Triphasic Fluid Handling Tube Positioning for Contamination-Free Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficiently removing the aqueous phase from a triphasic fluid arrangement in a self-contained vessel without contamination, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of downstream biological processes, is challenging due to the immiscibility and density differences of the fluids involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that position a tube vertically within the vessel to draw the target fluid, which is denser than the encapsulating fluid but less dense than the carrier fluid, using a pressure source to create negative pressure and aspirate the target fluid while minimizing contamination from the encapsulating fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tube is positioned to draw fluid from the triphasic arrangement, then the target fluid can be removed, but contamination from the encapsulating fluid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the carrier fluid as an intermediary medium. By positioning the tube to draw through the carrier fluid layer first, the carrier fluid acts as a buffer that prevents direct contact between the target fluid and the encapsulating fluid, thereby eliminating contamination while enabling removal of the target fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the different density properties of each fluid layer to create localized drawing paths. The tube is positioned to selectively draw from specific depth zones where only the target fluid and carrier fluid are present, avoiding the encapsulating fluid layer above, thus achieving contamination-free removal
2Productivity
If the tube draws fluid from the triphasic arrangement, then the target fluid is removed, but encapsulating fluid is also drawn in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the density stratification of the triphasic system to define precise drawing boundaries. By controlling the tube position and drawing depth to stay within the target fluid and carrier fluid layers, the system achieves efficient target fluid removal while the immiscible nature of the fluids prevents encapsulating fluid from being drawn in
3Reliability
If the tube is positioned within the carrier fluid, then contamination is minimized, but the drawing path is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the natural density-driven stratification and immiscibility of the triphasic fluid system. The system self-regulates the drawing process by maintaining clear interfaces between fluid layers, allowing the tube to efficiently draw the target fluid through the carrier fluid without requiring additional control mechanisms, thus minimizing both contamination and time loss
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 approach allows for reliable and contamination-free removal of the target fluid, enabling its use in assays and other processes by ensuring the integrity of the biological samples and reagents.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal end of the tube is operatively coupled to a pressure source, wherein drawing fluid into the tube through the open distal end comprises causing the pressure source to create a negative pressure at the distal end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
the carrier fluid is denser than the target fluid and the target fluid is denser than the encapsulating fluid, wherein the three fluids are mutually immiscible
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of moving a target fluid in a triphasic fluid arrangement from a vessel into a tube and systems and devices for practicing the same.