Multi-way Cell Sorter Staggered Deflection Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry cell sorting systems are limited by the number of collection tubes that can be placed along a line, leading to difficulties in sorting multiple directions due to charge repulsion and instability of sorted drops, which affects purity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way cell sorter carrier system with staggered, grounded deflection tubes that allow for closer proximity of collection tubes, preventing charge accumulation and enabling more efficient sorting by using a row of open-ended deflection tubes that guide charged drops to grounded sort tubes, allowing for increased sorting directions without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple collection tubes are placed along a line to increase sorting directions, then the number of sort directions increases, but charge repulsion causes drops to jump around erratically affecting purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of collection tubes to a two-dimensional staggered grid pattern. This dimensional change allows collection tubes to be positioned at multiple angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the droplet stream, enabling more sort directions without increasing linear density and thus reducing charge repulsion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deflection plates as intermediary elements between the droplet stream and collection tubes. These plates apply controlled electrical fields to guide charged droplets along curved trajectories to multiple collection tubes, allowing precise directional control while maintaining larger spacing between collection tubes to minimize charge repulsion.
2Quantity of substance
If collection tubes are placed closer together to increase density, then more tubes fit in the available space, but charge accumulation causes sorted cell volume to break into smaller drops
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging collection tubes in a staggered two-dimensional pattern rather than a linear one-dimensional row, the system increases the number of collection tubes that can be accommodated in the same space while maintaining larger inter-tube distances. This spatial reconfiguration reduces charge accumulation effects and maintains drop stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spatial parameters of collection tube arrangement by introducing staggered positioning at multiple angles. This changes the geometric configuration from a dense linear array to a more dispersed two-dimensional pattern, increasing tube capacity while reducing charge-related instability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charged drops are deflected to multiple collection tubes, then sorting capability increases, but drops repel each other causing them to jump into adjacent tubes
Solution Approach 1:
Deflection plates serve as intermediary control elements that apply localized electrical fields to guide charged droplets to specific collection tubes. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control over droplet trajectories, enabling accurate sorting to multiple directions while preventing unwanted droplet-to-droplet repulsion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The staggered multi-angle arrangement of collection tubes creates a two-dimensional sorting geometry that increases sorting capability. By distributing collection tubes at various angles rather than along a single line, the system achieves higher versatility while maintaining sufficient spacing to reduce charge repulsion and improve sort accuracy.
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 sorting in multiple directions, such as ten-way sorting, with improved stability and purity by preventing charge accumulation and allowing for a staggered configuration of collection tubes, enhancing the capability of current influx sorters without modifying their design.
Implementation Method 1
Droplet sorters deflect drops that contain cells of interest by applying a charge (typically 50-150 volts) to the drops. The drops are deflected by an electrostatic field
Implementation Method 2
Each deflection tube is hollow, with openings at both ends... Each collection tube includes an opening positioned to receive a cell passed through and exiting a corresponding deflection tube
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.