Ultrasonic Lysis System Frequency Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic cell lysis systems determine resonant frequencies based on maximum energy reflection or transmission intensity, which may not optimize energy delivery for cell lysis, and often require high-power amplifier electronics, leading to size and emission issues.

Innovation Solution

Determine the frequency with minimized reflected or transmitted intensity to deliver maximum acoustic energy for cell lysis, using a single or dual ultrasonic transducers with adjustable frequency ranges (10 kHz-100 kHz) and optimized power usage, allowing for efficient cell disruption with reduced electronic emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If existing acoustic cell lysis systems determine resonant frequency based on maximum energy reflection or transmission intensity, then the system can identify a resonant frequency, but the energy delivery for cell lysis is not optimized and large power amplifier electronics are required leading to size and emission issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy delivery for cell lysisVSAvoidpower amplifier electronics size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by determining resonant frequency based on minimum reflected energy intensity rather than maximum. This inversion allows the system to identify the frequency at which maximum energy is absorbed by the sample for lysis, eliminating the need for large power amplifier electronics and reducing device size and emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by measuring the reflected acoustic energy at different frequencies and using this information to determine the optimal transmit frequency. The measured reflected energy serves as feedback to identify the resonant frequency condition where minimum reflection corresponds to maximum energy absorption for cell lysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If high-power amplifier electronics are used to drive ultrasonic transducers, then sufficient acoustic energy can be delivered for cell lysis, but the electronics become large and generate radiated emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic energy deliveryVSAvoidradiated electronic emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the frequency determination method to use minimum reflected energy as the criterion, the system identifies the optimal frequency for maximum energy absorption. This allows efficient energy delivery at lower power levels, reducing the need for high-power amplifier electronics and consequently reducing radiated electronic emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter by operating at the specific resonant frequency identified through minimum reflected energy measurement. This frequency optimization allows the ultrasonic transducer to deliver maximum acoustic energy efficiency, reducing the overall power requirements and associated electronic emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the transmit frequency is not optimized for maximum energy absorption, then the system can operate at any frequency, but the efficiency of cell lysis is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell lysis efficiencyVSAvoidacoustic energy utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures reflected acoustic energy as feedback to determine the optimal transmit frequency. By using this feedback information, the system identifies the frequency at which maximum energy is absorbed for cell lysis, thereby optimizing lysis efficiency and energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency sweep measurements to identify the optimal resonant frequency before actual cell lysis operation. This preliminary action of characterizing the system's resonant properties ensures that subsequent lysis operations occur at the most efficient frequency, maximizing productivity and energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Achieves optimized cell lysis with reduced power requirements, smaller electronics, and lower radiated emissions by identifying and utilizing the frequency that minimizes reflected energy, enhancing the efficiency of ultrasonic cell disruption.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic—and specifically ultrasonic—energy can be applied to cells to achieve lysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

determining a resonant frequency of the target sample or system by determining the frequency at which the energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample has the highest intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10799914B2Methods and systems for ultrasonic lysis

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 LUMINEX CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for cell lysis are disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to applying acoustic energy to a biological sample located in a sample chamber.