Ultrasonic Cell Lysis Device with Dynamic Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR apparatuses for cell lysis are expensive and cumbersome, with integrated components limited to a single device, and standalone cell lysis devices often suffer from reduced efficiency compared to complete PCR systems.
Innovation Solution
A cell lysis system comprising a driver apparatus with an AC driver, active power monitoring, and a processor that controls the AC driver to optimize the frequency and power usage of an ultrasonic transducer for efficient cell lysis, using a sweep frequency method to identify the optimum frequency for maximum active power and modulating the AC drive signal to maximize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PCR apparatus with integrated cell lysis components is used, then cell lysis function is provided, but the apparatus becomes expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cell lysis functionality into a separate standalone device that can be used independently from the PCR apparatus. The portable cell lysis device contains its own ultrasonic transducer and control circuitry, allowing it to be segmented from the main PCR system while still providing effective cell lysis through ultrasonic vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable cell lysis device is designed to be universally applicable and can be used both as a standalone device and integrated with PCR apparatus. The device provides multiple functions including cell lysis, DNA extraction, and compatibility with various PCR systems, making it versatile without requiring integration into expensive conventional PCR apparatus.
2Device complexity
If standalone cell lysis devices are used, then portability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but efficiency and performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The portable cell lysis device incorporates dynamic control of the ultrasonic transducer with variable frequency and power adjustment capabilities. The control circuitry can dynamically adjust the ultrasonic parameters to optimize cell lysis efficiency for different sample types and conditions, maintaining high productivity despite the device's portable and cost-effective design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes feedback mechanisms that monitor the cell lysis process and adjust ultrasonic power and frequency accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the portable device maintains optimal cell lysis efficiency by automatically adjusting parameters based on real-time process conditions, matching the performance of larger conventional systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated cell lysis components in PCR apparatus are used, then cell lysis is performed, but the components are restricted for use only within the same PCR apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cell lysis components from the integrated PCR apparatus into a separate portable device. This extraction allows the cell lysis functionality to be taken out from its original restricted context and used independently or with different PCR systems, eliminating the integration restrictions while maintaining effective cell lysis performance.
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 system provides an efficient and cost-effective method for cell lysis, optimizing the power usage of ultrasonic transducers to enhance the lysis process while being portable and reusable, improving efficiency compared to standalone devices.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer which generates ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic wave transfer medium within the sonication chamber
Implementation Method 2
generates ultrasonic waves... to lyse cells when cells are contained within the sample container
Data Source
AI summary
A cell lysis system (1) comprises a driver apparatus (2) and a cell lysis device (3) which are releasably attachable to one another. The cell lysis device (3) comprises an ultrasonic transducer (12) and a sonication chamber (11). The driver apparatus (2) drives the ultrasonic transducer (12) to output ultrasonic waves to lyse cells in a sample container (22) which is carried by the cell lysis device (3).