Hydrodynamic cavitation
Inventors
Nze, Ugochukwu Chinedu • Sant, Himanshu Jayant • Gale, Bruce Kent • Lambert, Christopher J. • Patel, Dhruv • Beeman, Michael
Assignees
University of Utah • University of Utah Research Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-12078580-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
Expiration Date
2040-02-27
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Abstract
Sample preparation can include obtaining a sample in the form of a liquid mixture and forcing the liquid mixture through a cavitation chamber at an optimal pressure for separating pathogens from particles in the mixture without fragmenting at least 30% of the pathogens. Apparatuses used for sample preparation methods can include a fluid circuit, a cavitation chamber incorporated into the fluid circuit and having a channel with first, second, and third cross-sectional areas, the second cross-sectional area being downstream of and smaller than the first cross-sectional with respect to fluid flow through the fluid circuit and the third cross-sectional area being larger than and downstream of the second cross-sectional area with respect to fluid flow through the fluid circuit. The apparatus can include a pump in fluid communication with the cavitation chamber and a pressure sensor positioned upstream of the cavitation chamber.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing samples by using hydrodynamic cavitation to separate pathogens from particles within a liquid mixture, without fragmenting at least 30% of the pathogens. The process requires the liquid mixture, such as food or water samples, to be forced through a cavitation chamber at a carefully controlled optimal pressure. This approach enables the release and subsequent detection of intact pathogens that might otherwise be destroyed by conventional mechanical or chemical homogenization techniques.
The problem addressed is the difficulty in identifying pathogens after sample homogenization due to conventional devices, like stomachers, which can destroy pathogens or make their detection difficult. The patent overcomes this by controlling cavitation input pressure, chamber design, and pre-processing steps, ensuring that the sample is processed such that sufficient intact pathogens remain for detection, avoiding false negatives.
The apparatus integrates a fluid circuit with a cavitation chamber incorporating three sequentially arranged cross-sectional areas to create the desired pressure effects. The device features a pump, a filter loop, a cavitation loop with directional control, and a pressure sensor upstream of the cavitation chamber. The method can involve enzymatic breakdown of solids and particle filtration prior to cavitation, enabling different types of samples (including challenging food matrices) to be prepared for sensitive detection and quantification of pathogens or other analytes.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim with multiple inventive features covering both an apparatus and its use for sample preparation with hydrodynamic cavitation.
Apparatus for sample preparation with hydrodynamic cavitation chamber
The inventive apparatus comprises: - A fluid circuit integrated with: - A filter loop incorporated in the fluid circuit - A cavitation chamber with a channel possessing successively different cross-sectional areas: a first (larger, upstream), a second (smaller, downstream of the first), and a third (larger than both, downstream of the second) - A pump in fluid communication with the cavitation chamber - A pressure sensor associated with the fluid circuit and positioned upstream of the cavitation chamber - A directional control valve configured to selectively direct fluid into either the filter loop or a cavitation loop including the cavitation chamber - The configuration is such that the apparatus can force a liquid mixture through the cavitation chamber at a pressure that separates pathogens from particles in the mixture without fragmenting at least 30% of the pathogens
The claims define an apparatus for sample preparation featuring a specifically designed cavitation chamber, pressure regulation components, and selectable fluid routing, configured to selectively separate pathogens from sample particles while substantially preserving their integrity for detection.
Stated Advantages
Enables separation of pathogens from particles in samples without fragmenting a substantial portion of the pathogens, thereby permitting accurate detection and quantification.
Reduces false negatives in pathogen detection by preserving the viability and detectability of pathogens during sample preparation.
Allows for processing diverse food and water samples, including challenging matrices like meat, by combining enzymatic breakdown, filtration, and controlled cavitation.
Improves compatibility with downstream analytic methods, including electrochemical and PCR-based detection, by minimizing generation of sample debris and PCR inhibitors.
Provides greater sample homogenization and pathogen release effectiveness compared to conventional stomaching methods.
Supports semi-continuous or automated operation via integrated sample processing and fluidic control.
Documented Applications
Detection and quantification of pathogens in food samples such as ground beef and other meat products.
Detection and quantification of pathogens in water samples for contamination assessment.
Virus detection in fruits such as strawberries and blackberries using cavitation-assisted sample preparation followed by PCR.
Homogenization and sample preparation for downstream analysis of various food matrices including berries and meat.
Preparation of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue for stem cell isolation with preserved cell viability.
Sample processing for electrochemical pathogen detection, including immunomagnetic capture and signal amplification.
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