Nanopore Particle Dispensing and Sorting Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying viral vectors and nanoparticles are limited by their inability to distinguish between functional and non-functional particles, leading to immunogenic responses and inefficient targeting due to complex bio-manufacturing processes, which result in a mixture of functional, damaged, and aggregated particles competing for target receptors.
Innovation Solution
A platform utilizing single-channel and precision mesh membranes with an electrode assembly to control the translocation of particles from primary to secondary fluid chambers, allowing for precise dispensing of a predetermined number of particles using ionic current flow, fluid volume flow, or electro-osmotic flow, enabling accurate measurement and sorting of particles based on their properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional bio-manufacturing processes are used to produce viral vectors and nanoparticles, then the production volume is sufficient, but the product composition contains a mixture of functional, damaged, empty, and aggregated particles that cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle population into distinct categories (functional, damaged, empty, aggregated) by passing them through nanopores one at a time. Each particle type produces a characteristic current blockade signal, enabling individual identification and counting of functional versus non-functional particles in the mixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopore acts as an intermediary between the particle mixture and the detection system. As particles translocate through the nanopore, they modulate the ionic current, providing a mediator signal that reveals their functional status, size, and other properties without requiring complex imaging or separation techniques.
2Quantity of substance
If all particles in the mixture are administered, then the total particle dose is delivered, but immunogenic responses occur due to damaged, empty, and aggregated particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the functional particles from the total mixture by using nanopore-based identification and sorting. Damaged, empty, and aggregated particles are identified by their distinct translocation signals and can be separated or discarded, leaving only functional particles for administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence of non-functional particles in the mixture, which would normally cause harm through immunogenic responses, is converted into a benefit by using their distinct translocation signatures as identification markers. This allows the system to distinguish and exclude harmful particles while delivering the therapeutic dose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If particle mixtures are used for targeting, then the available target receptors can be accessed, but specificity is reduced due to competition from non-functional particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control over particle delivery by using nanopore-based real-time identification and controlled dispensing. Functional particles are identified as they translocate through the nanopore and can be selectively released, creating a dynamic sorting and delivery system that ensures only functional particles reach the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopore detection system provides immediate feedback on each particle's functional status through current blockade measurements. This feedback enables real-time decision-making about which particles to dispense, ensuring that only functional particles are delivered to the target site with high specificity.
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 allows for the accurate dispensing and characterization of viral vectors and nanoparticles, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing a high dynamic range and enabling the assessment of functional units per particle, thereby improving specificity and efficiency in targeting.
Implementation Method 1
The flow-producing module may comprise an electrode assembly configured to cause an ionic current to flow between the first portion of the membrane and the second portion of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
A flow-producing module in operative arrangement with the multiple primary fluid chambers and the at least one secondary fluid chamber and configured to cause a flow between the multiple primary fluid chambers and the at least one secondary fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlled delivery of a specified quantity of particles. Systems involve a flow cell containing primary and secondary fluid chambers separated by a membrane, and a flow-producing module to induce particle translocation. Methods involve translocating particles between chambers through membrane activation, potentially for sorting and dispensing into target containers.