Particle Filtering Device with Pre-wetted Membrane for Low-Pressure Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle separation methods, particularly for circulating tumor cells, are inefficient and time-consuming due to the need for precise and uniform biomolecule binding, and they require high pressure to pass through small filtration pores, limiting their application in biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A particle filtering device with a filtration membrane and a structure that pre-contacts the permeate with the outlet side, allowing for easier passage of samples through small pores by reducing capillary pressure and maximizing membrane area usage, utilizing a disk-shaped design with a guide member and centrifugal force for sample injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is applied to pass sample through small filtration pores, then filtration can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-wets the filtration membrane with a liquid (water or buffer solution) before applying the sample. This preliminary action saturates the membrane pores, eliminating capillary pressure that would otherwise require high driving pressure. The membrane is prepared in advance to be in a wet state, allowing subsequent filtration to proceed with minimal energy input.
2Reliability
If high pressure is applied to pass sample through small filtration pores, then filtration can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration membrane is pre-witted with liquid before use, preparing it in advance to reduce capillary pressure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex high-pressure pumping systems, valves, and pressure control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective filtration.
3Device complexity
If conventional filtration structures are used, then simple structure is maintained, but separation time is long and separation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-witted with liquid to eliminate capillary pressure before sample application. This preliminary action creates optimal flow conditions from the start, enabling rapid sample passage through the membrane without requiring complex high-pressure systems, thus achieving both simple structure and high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the membrane from dry to wet by pre-applying liquid. This parameter change (moisture content) fundamentally alters the flow dynamics, reducing resistance and enabling fast filtration with simple structure. The membrane transitions to a state where liquid flows easily through pores without requiring high pressure.
4Measurement precision
If antibody coating method is used for CTC separation, then specific binding is achieved, but various biomolecules on CTC surface cause limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes CTCs from blood samples based on their physical properties (size, density) rather than relying on antibody binding to specific biomarkers. By taking out the separation dependency from biochemical interactions, the method overcomes the limitation of variable biomolecule expression on different CTC surfaces, achieving universal applicability while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 significantly reduces separation time, increases efficiency, and allows for lower pressure filtration, enabling the full-scale utilization of the filtration membrane and direct detection of separated particles without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for easier passage of samples through small pores by reducing capillary pressure
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a disk-shaped design with a guide member and centrifugal force for sample injection
Data Source
AI summary
A particle filtering device which shortens the separation time of particles and increases the separation efficiency are provided. The particle filtering device comprises: a filtration membrane which separates a particle by filtering a sample; a first body connected to an inlet side of the filtration membrane, which supplies the sample to the inlet side of the filtration membrane; and a second body connected to an outlet side of the filtration membrane, which accommodates a permeate whose particle is separated through the filtration membrane, wherein the particle filtering device has a structure in which the permeate is accommodated in advance between the second body and the outlet side of the filtration membrane.