Segmented Fluidic Control for Repeat Individual-Cell Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flow-through analyzers like flow cytometers require high cell concentrations and cannot track individual cells post-analysis, making it difficult to distinguish between intercellular and intracellular variability.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with five tubing segments and two fluidic switches allows for repeated analysis of the same analyte by cycling fluid between segments, enabling higher throughput and individual cell tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flow-through analyzers are used to analyze cells one-by-one, then throughput is improved, but the ability to track individual cells for repeat analysis is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidindividual cell tracking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cell is divided into multiple segments (first flow cell segment, second flow cell segment, third flow cell segment) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to route fluid through different paths, enabling both high-throughput analysis and the ability to return to previously analyzed cells for repeat measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and individual cell tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If sheath flow cytometers are used to analyze individual cells, then measurement precision is improved, but sample throughput is reduced due to laminar flow requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual cell analysis precisionVSAvoidsample throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different flow paths using fluidic switches connected to multiple flow cell segments. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain precise individual cell analysis when needed while enabling higher throughput by routing samples through different segments, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sample throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If high cell concentrations are used in flow-through analyzers, then productivity is improved, but the ability to distinguish intercellular variability from intracellular variability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis throughputVSAvoidvariability distinction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by enabling repeat analysis of individual cells through the multi-segment flow cell design. By being able to return to and re-analyze the same cell, the system can distinguish between temporary fluctuations (intracellular variability) and consistent differences (intercellular variability), thus maintaining measurement precision while achieving high throughput through automated repeat measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250327778A1Fluidic control system

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

AI summary

Described herein is an apparatus and method for operating said apparatus which may allow for the repeat analysis of a fluid sample. Said apparatus may comprise an inlet segment, an analysis segment, an outlet segment, a bypass segment, a holding segment and fluidic switches, wherein fluidic communication may be established between the holding inlet segment, analysis segment, outlet segment, bypass segment and holding segment.