Syringe-Based Sample Introduction for Flow Cytometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometers face issues with cross-contamination and contamination from non-sterile instrument parts, leading to inefficiencies and delays in analysis, particularly in clinical settings where rapid analysis of biological samples is critical.
Innovation Solution
A syringe-based sample introduction system for flow cytometers that minimizes components, reduces contamination risks, and enhances analytical efficiency by using a syringe with a needle that directly penetrates the nozzle container, coupled with a syringe pump, pressure sensor, and controller module to maintain constant pressure and precise sample delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow cytometers use multiple components (reservoirs, tubing, valves) for sample introduction, then sample delivery can be achieved, but cross-contamination and contamination from non-sterile instrument parts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate components (tubing, valves, reservoirs) from the sample introduction path, keeping only the essential syringe and needle components that can be sterilized. This extraction eliminates the sources of contamination while maintaining sample delivery function.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe system serves multiple functions: it stores the sample, delivers it to the nozzle, and can be easily replaced or sterilized. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate storage reservoirs, delivery tubing, and injection valves, reducing component count while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If conventional flow cytometers use multiple components for sample introduction, then sample delivery is possible, but preparation time increases and analysis efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is pre-filled with sample and can be pre-sterilized before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly and sterilization of multiple components during the analysis workflow, directly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample introduction system is segmented into a disposable/sterilizable syringe-needle unit that can be independently prepared and replaced. This segmentation allows rapid exchange between samples without reconfiguring the entire system, reducing preparation time and increasing analysis throughput.
3Reliability
If conventional flow cytometers use tubing and reservoirs for sample introduction, then sample can be delivered, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe and needle can be designed as disposable, pre-sterilized components that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization procedures and ensures complete contamination resistance, while the simplicity of replacing a single component maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe system is self-contained and can be independently sterilized or replaced without requiring system disassembly or complex procedures. This self-service capability simplifies operation while ensuring contamination resistance through straightforward sterilization or replacement.
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 solution reduces contamination risks, decreases preparation time, and allows for more samples to be analyzed quickly with minimal contamination concerns, improving overall analytical efficiency and reducing the risk of sample spoilage.
Implementation Method 1
a syringe pump for delivering the specimen into the nozzle at a controlled rate
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor for detecting pressure variations in the sheath fluid
Implementation Method 3
The controller module adjusts the force applied to the syringe plunger by the syringe pump in response to variations in sheath fluid pressure relayed to it by the pressure sensor, thereby maintaining a constant pressure differential between the sheath fluid and the analyzed substance
Implementation Method 4
Through hydrodynamic focusing and laminar flow, the sample is forced into a single file of individual cells and the like and is surrounded by a sheath fluid
Implementation Method 5
Through hydrodynamic focusing and laminar flow, the sample is forced into a single file of individual cells and the like and is surrounded by a sheath fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.