Microparticle Sorting Device with Dual Determination Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microparticle sorting devices are inefficient in preparing a mixture of multiple types of microparticles in a specific constituent ratio, requiring extensive time and effort for sorting and concentration adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A microparticle sorting device with a determination unit that performs primary and secondary sorting determinations based on light characteristics, allowing for the collection of microparticles in a single container with a specified constituent ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional flow cytometry sorting is used to obtain multiple cell fractions, then cell sorting can be performed, but additional procedures for measuring and adjusting cell concentration are required, increasing time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of preparing cell mixtureVSAvoidtime required for sorting and concentration adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (sorting, concentration measurement, and mixing control) into a single integrated system. The flow cytometer sorts cells while the system simultaneously measures cell concentration in each fraction and automatically adjusts mixing ratios, eliminating the need for separate manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback by measuring cell concentration in each sorted fraction and using this information to automatically adjust the mixing process. This closed-loop control ensures accurate target concentrations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If flow cytometer sorting function is used to obtain cell mixture, then sorting can be performed, but the cell constituent ratio equals that of the sample, making it unsuitable for obtaining desired ratios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to obtain desired cell mixture ratioVSAvoidflexibility in controlling cell constituent ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of cell concentration in each sorted fraction before mixing. This advance information allows the control system to calculate and adjust mixing ratios to achieve the desired target composition, rather than simply reflecting the original sample ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the mixing parameters (volumes or flow rates of each cell fraction) based on measured concentrations and desired target ratios. By adjusting these parameters, the system can produce any desired cell mixture composition regardless of the original sample composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If microchip sorting is used to collect only one type of cell, then sorting can be performed, but multiple sorting operations are needed to prepare cell mixtures, increasing time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of cell mixture preparationVSAvoidnumber of sorting operations required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cytometer system is configured to perform multiple sorting operations simultaneously or in sequence, collecting different cell types in a single integrated process. The system can sort multiple cell populations into different fractions while automatically managing the collection and subsequent mixing, reducing the need for separate sorting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient preparation of a mixture with multiple types of microparticles in precise constituent ratios, reducing the time and labor required for sorting and concentration adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

determines whether microparticles are sorted, on the basis of light generated by irradiating, with light, the microparticles flowing through a flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12296339B2Microparticle sorting device, cell therapeutic agent manufacturing device, microparticle sorting method and program

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is a technology for preparing a mixture including multiple types of microparticles in accordance with a predetermined ratio. The present technology provides a microparticle sorting device (100) including a control unit (103) comprising a determination unit that determines whether microparticles are sorted, on the basis of light generated by irradiating, with light, the microparticles flowing through a flow channel (155), in which the determination unit performs a primary sorting determination to determine, on the basis of characteristics of the light generated, whether the microparticles belong to any one of two or more different microparticle populations, and then performs a secondary sorting determination to determine whether the microparticles determined to belong to any one of the microparticle populations in the primary sorting determination are sorted, on the basis of the particle constituent ratio specified for the two or more different microparticle populations. This technology may be used to prepare a cell therapeutic agent comprising a mixture of cells of different types in a predefined ratio, e.g. a mixture of various types of CAR T-cells showing a synergistic anti-tumor activity.