumes of blood, making the storage process more convenient and cost-effective while ensuring sufficient stem cell numbers are preserved.
4Measurement precision
If the narrow passageway height is reduced for better cell separation, then separation precision improves, but fluid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element is segmented into multiple steps with progressively optimized dimensions. This segmentation allows the total pressure drop to be distributed across multiple stages rather than concentrated in a single narrow passage, maintaining high separation precision while reducing overall fluid flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a single narrow two-dimensional passage to a three-dimensional stepped structure with multiple flow paths. This dimensional change provides alternative flow routes that reduce resistance while maintaining the precise separation geometry needed for high measurement precision.
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 efficient and cost-effective separation of stem cells from cord blood, reducing the volume of blood needed for storage and improving the convenience of the procedure by allowing for the collection of stem cells in a smaller volume.
Implementation Method 1
The separation element has a plurality of flat portions that are disposed at different distances from the cover or body (respectively) to form steps or ramps. The highest step, the walls of the void (i.e., the body) and the cover or body (depending on the configuration) define a narrow passageway through which fluid can pass from the inlet region to the outlet region.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to microscale cell separating apparatus which are able to separate cells on the basis of size of the cells, interaction of the cells with surfaces of the apparatus, or both. The apparatus comprises a stepped or sloped separation element (16) interposed between an inlet region (20) and an outlet region (22) of a void that can be filled with fluid. The void can be enclosed within a cover (12) and fluid flow through the void engages cells with the separation element. Only cells which have (or can deform to have) a characteristic dimension smaller than or equal to the distance between a step and the cover or body can pass onto or past a step. Modifications of surfaces within the apparatus can also inhibit passage of cells onto or past a step.