Concentrating Pipette Tip Filtration for Low-Volume Particle Elution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating particles in liquid samples are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to human error, particularly for low-concentration analytes, and lack automated systems that can rapidly concentrate large volumes into small samples without sample-to-sample contamination.
Innovation Solution
A filtration-based concentration system using a disposable concentrating pipette tip (CPT) with integrated fluidic lines and a filter, allowing for rapid aspiration, filtration, and elution of particles, reducing sample volume through a disposable tip that minimizes contamination and operator skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If centrifugation is used to concentrate particles, then particle concentration is achieved, but processing time becomes very long (minutes to hours) and operator skill is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects are used to manipulate and concentrate particles without mechanical rotation or high-speed spinning, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of centrifugation while achieving the same concentration effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing acoustic fields with specific frequencies and intensities. By adjusting acoustic parameters (frequency, power, transducer position), the system achieves rapid particle concentration in seconds to minutes rather than hours, fundamentally altering the timescale of the concentration process.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional filtration is used to capture particles, then particle separation is achieved, but filter clogging occurs over time increasing resistance to flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtration with acoustic field-based particle manipulation. Acoustic radiation pressure creates standing wave patterns that trap and concentrate particles at specific locations without requiring particles to pass through a physical filter matrix, thereby eliminating the clogging problem inherent in traditional filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary mechanism to achieve particle separation. Instead of direct mechanical contact between particles and filter media, acoustic fields serve as the mediating force that manipulates particle positions and enables concentration without physical blockage.
3Quantity of substance
If manual centrifugation operations are performed, then particle concentration is achieved, but automation is difficult and human error potential is high
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic-based system is inherently more amenable to automation because it requires no manual intervention during the concentration process. The system self-regulates through programmed acoustic parameters, and the disposable cartridge contains all necessary components, allowing the instrument to autonomously perform sample processing without operator skill or manual centrifugation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cartridges that contain pre-configured acoustic transducers and sample chambers. These single-use components eliminate the need for cleaning, sterilization, and complex automation of reusable centrifugation equipment, making the system inherently more automatable and reducing human error potential.
4Quantity of substance
If centrifugation equipment is used, then particle pellet formation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase for automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the acoustic transducer, sample chamber, and concentration mechanism into a single nested disposable cartridge structure. This miniaturized integrated design replaces complex external centrifugation equipment with a compact self-contained unit that can be easily handled and processed by automated systems, significantly reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By using disposable cartridges instead of expensive, complex, reusable centrifugation equipment, the patent reduces device complexity and cost. The simple disposable design eliminates the need for sophisticated automation mechanisms required for traditional centrifuges, making the system more suitable for automated high-throughput processing.
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
Enables efficient concentration of large volumes to small sample sizes, reducing processing time and cost, and facilitating automated sample preparation for various analytical methods, including rapid detection of microorganisms and low-concentration analytes.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source, wherein liquid is drawn through the filter by the vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
a filter enclosed within the housing, the filter being vertically oriented and spanning a length of the housing
Implementation Method 3
Positive pressure is applied to the retentate side of the filter during elution of the captured sample
Data Source
AI summary
Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect and identify. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.