Rotatable Vessel for Automated Particle Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems for processing particles in liquid biological samples are complex, require manual intervention, and lack efficiency in terms of throughput and cost, due to the need for bulky centrifuges, intricate fluid and gas connections, and the limitations of magnetic bead technology and microfluidic devices.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable vessel system with a lateral collection chamber that allows for automated processing of particles by rotating about a longitudinal axis, enabling sedimentation and re-suspension with controlled acceleration and deceleration profiles, reducing the need for manual steps and integrating with other technologies like filters and magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classical centrifugation is used to sediment particles, then particles can be separated from supernatant, but the system requires bulky centrifuges that take up considerable space and require long sedimentation distances that slow down the process
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge is segmented into a rotor head containing centrifugal wells and a separate drive mechanism. The rotor head with wells is the only part that needs to be small and precise, while the drive mechanism can be compact. This segmentation allows achieving high g-forces in a small volume by using a high-speed rotating rotor head rather than a large slow-rotating centrifuge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal sedimentation in large centrifuges to vertical sedimentation in small centrifugal wells. By rotating the rotor head vertically, particles sediment downward along the vertical dimension, achieving efficient separation in a compact space without requiring long horizontal sedimentation distances.
2Reliability
If a pipette is used to retrieve supernatant after centrifugation, then supernatant can be removed, but the pipette or tip should not touch and disturb the particle pellet, resulting in residual dead volume that is a potential source for impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the supernatant removal function from manual pipetting and implements it through an automated aspiration mechanism integrated into the centrifugal well system. The aspiration mechanism can precisely remove supernatant without contacting the particle pellet, eliminating dead volume and potential contamination while maintaining retrieval reliability.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic beads are used to bind particles for automated processing, then automation is enabled, but magnetic beads may clot resulting in dead volumes and disturb downstream applications due to presence of magnetic beads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable centrifugal wells instead of reusable magnetic beads. Each well is a single-use component that eliminates the risk of bead clotting and contamination. The wells can be discarded after use, ensuring no residual magnetic beads interfere with downstream applications while maintaining full automation capability.
4Extent of automation
If microfluidic devices are used for particle processing, then automated processing is enabled, but it is difficult to attain sufficient volume to permit medium to high throughput as required in clinical diagnostic environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the volume parameter by using macro-scale centrifugal wells instead of micro-scale microfluidic channels. The centrifugal wells can hold volumes suitable for medium to high throughput clinical diagnostics (e.g., 0.5-5 mL), while still enabling automated processing through the centrifugal separation mechanism and integrated aspiration system.
5Reliability
If filters are used to retain particles, then particle separation is achieved, but re-suspension of particles mostly requires manual steps that are not amenable to automation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous automated action by integrating the re-suspension function directly into the centrifugal well system. After centrifugal sedimentation, the same automated aspiration mechanism can immediately re-suspend particles by introducing fresh buffer and agitating, eliminating manual intervention and maintaining continuous automated processing throughout the workflow.
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 system simplifies particle processing, increases throughput, reduces costs by minimizing manual intervention, and enhances flexibility by allowing for efficient separation, washing, and analysis within the same vessel, while combining with other technologies for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating
Implementation Method 2
The method can employ dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid containing the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.