Optical Particle Sorting With Arrival-Time Control in Microchips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle sorting technologies, such as liquid droplet charging methods and microchip-based systems, face challenges in maintaining particle purity and acquisition rate due to changes in flow speed and measurement environments, and lack effective control over particle arrival times and fluid mechanism characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A particle sorting apparatus and method that uses an excited light and a light for detecting speed to calculate individual arrival times of particles within a microchip, determining recovery based on data from a light detecting unit and controlling a sorting unit, including a negative pressure suction unit, to improve acquisition properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid droplet charging method is used to sort particles, then particles can be separated based on their properties, but the sorting process is adversely affected by changes in measurement environment and liquid pressure, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid droplet charging system with an optical detection and magnetic sorting system. The flow cytometer detects particle properties optically, and particles are sorted based on their magnetic properties using a magnetic field, eliminating the need for liquid droplet formation and charging that are sensitive to environmental changes and pressure fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sorting mechanism from electrical charging of liquid droplets to magnetic property-based sorting. By detecting particle characteristics optically and sorting based on magnetic properties, the system achieves more stable operation that is less sensitive to environmental changes and pressure variations.
2Device complexity
If the arrival time of particles is fixed based on predetermined parameters, then the control system is simple, but the purity of recovered particles or acquisition rate is lowered when flow speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow cytometer continuously detects particle properties and the system adjusts sorting timing based on detected particle characteristics and flow conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high purity and acquisition rate even when flow speed changes, without requiring overly complex predetermined control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, predetermined arrival time control system to a dynamic system that continuously detects particle properties and adjusts sorting operations in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to flow speed changes and maintain high sorting precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If particles are sorted within a microchip using negative pressure suction, then liquid droplet formation and charging are unnecessary, but effective control over particle arrival times and fluid mechanism characteristics is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated microchip system: optical detection, magnetic sorting, and negative pressure suction all work together within the same device. The flow cytometer provides detection capabilities while the microchip handles both particle transport and sorting, creating a universal platform that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining control precision through coordinated operation of all components.
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 solution enhances particle sorting precision and purity by accurately determining arrival times and controlling recovery operations, reducing the impact of flow speed changes and environmental factors, thereby improving acquisition rates and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an excited light irradiating unit for irradiating an excited light to particles flowing through a flow path
Implementation Method 2
a light detecting unit for detecting a light emitted from the particles
Implementation Method 3
a light irradiating unit for detecting a speed for irradiating a light for detecting a speed to the particles
Implementation Method 4
a sorting unit, including a negative pressure suction unit, for sorting the particles
Data Source
AI summary
A particle sorting apparatus is provided. The particle sorting apparatus includes a first detector of a first scatter channel to detect a first light scatter generated by a particle flowing in a flow channel of a fluid sample and passing through a first laser beam, and a second detector of a second scatter channel to detect a second light scatter generated by the particle flowing in the flow channel of the fluid sample and passing through a second laser beam. The particle sorting apparatus also includes circuitry configured to output a first scatter pulse information and a first detection time of the first light scatter channel, a second scatter pulse information and a second detection time of the second light scatter channel. The first laser beam and the second laser beam are irradiated to the particle in different positions of the flow channel.