Particle Isolation Apparatus Using Dual Pump Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for isolating particles, such as biological cells, from suspension samples suffer from low recovery rates and complexity, making them impractical for handling paucicellular samples and requiring detection of specific cell signatures.
Innovation Solution
A particle isolation apparatus combining a droplet dispenser device with a mechanical pump and a syphon pump, which aspirates suspension samples using negative pressure to achieve high recovery rates and integrate seamlessly into droplet processing methods without requiring specific cell signature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If droplet dispenser techniques with syphon pump are used for cell isolation, then cell suspension can be delivered to droplet dispenser, but cell recovery rate remains low (5-60%)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cell isolation process into distinct phases: (1) aspiration phase using mechanical pump to draw suspension into droplet dispenser, and (2) dispensing phase where diluted droplets are deposited onto target. This segmentation allows optimization of each phase independently, ensuring complete sample transfer and achieving recovery rates above 90%
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a buffer liquid as an intermediary substance that mixes with the cell suspension in the droplet dispenser during the aspiration phase. This dilution prevents cell clumping and facilitates complete sample transfer, thereby improving recovery rate while maintaining cell viability
2Reliability
If microfluidic systems are used for rare cell isolation, then cell recovery rate increases, but device complexity increases and cell handling changes cells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dilution and mixing function from complex microfluidic systems and implements it in a simple droplet dispenser using a mechanical pump. By taking out the essential function of sample handling from the complex microfluidic environment, the system achieves high recovery rates without the complexity and cell-altering effects of microfluidic channels
Solution Approach 2:
The droplet dispenser system performs self-dilution by automatically mixing the aspirated cell suspension with buffer liquid already present in the droplet dispenser. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external complex fluid handling systems while maintaining high recovery rates
3Ease of operation
If conventional droplet dispensing techniques are used, then droplets can be deposited onto target, but cell recovery rate is low making them impractical for paucicellular samples
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary dilution of the cell suspension by mixing it with buffer liquid in the droplet dispenser before dispensing. This preliminary action ensures that cells are properly distributed and prevents loss during transfer, achieving recovery rates above 90% while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of the cell suspension by diluting it with buffer liquid in the droplet dispenser. This parameter change from concentrated to diluted state improves cell distribution and recovery rate, making the technique practical for paucicellular samples while maintaining operational simplicity
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 apparatus achieves recovery rates above 90% and allows for residue-free collection, enabling high-throughput processing and efficient isolation of single particles from limited samples without the need for specific signature detection.
Implementation Method 1
The syphon pump device is arranged for aspirating a second portion of the liquid suspension into the droplet dispenser by the effect of a negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
a syphon pump device arranged for aspirating a second portion of the liquid suspension into the droplet dispenser by the effect of a negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A particle isolation apparatus 100 for isolating particles from a suspension sample, includes a droplet dispenser device 10 for collecting the suspension sample from a carrier substrate 20 and for dispensing droplets onto a target substrate 30, a mechanical pump device 40 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 for loading a dilution liquid into the droplet dispenser device 10 and for aspirating a first portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10, and a syphon pump device 50 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 and being arranged for aspirating a second portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10. Preferably, the droplet dispenser device 10 is configured for dispensing single particle droplets on the target substrate 30. Furthermore, a method of isolating particles from a suspension sample is described.