Two-Stage Magnetic Separator for Biological Object Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic separator devices for sorting magnetically labeled cells face limitations in throughput and contamination issues due to the use of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, and they often compromise between magnetic field strength and gradient, leading to inefficient cell separation and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage, column-free magnetic separator device with distinct magnetic fields in upstream and downstream sections, where the first stage magnetically saturates cells with a higher field strength and the second stage uses a higher field gradient to attract labeled cells to the conduit wall, optimizing both magnetization and separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials are used in magnetic separator devices, then magnetic field strength is improved, but contamination issues occur and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials from the magnetic separator device, extracting the source of contamination. The device achieves contamination-free operation by using only non-ferromagnetic and non-ferrimagnetic materials that do not shed particles into the sample stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic material parameters by selecting materials with specific magnetic susceptibility ranges (0.003-0.3 for non-ferromagnetic materials and 0.003-0.03 for non-ferrimagnetic materials). This parameter optimization allows sufficient magnetic field generation without the harmful properties of traditional ferromagnetic materials.
2Strength
If ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials are used in magnetic separator devices, then magnetic field strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to contamination control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex contamination control systems by removing ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials entirely. The device structure is simplified to focus solely on magnetic separation functionality without additional contamination prevention mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If conventional magnetic separator devices use single-stage magnetic fields, then device simplicity is maintained, but separation efficiency decreases due to compromise between field strength and gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic separation process into two distinct stages: a first stage with a first magnetic field for initial magnetization, and a second stage with a second magnetic field for final separation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high separation efficiency without compromising device simplicity.
4Strength
If magnetic field strength is increased in conventional devices, then magnetization is improved, but magnetic field gradient decreases leading to poor separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation into two independent systems: the first magnetic field system optimized for high field strength to magnetize cells, and the second magnetic field system optimized for high field gradient to separate magnetized cells. This segmentation resolves the inverse relationship between field strength and gradient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different magnetic field characteristics to different locations in the device: the first magnetic field region provides high field strength for magnetization, while the second magnetic field region provides high field gradient for separation. Each region has locally optimized magnetic properties suited to its specific function.
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 magnetization of magnetically labeled cells while maintaining sufficient magnetic field gradient for efficient separation, improving throughput and reducing contamination risks compared to conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a sample fluid that includes magnetically labeled biological objects and unlabeled biological objects through the upstream section to magnetically saturate the magnetically labeled biological objects by the first magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
flowing the sample fluid from the upstream section continuously to the downstream section to collect the magnetically labeled biological objects on a wall of the downstream section by the second magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic particle, ferromagnetic (e.g., iron) or ferrimagnetic (e.g., iron oxide), may exhibit superparamagnetism as its size is reduced to tens of nanometers. A superparamagnetic particle behaves like a nonmagnetic particle in the absence of an external magnetic field but becomes magnetic when exposed to a magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for sorting biological objects including the steps of providing a magnetic device that includes a conduit or channel having upstream and downstream sections and a magnetic means for generating first and second magnetic fields in the upstream and downstream sections, respectively; flowing a sample fluid that includes magnetically labeled biological objects and unlabeled biological objects through the upstream section to magnetically saturate the magnetically labeled biological objects by the first magnetic field; and flowing the sample fluid from the upstream section continuously to the downstream section to collect the magnetically labeled biological objects on a wall of the downstream section by the second magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field in the upstream section has a higher average field strength than the second magnetic field in the downstream section.