Cell Transfection Nozzle with Concentric Gas and Sample Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle designs for cell transfection systems face challenges in consistently delivering biologically compatible fluids to cells while maintaining cell viability, as they often result in uneven distribution, high shear stress, and inefficient transfection due to issues with droplet size, impact pressure, and spray pattern.
Innovation Solution
A cell-transfection nozzle apparatus featuring a unique design with a needle, sleeve, and housing that combines fluid and gas delivery passages to produce a consistent atomized spray with controlled droplet size and pressure, minimizing shear stress and optimizing delivery by using a concentric gas outlet and sample outlet configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional nozzle designs are used to deliver fluids to cells, then the delivery process can be simplified, but the spray pattern becomes uneven and droplet size distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional components: a needle assembly with variable bore, a sleeve with angled walls, and a housing with concentric outlets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while achieving precise droplet size control through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle employs different geometric characteristics at different locations: the needle has a variable bore that tapers to a point, the sleeve has angled walls that converge toward the distal end, and the outlets are concentric with specific diameter ratios. These local geometric variations create controlled flow patterns that produce uniform droplet size distribution.
2Productivity
If high flow rate is used to improve delivery speed, then productivity increases, but shear stress on cells increases and viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle utilizes a variable bore needle that changes the cross-sectional area of the fluid stream along its length. By controlling the bore dimensions at different positions, the system can maintain high flow rates while gradually expanding the fluid stream to reduce shear stress at the point of impact with cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled walls of the sleeve introduce a dimensional component that expands the fluid stream in the radial direction while maintaining axial flow. This three-dimensional geometry allows the system to deliver fluid at high rates while distributing it over a larger area to reduce shear stress.
3Manufacturing precision
If the needle bore is made smaller to control droplet size, then droplet size precision improves, but flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle employs a variable bore design rather than a constant diameter. The bore transitions from a larger cross-section at the proximal end to a smaller cross-section at the distal end, allowing the system to maintain high flow rates through the larger proximal portion while producing controlled droplet sizes at the distal outlet where the bore is smallest.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage is segmented into different zones with different bore dimensions. The proximal zone has a larger bore for high flow rate delivery, while the distal zone has a smaller bore for precise droplet size control. This spatial segmentation of the flow path allows both high productivity and high precision to coexist.
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 nozzle achieves efficient and consistent delivery of biologically compatible fluids to cells, maintaining viability and optimizing transfection efficiency through precise control of droplet size, impact pressure, and spray pattern, reducing damage to cells and improving transfection outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The needle, sleeve, and housing together define cavities configured for flowing the air... a first cavity comprising the air inlet portion of the housing and an annular space defined by at least portion of the first cylindrical portion of the housing, the first conical portion of the housing, and the exterior walls of the sleeve; a plurality of second cavities that are adjacent the first cavity and defined by at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, the wings and the angled exterior walls of the body of the sleeve; and a third cavity fluidically connected to the first cavity via the plurality of the second cavities
Implementation Method 2
a first conical portion fluidically coupled to and extending between the first and second cylindrical portions; a second conical portion coupled to the second cylindrical portion and having an air outlet configured for dispensing the air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end can include a sample inlet and a gas inlet. The second end can include a sample outlet and a gas outlet. The apparatus can also include a sample delivery passage extending within the housing and fluidically coupling the sample inlet to the sample outlet. The apparatus can also include a gas delivery passage extending within the housing and fluidically coupling the gas inlet to the gas outlet. Systems and methods including the apparatus are also provided herein.