Disposable separator/concentrator device and method of use
Inventors
Sharon, Andre • Sauer-Budge, Alexis • Size, Aaron • Wirz, Holger
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9199250-B2
Publication Date
2015-12-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for separation of particulates from a fluid sample by centrifugation. The device includes vertically arranged chambers with upper inlets and lower outlets, and channels connecting the lower outlet of one chamber to the upper inlet of a downstream chamber. Each valve forms a seal preventing material in the upstream chamber from flowing into the downstream chamber while comprising a collection reservoir for collecting particulates from the upstream chamber.
The concept supports sequential centrifugation across the chambers with controlled transfer of metered sample material between chambers via valve-sealed channels and collection reservoirs. The disclosed system provides valve actuation modes for implementing the sequential, sealed transfers, including manual operation, semi-manual cam-sleeve operation, and automated inertial/purpose-built centrifuge external-arm actuation.
An inertial swing arm with a torsion spring latch is described to drive a piston valve actuator, including external-arm configurations integrated with centrifuge operation using purpose-built mechanisms.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims disclosed in the provided content describe a centrifugation-based multi-chamber separator with valve-controlled, sealed transfer of particulates through collection reservoirs, with inventive features centered on chamber-to-channel flow isolation and redirecting deposited material into downstream inlets for sequential processing. Five inventive features are identified.
Centrifugation-based multi-chamber particulate separation with sealed channels and collection reservoirs
A device having vertically arranged chambers with upper inlets and lower outlets, a first channel connecting a first chamber lower outlet to a second chamber upper inlet, a first valve that forms a seal preventing material in the first chamber from flowing into the second chamber and comprises a first collection reservoir for collecting particulates from the first chamber, and a second valve that forms a seal preventing material in the second chamber from flowing into a third chamber and comprises a second collection reservoir for collecting particulates from the second chamber.
Cam-driven actuator sleeve for rotating a valve from a first position to a second position
An actuator sleeve surrounds a first channel and a first valve and uses a first cam to contact the first valve and rotate it from a first position to a second position.
Actuator sleeve with distinct rotation paths for actuating first and second valves
An actuator sleeve is coupled to first and second valves and configured to rotate along first and second paths so that respective first and second cams move each valve from a first position to a second position.
Centrifugal-force-driven inertial arm actuator moving a piston to switch a valve
An actuator uses centrifugal-force-driven movement of an inertial arm to move a piston axially and switch a first valve between first and second positions in a first channel.
Valve third position to close chamber outlets to accumulate material under centrifugal forces
First and second valves can each be moved to a third position to close the lower outlets of their respective chambers so that, under centrifugal forces, material accumulates in the lower outlets of the first and second chambers.
Across the independently claimed device architecture and its refinements, the claim coverage centers on sealed, valve-controlled transfer of particulates between vertically arranged chambers using collection reservoirs, together with cam-sleeve rotation, inertial or centrifugal-force actuation of a piston, and a third valve position for accumulation under centrifugal forces.
Stated Advantages
Improved bacteria recovery as shown by prototype testing results described in the partial content.
Reproducible metered transfer volumes as shown by prototype testing results described in the partial content.
Processed bacteria outputs yield detectable SERS spectra as demonstrated in the partial content.
Documented Applications
Rapid diagnostics including PCR, bioMEMS, microscopy, and SERS.
Detection workflows using a microscope slide indentation/collection chamber arrangement for microscopy.
SERS-based analysis where processed bacteria outputs yield detectable SERS spectra.
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