Nozzle Sipper Vorticity Mixing for Sequencing Reagents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing systems face challenges in efficiently mixing reagents of different specific gravities and viscosities, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of the sequencing process.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a nozzle sipper with an elongated body and a central lumen, equipped with a nozzle insert that reduces the inner diameter, promoting vorticity mixing in the destination recipient. The nozzle sipper aspirates and ejects reagents through the nozzle insert, enhancing mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If reagents with different specific gravities and viscosities are mixed using conventional mixing methods, then mixing time increases, but sequencing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies acoustic energy to create standing waves in the fluid, generating acoustic radiation pressure that drives mixing. The acoustic field creates oscillatory motion and vorticity that enhances reagent mixing without requiring mechanical contact or prolonged mixing times, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing time and sequencing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic pressure waves (a form of pneumatic energy) to manipulate fluid flow and induce mixing. The acoustic radiation pressure creates hydraulic-like effects in the fluid, generating circulation patterns that mix reagents of different densities and viscosities efficiently, reducing mixing time while maintaining sequencing productivity
2Measurement precision
If reagents are not thoroughly mixed, then sequencing accuracy improves, but undesired reaction byproducts increase
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic vibration creates intense local mixing through cavitation and streaming effects, ensuring complete homogenization of reagents before they enter the sequencing chamber. This thorough mixing prevents incomplete reactions that would generate unwanted byproducts, while the precise acoustic control maintains sequencing accuracy by ensuring consistent reagent delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and flow parameters of reagents using acoustic fields during the mixing process. By controlling acoustic frequency and intensity, the system optimizes mixing efficiency to achieve complete reagent homogenization, preventing harmful byproducts while maintaining the precision required for accurate sequencing
3Device complexity
If conventional sippers are used for reagent aspiration and ejection, then device complexity is low, but mixing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sipper structure is enhanced with an integrated acoustic transducer that enables it to perform both conventional fluid aspiration/ejection and acoustic-driven mixing functions. This multi-functionality allows the same device to handle reagent transfer and mixing without requiring separate complex mixing apparatus, thus improving mixing efficiency while keeping device complexity relatively low
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic transducer integrated into the sipper enables the device to perform its own mixing function without external intervention. The sipper generates acoustic fields that automatically mix reagents during the aspiration and ejection process, eliminating the need for separate mixing mechanisms and maintaining simplicity while enhancing productivity
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 effective mixing of reagents with different properties, improving the sequencing process by ensuring thorough mixing and reducing the formation of undesired reaction byproducts.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle and lumen may be dimensioned to promote vorticity mixing in the destination recipient when the reagents are expelled from the nozzle sipper through the nozzle insert and into the destination recipient
Implementation Method 2
a fluidic system to aspirate reagents from reagent recipients, to mix the reagents, to eject the mixed reagents into a destination recipient
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis instrument may perform analytical operations on an analyte that is combined with multiple reagents prior to being introduced into a flow cell. The instrument may include a nozzle sipper that aspirates reagents from a recipient, along with an analyte. The reagents may be directed to a volume and may be repeatedly moved into and out of the volume by cycling of a pump. The reagents may be ejected into a destination recipient with the nozzle sipper promoting vorticity in the recipient to enhance mixing. The repeated aspiration and ejection through the nozzle sipper effectively mixes the reagents and the template in an automated or semi-automated fashion.