Particle Separation via Magnetic Deflection and Gas Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating labeled and non-labeled particles, especially when the number of target particles is smaller than other particles, face challenges in precision and efficiency, leading to incomplete collection and increased liquid volume post-processing, making it difficult to handle rare particles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flow channel where labeled particles are deflected and fixed onto the inner wall surface using a magnetic or electric field, and a gas phase is introduced to eject the suspension, allowing non-labeled particles to be collected efficiently and precisely without increasing the liquid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If labeled target particles are captured by magnetism and separated by removing non-labeled particles, then target particles can be collected, but separation precision deteriorates when the number of target particles is smaller than non-target particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by capturing non-labeled particles (negative selection) instead of capturing labeled target particles (positive selection). This inversion allows the minority target particles to be collected with high precision by removing the majority non-target particles, solving the problem of low separation precision when target particles are scarce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes non-labeled particles from the suspension through negative selection, separating them from the labeled target particles. By taking out the non-target particles first, the target particles remain in the suspension and can be collected with high precision without being contaminated by non-target particles.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional magnetic separation is used to collect target particles, then separation can be performed, but the volume of collected liquid increases making it difficult to handle rare particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-labeled particles from the suspension and removes them, concentrating the labeled target particles in the remaining liquid. This extraction process reduces the volume of collected liquid while increasing the concentration of target particles, making it easier to handle rare particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by removing non-target particles, which automatically concentrates the target particles in the remaining suspension. This parameter change reduces the liquid volume needed to maintain target particle concentration, solving the problem of excessive liquid volume.
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 enables high-precision separation and collection of non-labeled particles, reducing the volume of collected liquid and improving the recovery ratio of target particles, particularly useful for handling rare cells like CTCs in blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the labeled particles in the flow channel in a direction that is different from a gravity direction
Implementation Method 2
captured by magnetism or the like
Implementation Method 3
ejecting the suspension in the flow channel from another end of the flow channel by introducing a gas phase into the flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for separating particles, a separation apparatus, and a separation system.