Multinode Acoustic Focusing for Parallel Flow Cytometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flow cytometry is limited in analysis rate due to detector sensitivity, data acquisition complexity, mechanical constraints, and stochastic cellular arrival, making it inadequate for detecting rare events like circulating tumor cells, and is costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

The use of multi-node acoustic focusing to create multiple parallel streams within a single flow cytometer channel, allowing for higher analysis rates without the need for high-pressure sheath flows, using acoustic waves to focus particles into precise positions, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional hydrodynamic focusing with high-pressure sheath fluid is used, then single-stream precise positioning is achieved, but analysis rate is limited to 50,000 cells/sec

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle positioning precisionVSAvoidanalysis rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single analysis stream into multiple parallel streams (e.g., 4 streams) using acoustic standing waves with multiple nodes. Each node focuses particles independently, creating multiple interrogation zones that can be analyzed simultaneously, thereby increasing the overall analysis rate while maintaining precision in each stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hydrodynamic focusing system (high-pressure sheath fluid) with an acoustic field-based focusing system. Acoustic standing waves generated by transducers create pressure nodes that trap and focus particles without requiring high fluid pressures, enabling both high analysis rates and gentle particle handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If high-pressure sheath flow is increased to achieve higher linear velocity, then analysis rate increases, but mechanical limitations and cell damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis rateVSAvoidcell damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical hydrodynamic forcing with acoustic radiation forces. Acoustic standing waves create stable pressure nodes that gently trap particles without the high shear stresses and mechanical forces associated with high-pressure sheath flows, avoiding cell damage while maintaining high analysis rates through parallel stream processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic focusing system dynamically adjusts particle positioning through controlled acoustic field modulation. The standing wave pattern creates multiple stable equilibrium points (nodes) that can independently focus different particle streams, allowing dynamic control over flow characteristics without increasing mechanical pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple independent channels with independent focusing elements are used, then analysis rate increases, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple focusing functions into a single acoustic field system. A single set of transducers generates a multi-node standing wave pattern that simultaneously focuses particles into multiple parallel streams within one channel, eliminating the need for multiple independent focusing elements and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic field system performs multiple focusing functions simultaneously. The same acoustic standing wave field that creates pressure nodes for particle trapping also defines the spatial arrangement of multiple parallel streams, providing a universal mechanism for both positioning and stream generation without requiring separate systems

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

This approach significantly increases analysis rates beyond conventional limits, simplifies system design, reduces costs, and maintains precise particle positioning for accurate analysis, as demonstrated by focused streams of various particle sizes and types, including larger particles and microorganisms.

Implementation Method 1

multi-node acoustic focusing to create multiple parallel streams within a single flow cytometer channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

acoustic waves to focus particles into precise positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic standing wave:

Data Source

PatentUS8830451B1Multinode acoustic focusing for parallel flow cytometry analysis applications

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 STC UNM

AI summary

An analytical device such as a flow cytometer is provided in which a fluid sample flowing through a channel is focused into multiple, parallel particle streams by an acoustic wave field extending across the channel. Each stream is then presented to an individual detector to allow for simultaneous interrogation of the multiple streams and thus, high-throughput analysis of the fluid sample.