Automated Nanofluidic Sorting Machine for Biological Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sorting biological entities, such as cells and nucleic acids, face challenges including high costs, technical expertise requirements, cross-contamination, long processing times, and poor resolution, particularly in the micron range, which are not effectively addressed by existing separation techniques like chromatography, magnetic bead separation, and ultracentrifugation.
Innovation Solution
An automated machine equipped with a removable nanofluidic cartridge containing a nanoDLD array that separates sample fluids into two or more output streams based on size, utilizing a pressurization system and controller to manage fluid flow and pressure, allowing for continuous processing with high precision and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separation techniques (chromatography, magnetic bead separation, ultracentrifugation) are used, then sorting of biological entities can be achieved, but the cost is high, technical expertise is required, and cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable body and disposable cartridges, where the cartridge contains the nanofluidic sorting chip and consumables. This segmentation allows the complex nanofluidic technology to be encapsulated in a simple, easy-to-use disposable unit, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining high sorting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable cartridges that are discarded after a single use or limited number of runs. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures associated with reusable systems, thereby reducing technical expertise requirements and preventing cross-contamination while maintaining high sorting precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional separation techniques are used, then biological entities can be separated, but processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical separation methods (centrifugation, filtration) with nanofluidic deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) technology. This allows particles to be separated based on their size as they flow through an array of posts at the nanoscale, achieving high resolution separation continuously without the long processing times associated with batch methods like ultracentrifugation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanofluidic sorting chip enables continuous flow processing where sample fluid is constantly introduced and sorted products are continuously collected. This eliminates the batch processing cycles inherent in conventional techniques, significantly reducing total processing time while maintaining high separation resolution through the continuous action of the DLD array.
3Reliability
If conventional separation techniques are used, then sorting can be performed, but cross-contamination occurs between samples
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cartridge design ensures that each cartridge is used for a single sample or limited number of samples and then discarded. This physically prevents cross-contamination between different samples since the sorting chip, channels, and collection chambers are never reused. The low cost of disposable cartridges makes this approach economically viable compared to expensive reusable systems that require complex sterilization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting function is extracted from the main instrument body and placed into a separate disposable cartridge. This extraction isolates the sample processing environment from the reusable instrument, preventing contamination of the main system and eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between samples that would occur with reusable components. The cartridge is discarded after use, taking all potential contaminants with it.
4Measurement precision
If conventional separation techniques are used, then biological entities can be sorted, but chemical additives are required which may cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical separation methods (chromatography requiring buffers and solvents, density gradient centrifugation requiring contrast agents) with purely physical nanofluidic DLD separation. Particles are separated based on their hydrodynamic size as they passively flow through the nanoscale post array, driven only by pressure or electroosmotic flow. This mechanical/physical separation requires no chemical additives, eliminating chemical contamination risks while maintaining high separation precision.
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
The system achieves precise separation of colloids down to 20 nanometers with continuous flow, reducing energy input and system complexity, and eliminates the need for chemical additives, enabling efficient processing of bio-colloids without contamination, suitable for various biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization system configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge, the pressurization system being configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module
Data Source
AI summary
A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.