Pliant Sample Container for Sterile Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic separation devices for sterile flow cytometry face challenges in maintaining sterility and efficiency due to the need for additional fluidic components and high sample pressures, which complicates the processing and requires the separation chamber to be positioned close to magnetic pole pieces with thin chamber walls.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic separation device coupled with a pliant sample container that is operatively connected under pressure, allowing for sterile magnetic separation of magnetically labeled components by increasing pressure within a pressure chamber to force the sample through the device, maintaining sterility and efficiency while allowing for high flow rates and low costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fluidic components are used to maintain sterility in magnetic separation devices, then sterility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sterile barrier function with the sample container structure itself by integrating an aperture array directly into the container wall, eliminating the need for separate sterile filters or membranes. This merging of functions maintains sterility while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sterile barrier, a flow distribution structure, and a structural component of the container. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sterility.
2Productivity
If high sample pressures are applied to force sample through the device, then flow rate is improved, but the separation chamber must be positioned close to magnetic pole pieces with thin chamber walls, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure application function from the separation chamber structure by using a flexible membrane that distributes pressure uniformly across multiple apertures. This segmentation allows high pressure to be applied without requiring the chamber to be positioned close to magnetic pole pieces, thus maintaining flow rate while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture array creates localized flow paths where pressure is applied, allowing efficient separation at specific locations without requiring the entire chamber to be in close proximity to magnetic pole pieces. This local quality approach maintains flow rate while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the separation chamber is positioned close to magnetic pole pieces with thin chamber walls, then magnetic separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sample container with an integrated aperture array that can be manufactured with standard wall thicknesses. This disposable approach allows magnetic separation to be performed efficiently without requiring complex, precision-engineered permanent chambers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.
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 configuration enables high-efficiency, high-flow-rate, and cost-effective sterile separation of magnetically labeled components, maintaining the sample in a sterile environment and facilitating their transfer to flow cytometers for applications like cell sorting.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic separation device configured to produce a magnetic field proximal to the conduit
Implementation Method 2
increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber to force the sample fluid from the sample container through the conduit positioned in the magnetic separation device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems for sterile separation of magnetically labeled sample components and methods for using the same are provided. Embodiments of the systems include a magnetic separation device and a pliant sample container, where a portion of the pliant sample container is operatively coupled under pressure to the magnetic separation device. Also provided are methods of using the systems, as well as pliant sample containers configured for use with the subject systems and methods.