Particle Capture Filtration for Rare Cell Separation and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating target particles with low presence ratios, such as circulating tumor cells, face challenges including low recovery rates, cell distortion during observation, and loss of rare cells due to multiple device transfers and overlapping during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a particle capturing device with a chamber, filter, and target particle capturing film with wells, enabling enrichment, separation, and storage of target particles in a single device by controlling fluid flow and using magnetic or negative selection markers to separate non-target particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative selection using antibodies is used to separate target cells, then non-target cells are removed, but target cell recovery rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the separation process into distinct functional zones: a filtering section that physically separates target cells from non-target cells based on size, and a magnet section that removes labeled non-target cells. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, thereby maintaining high target cell recovery while achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two different separation mechanisms (physical filtration and magnetic separation) into a single integrated device. The filtering section and magnet section are combined in series within the same device, allowing target cells to be first separated by size through the filter, then non-target cells to be removed magnetically, achieving both high purity and high recovery rate simultaneously.
2Reliability
If filter separation is used to separate target particles, then non-target cells are removed, but target particles are lost during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts non-target cells from the mixture through the filtering section, which physically separates them based on size differences. Target particles that pass through the filter are then collected in collection chambers, effectively taking out only the non-target cells while preserving the target particles for subsequent analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary element that selectively allows target particles to pass through while blocking non-target cells. The collection chambers serve as intermediate storage spaces that temporarily hold the separated target particles, preventing their loss and enabling easy recovery and analysis.
3Ease of operation
If multiple device transfers are performed to recover cells, then cells can be analyzed, but rare cells are lost during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (separation, collection, and analysis preparation) into a single integrated device. The filtering section, magnet section, and collection chambers work together in one device, eliminating the need to transfer cells between multiple devices and thereby preventing loss of rare cells during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically collecting separated target particles in internal collection chambers after filtration and magnetic separation. The system eliminates the need for external manual transfer operations, as the collection chambers are directly integrated into the device structure, allowing rare cells to be retained and analyzed without external intervention.
4Quantity of substance
If cells are spread with high density for observation, then more cells can be observed, but cells overlap and observation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the collection space into multiple separate collection chambers, each capable of holding individual cells or small groups of cells. This segmentation prevents cell overlap by providing distinct compartments for each cell, allowing clear observation of individual cells while still enabling analysis of multiple cells across different chambers.
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
Facilitates efficient separation and storage of target particles while minimizing loss, allowing for easy inspection and recovery with reduced cell distortion and improved selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a filter provided in the outlet channel that does not allow the target particles to pass through but allows the fluid to pass through
Implementation Method 2
the non-target particles are labeled with a magnetic antibody prior to the introduction step, and in the separation step, the labeled non-target particles are suctioned by magnetic force of the suction unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an introduction step of using a particle capturing device (1) for introducing a fluid including target particles (CT) and non-target particles (CA)-(CC) from an inlet channel (18) into a chamber (20), an enrichment step of enriching the target particles (CT) and at least a part of the non-target particles (CA) in a filter (12) by discharging at least a part of the fluid through the first outlet channel (8), a separation step of separating the filtered out non-target particles (CA) from the target particles (CT) by a suction unit (30), and a storage step of storing the target particles (CT) in wells.