Movable Magnet Actuator for Microfluidic Bead Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems face challenges in precisely controlling the movement of magnetic beads due to the need to balance opposing centrifugal and magnetic forces, which limits their utility and efficiency, especially in directing beads to innermost and outermost areas of chambers and channels.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a platform and actuators that allow a magnet to move arcuately in the x-y plane, enabling precise control of magnetic beads' movement by positioning the magnet at any x- and y-coordinates, and allowing the microfluidic system to move in a stepwise fashion, independent of centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If centrifugal force is used to move magnetic beads through the microfluidic system, then beads can be moved towards the outer edge of the disc, but precise control is hindered and time delays occur while the disc accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic field movable rather than stationary. The magnet is mounted on an actuator that can dynamically position it at different locations along the spin axis, allowing the magnetic field to move with the disc during rotation. This enables precise control of bead movement without requiring disc acceleration, eliminating time delays while maintaining high-speed bead transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of relying on centrifugal force generated by disc rotation to move beads, the invention uses a movable magnet that generates a magnetic field to directly attract and control bead movement. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotation and acceleration, thereby reducing time delays.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed magnets are used to attract beads, then beads can be collected at specific radial distances, but beads at innermost and outermost areas cannot be collected and chamber positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field dynamic by mounting the magnet on an actuator that can position it at different locations along the spin axis. This allows the magnetic field to reach beads at any radial distance, including innermost and outermost areas that are inaccessible to fixed magnets. The dynamic positioning also enables flexible chamber and channel optimization without being constrained by fixed magnet locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of axial movement to the magnetic field positioning. By allowing the magnet to move along the spin axis (z-axis) in addition to radial positioning, the system can access beads throughout the entire volume of the microfluidic chambers, including those at innermost and outermost radial distances that were previously inaccessible.
3Ease of operation
If opposing centrifugal and magnetic forces are balanced, then bead movement can be controlled, but system utility is limited and precise control is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to balance opposing forces by making the magnetic field movable. Instead of using stationary magnets that require centrifugal force balance, the movable magnet can be positioned dynamically to attract beads in the desired direction without requiring force balancing. This simplifies control and expands system utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the centrifugal force requirement from the system by using a movable magnetic field. By removing the dependency on centrifugal force generation through disc rotation, the system no longer needs to balance opposing forces, thereby simplifying control mechanisms and expanding operational versatility.
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
This solution enables more controlled and timely movement of magnetic beads throughout the microfluidic system, optimizing chamber and channel positioning and improving assay procedures by allowing the magnet to trace any desired path, including areas previously inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
one or more actuators having a magnet configured to directly influence movement of magnetic beads housed within a microfluidic system
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotary actuator, wherein the at least one rotary actuator is configured to enable arcuate movement of the magnet in an X and Y axis of an x-y plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting an assay in a microfluidic system comprising magnetic beads, said apparatus comprising: a platform upon which a microfluidic system can be mounted, one or more actuators having a magnet, configured to directly influence movement of magnetic beads housed within a microfluidic system when a microfluidic system is mounted on said platform, and a control means configured to control relative movement of the one or more magnets, and a microfluidic system when mounted, to enable the magnet to trace a desired path across a mounted microfluidic system, said magnet being positionable at any x- and y-coordinates of a mounted microfluidic system, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a) at least one rotary actuator configured to enable magnet movement in an x-axis, and/or b) a means for moving a mounted microfluidic system in a stepwise fashion.