Reverse-Flow Centrifuge for Nanoparticle Target Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aphaeresis methods are inefficient in separating and removing abnormal components from blood, such as cancer cells, viruses, and excess metals, due to their inability to effectively target and remove components within a narrow density range, leading to inadequate therapeutic outcomes and potential harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
A laminar flow mixing device and reverse-flow density gradient centrifuge system are used to enhance the binding of retrievable nanoparticles with capture molecules to target components in blood, allowing for their efficient separation and removal through aphaeresis, minimizing turbulence and hemolysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional aphaeresis methods are used to separate blood components, then separation of major blood components (red blood cells, platelets, white cells) can be achieved, but separation of abnormal components within narrow density range (cancer cells, viruses, excess metals) is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing nanoparticles with capture molecules (antibodies, aptamers, peptides) before introducing them to the blood sample. These functionalized nanoparticles specifically bind to target abnormal components (cancer cells, viruses, metals) in advance, enabling subsequent efficient separation through density gradient centrifugation that would otherwise be impossible with conventional methods alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses functionalized nanoparticles as intermediary agents that bridge the gap between conventional aphaeresis equipment and abnormal components with narrow density ranges. The capture molecules on nanoparticle surfaces specifically recognize and bind to targets, while the nanoparticle density (1.05-2.5 g/mL) provides the necessary density contrast for separation, acting as a mediator that enables both specific binding and physical separation
2Speed
If high-speed centrifugation is used to separate blood components rapidly, then separation speed is improved, but turbulence and hemolysis increase causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a reverse-flow density gradient centrifugation system that dynamically adjusts centrifugal force and flow direction. The system creates a moving density gradient that continuously adapts to separate components at optimal speeds without causing excessive turbulence or hemolysis, allowing rapid separation while minimizing harmful effects through dynamic control of separation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by utilizing nanoparticles with specifically engineered density ranges (1.05-2.5 g/mL) that differ from both blood plasma and cellular components. This density parameter change enables separation at lower centrifugal forces compared to conventional methods, reducing turbulence and hemolysis while maintaining separation speed through the unique density properties of the functionalized nanoparticles
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 the effective removal of targeted molecules and cells from blood, reducing the risk of secondary complications and improving patient outcomes by minimizing side effects and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of treatments.
Implementation Method 1
reverse-flow density gradient centrifuge system are used to enhance the binding of retrievable nanoparticles with capture molecules to target components in blood, allowing for their efficient separation and removal through aphaeresis
Implementation Method 2
A laminar flow mixing device and reverse-flow density gradient centrifuge system are used to enhance the binding of retrievable nanoparticles with capture molecules to target components in blood, allowing for their efficient separation and removal through aphaeresis, minimizing turbulence and hemolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for removing high density particles from a biological fluid such as blood using aphaeresis. The particles are preferably sub-micron in size and denser than normally occurring components of the fluid and can be removed by a modified reverse-flow gradient density centrifuge without damaging the fluid. The particles can be provided to a patient in vivo or added to the fluid after it is removed from the patient. Some particles can carry and deliver oxygen and scavenge carbon dioxide. Other particles are conjugated to capture molecules for attaching to targets such as cancer cells, viruses, pathogens, toxins, or excess concentrations of a drug or element in the fluid. The targets are then removed from the fluid along with the particles by the aphaeresis instrument.