Microparticle Analyzer Droplet Break-off Timing Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry technologies face challenges in stabilizing droplet formation, leading to unstable break-off timings and subsequent microparticle sorting, due to various environmental and particle-related factors.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle analysis device and method that includes a flow path, droplet formation unit, electric charge application unit, imaging unit, and control unit, where the control unit adjusts the voltage of the vibration element based on droplet break-off timing captured in photos, allowing for precise control of droplet formation and electric charge application to stabilize break-off timings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vibration is applied to form droplets in flow cytometry, then microparticles can be sorted, but break-off timing becomes unstable due to environmental factors and particle size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an imaging unit to capture photos of droplet formation and a control unit to analyze the break-off timing. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the voltage applied to the vibration element in real-time to maintain stable break-off timing despite environmental variations and particle size differences
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vibration element voltage based on detected break-off timing variations. The voltage is not fixed but is continuously optimized based on real-time observations of droplet formation, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions
2Measurement precision
If break-off timing is unstable, then sorting accuracy deteriorates, but controlling droplet formation is difficult due to multiple involved factors
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit provides visual feedback on droplet formation, and the control unit processes this information to automatically adjust vibration parameters. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies the control of complex droplet formation by using real-time observation to compensate for multiple influencing factors
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical control of droplet formation with an optical detection and electrical control system. Instead of mechanically adjusting multiple parameters, the system uses imaging to detect break-off timing and electronically adjusts vibration voltage, simplifying the control mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If environmental conditions and particle sizes vary, then droplet formation stability decreases, but accurate sorting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors droplet formation through imaging and automatically adjusts vibration voltage in response to detected variations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain consistent break-off timing despite changes in environmental conditions or particle characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the vibration element based on observed break-off timing. By dynamically adjusting this electrical parameter, the system compensates for variations in environmental conditions and particle properties, maintaining reliable droplet formation
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 solution effectively stabilizes break-off timings, improving the accuracy of microparticle sorting and analysis by directly monitoring and adjusting for optimal conditions, regardless of changes in temperature or particle size.
Implementation Method 1
a droplet formation unit configured to form a droplet in the fluid by imparting vibration to the fluid using a vibration element
Implementation Method 2
predetermined electric charge is applied to a droplet containing microparticles, a traveling direction of the droplet is changed by a deflecting plate or the like on the basis of the electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides a technology for stabilizing break-off timings. Therefore, according to the present technology, there is provided a microparticle analysis device or the like including at least: a flow path in which a fluid including a sample flow containing microparticles and a sheath flow flowing to contain the sample flow; a droplet formation unit configured to form a droplet in the fluid by imparting vibration to the fluid using a vibration element; an electric charge application unit configured to apply electric charge to a droplet containing the microparticles; an imaging unit configured to obtain a photo of a phase of a certain time; and a control unit configured to control a timing at which the droplet breaks off on a basis of the photo.