Single-Layer Micropore Capillary Array for Rare Cell Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for capturing rare cells from biological fluids are slow, cumbersome, and expensive, making regular monitoring of large populations financially and practically unfeasible, which hinders effective cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A cell extraction device with a single layer array of micropore capillary modules, where each module is designed to capture a single target cell by trapping it with a funnel-shaped capillary and using affinity ligands for specific binding, allowing for efficient separation and analysis of rare cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current technologies are used to capture rare cells, then cell capture can be achieved, but the process is slow, cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample processing into multiple parallel channels, each capable of independently capturing and analyzing cells. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples or cell types, dramatically increasing throughput and reducing overall processing time while maintaining capture effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential single-cell processing to parallel multi-channel processing by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple capture channels operate simultaneously in different spatial locations, transforming a time-intensive sequential process into a space-parallelized efficient process
2Reliability
If current technologies are used to capture rare cells, then cell capture can be achieved, but the cost is high making regular monitoring unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the capture system by using micro-scale dimensions and specific flow dynamics rather than expensive biochemical markers or complex imaging systems. This parameter-based approach achieves reliable cell capture through physical principles that are inherently cheaper than chemical or optical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive biochemical detection methods with a mechanically-based flow and pressure system. By using controlled fluid dynamics and pressure gradients to guide and capture cells, the system eliminates the need for costly antibodies, dyes, or sophisticated imaging equipment while maintaining diagnostic reliability
3Measurement precision
If current technologies are used to capture rare cells, then cell capture can be achieved, but pre-enrichment steps are required which add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary concentration and pre-positioning of cells within the microchannels before the actual capture step. By guiding cells into specific capture zones in advance through controlled flow patterns, the system achieves high detection accuracy without requiring external pre-enrichment procedures or complex sample preparation steps
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 rapid and efficient capture and analysis of rare cells, reducing costs and improving diagnostic capabilities by allowing for high-throughput processing of biological samples without the need for pre-enrichment steps.
Implementation Method 1
a micropore capillary configured at a first end that is open on the cell-receiving side to receive a target cell
Implementation Method 2
configured at a second end that is open on the fluid-evacuating side to allow fluid, but not target cells, to pass through
Implementation Method 3
The micropore capillary may have an affinity ligand that forms a cell-adhesive coating
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cell extraction device comprising: a plurality of cell extraction modules arranged in a single layer array, the single layer array having a cell-receiving side wherein an opening of at least one of the plurality of cell extraction modules on the cell-receiving surface is configured to receive and retain a single target cell from a fluid sample, and a fluid-evacuating side wherein an opening of the or each of the plurality of cell extraction modules on the fluid-evacuating side is configured to allow fluid from the fluid sample to be evacuated from the cell extraction device, wherein at least one of the plurality of cell extraction modules comprises a micropore capillary configured at a first end that is open on the cell-receiving side to receive a target cell, and configured at a second end that is open on the fluid-evacuating side to allow fluid to pass through.