Single Particle Deposition Yield via Dynamic Sedimentation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-cell printing methods have low yield and are limited by the need for specific dispenser types and materials, leading to time-consuming operations and loss of rare particles, especially when processing diverse particle types.
Innovation Solution
A method using a piezo-electric dispenser with an optically transparent nozzle section, combined with imaging and control algorithms, dynamically adjusts ejection and sedimentation regions to ensure single particle deposition, incorporating tests for zero particle and particle type conditions to improve yield and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-cell printing methods are used, then the basic function of depositing single particles is achieved, but the yield is low and rare particles are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting particles in the sedimentation region before the ejection region and using this information to control the dispensing process. The system performs preliminary detection of particle positions and uses this data to adjust droplet ejection timing and volume, ensuring single particles are deposited while preventing loss of rare particles through proactive control rather than reactive correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring particle positions in both the sedimentation region and ejection region through imaging systems. The control unit receives real-time feedback about particle distribution and adjusts the droplet dispensing parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes single particle deposition yield and prevents rare particle loss based on actual particle positions.
2Measurement precision
If imaging systems and object recognition algorithms are used to control single-cell printing, then particle detection accuracy is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the nozzle section into distinct functional regions: a sedimentation region for particle accumulation and an ejection region for droplet formation. This spatial segmentation allows the imaging system to focus on specific zones, improving detection efficiency. The control unit then processes this segmented information to make rapid dispensing decisions, reducing overall operation time while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different detection and control strategies to different regions of the nozzle section. The sedimentation region is monitored for particle accumulation, while the ejection region is monitored for droplet formation quality. This localized approach allows optimized detection parameters for each region, improving overall measurement precision without uniformly increasing operation time across the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed ejection regions are used in conventional dispensers, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability to different particle types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ejection region boundaries adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically defines the ejection region based on real-time particle detection data from the imaging system. This allows the system to adapt to different particle sizes, concentrations, and types by adjusting the ejection region parameters, thereby improving versatility without requiring complete redesign of the physical device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the control unit to modify ejection region dimensions, timing, and volume parameters based on detected particle characteristics. The system changes dispensing parameters such as droplet volume, ejection timing, and target position according to the specific particle type being processed. This parameter-based adaptability enables the system to handle diverse particle types while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
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
Enhances the rate of dispensing single particles, particularly rare ones, by dynamically adjusting ejection and sedimentation regions, improving yield and applicability across different particle types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric dispenser with a Piezo Dispense Capillary (PDC)... The droplet dispenser includes a suspension reservoir, a drive unit and a nozzle section
Implementation Method 2
The presence of particles in the nozzle section is detected, using an imaging device, preferably a nozzle camera
Implementation Method 3
The size of the sedimentation region is defined such that particles included in the sedimentation region are displaced into the ejection region by sedimentation immediately before the dispensing operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of depositing single particles 1 onto a target 2 comprises the steps of loading a particle suspension 3 to a droplet dispenser 10 having a suspension reservoir 11 and a nozzle section 12, wherein the droplet dispenser 10 is capable of dispensing droplets having a predetermined first droplet volume,detecting a presence of particles in the nozzle section 12,controlling the droplet dispenser 10based on a test procedure, which includes (i)testing a single particle condition of the droplet dispenser 10, wherein it is determined whether a predetermined first ejection region 13 of the nozzle section 12 includes one single particle 1 and a sedimentation region 14 adjacent to the ejection region 13 is free of particles, wherein the sedimentation region 14is a zone through which particles are displaced to the ejection region 13 by sedimentation during an operation de- lay interval between the step of detecting the presence of particles and a step of operating the droplet dispenser 10, and(ii)testing at least one of a zero particle condition of the droplet dispenser 10, wherein it is determined whether a predetermined volume equal to or larger than the 2-fold volume of the ejection region beginning at a tip of the nozzle section 12of the droplet dispenser 10is free of particles to be dispensed, and a particle type condition, wherein it is deter- mined whether detected particles have a predetermined particle type, and operating the droplet dispenser 10, wherein,in dependency on results of testing (i)the single particle condition and (ii) the zero particle condition and/or the particle type condition,onedroplet is dispensed onto the target 2 or at least one droplet is discarded into a collection reservoir 5. Furthermore, a dispenser apparatus 100is described, which is adapted for dispensing droplets including single particles onto a target 2.