Apparatus for acoustically removing particles from a magnetic separation matrix

Abstract

An apparatus for dislodging fragile particles, such as intact biological cells, retained by the separation matrix in a flow chamber of a magnetic separation system. The apparatus incorporates a piezoelectric transducer which is coupled to the matrix and an associated drive circuit. The system can operate in a capture phase, whereby fragile particles are selectively captured from a carrier fluid passing through the matrix, with those captured particles being magnetically held in place within the matrix. In the elutriation phase, an elutriation fluid is passed through the matrix and the drive circuit excites the piezoelectric transducer. In response to the excitation, the transducer establishes acoustic waves in the elutriation fluid passing through the matrix, vibrating the matrix itself. Depending upon the mechanical impedances within the flow chamber, the acoustic waves can be ultrasonic. The acoustic waves and matrix vibration operate to dislodge the intact cells from the matrix, even at relatively low elutriation flow rates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.