Liquid to liquid biological particle concentrator

Abstract

A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.

Claims

1. A method for extracting an amount of biological particulates from an interior feed side of a hollow fiber filter having a bore, the method comprising: flowing a foam wash from one end to another end of the bore of the hollow fiber filter such that the amount of biological particulates becomes concentrated in the foam wash, resulting in a desired amount of a concentration of biological particulates; and collecting the desired amount for analysis of the biological particulates.

2. The method in claim 1, comprising flowing a process feed material that bears particulates entrained in a fluid through the hollow fiber filter to separate the amount of biological particulates from the fluid by trapping the amount of biological particulates on the interior feed side of the hollow fiber filter.

3. The method in claim 2, further comprising pulling a vacuum on an exterior permeate side of the hollow fiber filter to pull the process feed material through the hollow fiber filter.

4. The method in claim 1, wherein a pressurized wash liquid and water-soluble gas mixture is released from under pressure and agitated to create the foam wash, the method further comprising controlling the pressure of the mixture.

5. The method in claim 1, further comprising opening a valve that is controlled with a timer to dispense the foam wash.

6. The method in claim 5, further comprising controlling a valve opening time.

7. A device for concentrating a sample of biological particulates, the device comprising: a wash reservoir adapted to connect to an interior feed side of a hollow fiber filter, the wash reservoir containing a wash liquid and a water soluble gas under pressure resulting in a predetermined amount of a foam wash; and a rotary valve adapted to release the predetermined amount of the foam wash from one end of the interior feed side to another end of the interior feed side of the hollow fiber to generate a desired amount of a concentration of biological particulates within the foam wash; a feed reservoir connected to the interior feed side of the hollow fiber filter, the feed reservoir containing a process feed material that bears the amount of biological particulates entrained in a fluid; a means for flowing the process feed material through the hollow fiber filter to separate the amount of biological particulates from the fluid by trapping the amount of particulates on the interior feed side of the hollow fiber filter; wherein the concentration of biological particulates is collected for analysis.

8. The device in claim 7, further comprising a hollow fiber cell containing the hollow fiber filter.

9. The device in claim 7, wherein the foam wash is biologically and analytically compatible with the biological particulates.

10. The device in claim 7, further comprising a timer controlling release of the valve.

11. The device in claim 7, wherein the wash liquid includes at least one of a buffer, a salt, a foaming agent, a film former, a polymeric material, a surfactant, a microsphere, a silica particle, a tagging material, a protein, or a detergent.

12. A method for concentrating a sample of biological particulates, the method comprising: releasing a wash liquid and water-soluble gas mixture from under pressure, the release creating a predetermined amount of a foam wash from the mixture, from one end to another end of an interior side of a bore of the hollow fiber filter which contains an amount of biological particulates; and collecting from the interior side of the bore a desired amount of a concentrate of biological particulates in the foam wash for analysis.

13. The method in claim 12, further comprising agitating the mixture during release.

14. The method in claim 12, further comprising applying vibration to the mixture during release.

15. The method in claim 12, further comprising pushing the foam wash down the interior side of the bore of the hollow fiber filter using pressurized gas.

16. The method in claim 12, further comprising inhibiting microbial growth by storing the hollow fiber filter under high pressure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a first embodiment;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 2A-2A′ of FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a second embodiment;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 4;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 5B-5B″ of FIG. 5;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a third embodiment;

(8) FIG. 8 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 7;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 8C-8C′ of FIG. 8;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a fourth embodiment;

(11) FIG. 11 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 10;

(12) FIG. 12 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 11D-11D′ of FIG. 11;

(13) FIG. 13 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a fifth embodiment;

(14) FIG. 14 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 13;

(15) FIG. 15 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 14E-14E′ of FIG. 14;

(16) FIG. 16 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a sixth embodiment;

(17) FIG. 17 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 16;

(18) FIG. 18 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 17F-17F′ of FIG. 17;

(19) FIG. 19 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a seventh embodiment;

(20) FIG. 20 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 19;

(21) FIG. 21 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 20G-20G′ of FIG. 20;

(22) FIG. 22 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to an eighth embodiment;

(23) FIG. 23 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 22;

(24) FIG. 24 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 23H-23H′ of FIG. 23;

(25) FIG. 25 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a ninth embodiment;

(26) FIG. 26 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 25;

(27) FIG. 27 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 26I-26I′ of FIG. 26;

(28) FIG. 28 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a tenth embodiment;

(29) FIG. 29 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 28;

(30) FIG. 30 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 29J-29J′ of FIG. 29;

(31) FIG. 31 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to an alternate embodiment with respect to that shown in FIG. 28;

(32) FIG. 32 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 31;

(33) FIG. 33 shows a front elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 31;

(34) FIG. 34 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to an eleventh embodiment;

(35) FIG. 35 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 34;

(36) FIG. 36 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 35K-35K′ of FIG. 35;

(37) FIG. 37 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a concentrator cell according to a twelfth embodiment;

(38) FIG. 38 shows a right side elevational view of the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 37;

(39) FIG. 39 shows a midsectional view of the concentrator cell taken along line 37L-37L′ of FIG. 38;

(40) FIG. 40 shows an automated concentration system, which is depicted in a schematic layout wherein any of the foregoing concentrator cells may be used;

(41) FIG. 41 shows an automated concentration system, which is depicted in a schematic layout wherein any of the foregoing concentrator cells may be used;

(42) FIG. 41A provides expanded detail with respect to a feature of FIG. 41;

(43) FIG. 42 shows an extraction foam generator according to a first embodiment, as depicted in a three dimensional perspective view;

(44) FIG. 43 shows a right side elevational view of the extraction foam generator shown in FIG. 42;

(45) FIG. 44 shows a midsectional view of the extraction foam generator taken along line 43N-43N′ of FIG. 43;

(46) FIG. 45 shows an extraction foam generator according to a second embodiment, as depicted in a three dimensional perspective view in combination with the concentrator cell shown in FIG. 13;

(47) FIG. 46 shows a right side elevational view of the extraction foam generator shown in FIG. 45;

(48) FIG. 46A provides additional detail with respect to a feature of FIG. 45;

(49) FIG. 47 shows an extraction foam generator according to a third embodiment, as depicted in a three dimensional perspective view;

(50) FIG. 48 shows a right side elevational view of the extraction foam generator shown in FIG. 47; and

(51) FIG. 49 shows a midsectional view of the extraction foam generator taken along line 48P-48P′ of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(52) There will now be shown and described one or more concentrator cells that are provided with a tangential flow media which may be used to concentrate biological particles and subsequently extracted with foam to obtain, for example, concentrated proteins, microorganisms, and/or nucleic acids.

(53) FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 shows a concentrator cell 100 that may be constructed from a rectangular block of plastic or metal that is drilled to create various fluid channels. Barbed fittings are glued in place for tubing connections to form ports 102, 104, 106, 108. Flexible tubing (not depicted) may be attached to the ports 102-108, and pinch clamps or valves (also not depicted) may be used to control flow through this tubing. These structures function as valves or flow control mechanism which are understood to be present in proximity to each fluidic port in this disclosure for operation according to the functionality described therewith, whether or not the flow control device is actually depicted A potting material, such as glue 110, 112, holds a hollow fiber filter 114 in place. As used herein, the term “potting material” means a destructible or removable material that is used to anchor a hollow fiber filter, and which may be removed for renewal of the filter. FIG. 3 shows the internal fluid channels together with respective arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of ports 102,104,106,108. The respective ports include an extraction fluid flush port 102, permeate port 104, feed port 106, and retentate port 108.

(54) Concentrator cell 100 operates as follows. The retentate port 108 and extraction fluid flush port 102 are closed at the start of the sample concentration process. A vacuum is optionally applied at the permeate port 104, and the feed is introduced under pressure at the feed port 106. The sample then passes through the hollow fiber filter 114. When the entire feed sample has passed through the hollow fiber filter the pressure and vacuum are equalized between ports 104, 106, then the feed port 106 is closed. A vacuum is applied to the retentate port 108 and the flush port 102 is opened allowing a small, pre-measured volume of surfactant liquid or foam to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(55) FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show a concentrator cell 400. Cell 400 resembles cell 100; however, two hollow fiber filters 402 are used instead of one, and an integrated reservoir 404 retains a predetermined volume of the feed sample which is used to flush the fibers 402 at the end of the concentration cycle. Potting material 406, 408 retains the hollow fiber filters 402 in place. FIG. 6 shows the internal fluidic pathways together with arrows indicating flow direction at each of the retentate port 410, feed port 412, is the purge port 413, and permeate port 414.

(56) Concentrator cell 400 operates as follows. The retentate port 410 is closed and the purge port 413 is opened. Feed is injected under pressure through the feed port 412 until the reservoir 404 is full, then the purge port 413 is closed. A vacuum is applied to the permeate port 414 and pressure is applied to the feed port 412. Once the feed sample has been completely injected, the pressures are equalized at ports 412, 414, then the feed port 412 is closed and the retentate port 410 is opened with vacuum there being applied. The purge port 413 is opened and the feed remaining in the reservoir 404 is used to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filters 402, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(57) FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show a third embodiment indicated as concentrator cell 700. Concentrator cell 700 is similar to that of concentrator cell 100. As shown in FIG. 9, distal portion 702 of a hollow fiber filter 704 is potted in a barbed insert 706 mounted in a retentate port 708. This arrangement advantageously minimizes dead volume in the retentate port 708 for improved sample concentration. A permeate purge port 710 is added to facilitate the removal of the permeate fluid that is trapped around the outside of the fiber at the end of the feed cycle. FIG. 9 shows internal pathways of fluidic communication through the concentrator cell 700 with arrows indicating flow direction at each of the retentate port 708, feed port 712, permeate port 710, extraction fluid port 714, and permeate purge port 716. Potting material 718 retains the hollow fiber filter 704 in place.

(58) Concentrator cell 700 operates as follows. The retentate port 708 is opened and the feed is injected through the feed port 712 to purge air from inside the hollow fiber filter 704. The retentate port 708 is then closed and pressure is applied to the feed port 712 as a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 710. Once the feed has all been injected, the feed pressure is equalized across ports 708, 710, and the permeate purge port 716 is opened. Thus, remaining permeate fluid is pulled through the permeate port 710 while the permeate pressure is equalized. The retentate port 708 is next opened and a pre-measured volume of extraction fluid is injected under pressure through the extraction fluid port 714 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 704, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(59) FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show yet another embodiment indicated as concentrator cell 1000. Concentrator cell 1000 is similar to that of concentrator cell 700, but has a central opening 1002 fitted with a flexible tube 1004 that may be removed to facilitate easier replacement of a hollow fiber filter 1006. FIG. 12 shows the internal flow pathways within concentrator cell 1000 together with arrows indicating flow direction at each of feed port 1006, extraction fluid port 1008, permeate purge port 1010, permeate port 1012, and retentate port 1014. Potting materials 1016, 1018 retain the hollow fiber filter 1004.

(60) Operation of concentrator cell 1000 proceeds as in the case of concentrator cell 700. The retentate port 1014 is opened and a feed is injected through the feed port 1006 to purge air from inside the hollow fiber filter 1004. The retentate port 1014 is then closed and pressure is applied to the feed as a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 1012. Once the feed has all been injected, the feed pressure is equalized across ports 1006, 1014. The permeate purge port 1010 is opened and remaining permeate fluid is pulled through the permeate port 1012 while the permeate pressure is equalized. Then, the retentate port 1014 is opened and a pre-measured volume of extraction fluid is injected under pressure through the extraction fluid port 1008 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 1004, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(61) FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show concentrator cell 1300, which has additional features with respect to previous embodiments. Concentrator cell 1300 includes integrated feed, extraction fluid, air bleed, and retentate valves, and an integrated foam extraction fluid generator. The potting holes are drilled in the plane perpendicular to the fluid channels to decrease their length and make the cell more compact. The removable center tube introduced in embodiment 4 is also used. This is the first cell which utilizes surfactant foam for the extraction fluid, which greatly increases extraction efficiency and decreases the final concentrated sample volume. FIG. 15 shows each component of concentrator cell 1300 with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each port. The ports include feed port 1302, permeate purge port 1304, permeate port 1306, and retentate port 1308. An elongate shiftable feed valve 1310 controls flow through passageway 1312. An elongate shiftable extraction fluid valve 1314 controls flow through passageway 1316. An elongate shiftable air bleed valve 1318 controls passageway 1320, while an elongate shiftable retentate valve 1322 controls passageway 1324. Potting materials 1326, 1328 are advantageously disposed in parallel to the flow direction through hollow fiber filter 1330, thus decreasing the length of the potting materials and eliminating the necessity of drilling additional holes to receive the potting materials. A removable tube 1332 facilitates replacement of the hollow fiber filter 1330. Feature 1338 indicates an extraction foam generator 1340 that is described in additional detail below.

(62) Concentrator cell 1300 operates as follows. The feed valve 1310 and the air bleed valve 1318 are opened, and the feed fluid is slowly fed into the feed port 1302. Air in the hollow fiber filter 1330 is forced out, and when the feed fluid reaches the bottom of the hollow fiber filter 1330 the air bleed valve 1318 is closed. Vacuum is then applied to the permeate port 1306, and the feed fluid is forced through the hollow fiber filter 1330. When the feed fluid has been pushed completely through, the permeate purge port 1304 is opened to flush the liquid around the outside of the hollow fiber filter 1330 out the permeate port 1304. The pressure on the hollow fiber filter is then equalized between the feed port 1302 and permeate port 1306, then the feed valve 1310 is closed. Then, the retentate valve 1322 and the extraction fluid valve 1314 are opened. The extraction foam generator 1340 is then used to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 1330 until the desired final volume of concentrated fluid is reached.

(63) FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 introduce the concept of a ‘cascade’ or ‘band pass’ system 1600 allowing for concentration and separation of different target particle size ranges. Also, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) style compression fittings are used to make the port connections which are more durable and can withstand higher pressures than barbed connectors. FIG. 18 shows each component with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of extraction foam port 1802, feed A port 1804, feed B port 1806, permeate purge A port 1808, permeate purge B port 1810, is the permeate A port 1820, permeate B port 1822, retentate A port 1824, retentate B port 1826. Each of these ports is provided with a HPLC-style compression fitting, for example, as fitting 1827 (see FIG. 18). Elongate shiftable valves control flow through associated fluidic pathways including extraction foam A valve 1828, extraction foam B valve 1830, feed A valve 1832, feed B valve 1834, retentate A valve 1836, retentate B valve 1838. Filters include hollow fiber filter 1840 and hollow fiber filter 1842.

(64) In this “band pass” configuration, hollow fiber filter A 1840 captures particles over a certain size, for example two micron, and passes smaller particles entrained with the remaining fluid into the permeate A port 1820. Feed B port 1806 is fluidically connected to permeate A port 1820. Hollow fiber filter B 1842 captures all of the particles that hollow fiber filter A 1840 passes into the permeate A port 1820. In this example, system 1600 operates according to the principles described above; however, everything below a predetermined size cutoff, such as particles of two microns or less or even particle-free fluid, passes through the permeate B port 1822.

(65) FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 show a concentrator cell 1900 that is designed to facilitate starting a concentration cycle when the hollow fiber filter is wet and there is gas in the system. Hydrophilic fibers allow water based solutions to pass through them easily; however, gas can not pass through the wet fiber due to the capillary action of the water in the fiber pores. This essentially causes the fiber to lock up until the gas is purged from the inside of the fiber. This problem was addressed in previous embodiments by opening the retentate valve until the feed solution forced all of the gas out of the fiber; however, this is problematic for systems that are automated under a system of electronic controls. This embodiment introduces the use of a short hydrophobic fiber inline with the main hydrophilic fiber. The hydrophobic fiber allows gas to flow through it but not liquid, so the gas is effectively purged from the fiber automatically.

(66) Another new feature of this embodiment is a gas injection port which allows any extraction foam left in the fiber to be forced out through the retentate port without adding to the final extracted liquid volume. Furthermore, from this design forward the concentration process includes pressurizing the permeate side of the hollow fiber filter with gas while the extraction foam is being injected. This prevents the extraction foam from pushing through the fiber and into the permeate.

(67) FIG. 21 shows each component of concentrator cell 1900 where arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow in each of retentate port 1902, permeate port 1904, permeate purge port 1906, feed port 1908, extraction foam port 1910, and gas injection port 1912. Valves 1914, 1916, and 1918 are one-way check valves permitting flow in the directions indicated. Potting material 1920, 1922 retains a hollow fiber filter 1924. HPLC compression fittings 1926, 1927 allow quick removal and replacement of the hollow fiber filter 1924 mounted also within hollow tube 1928. Potting material 1930, 1932 seals channels connecting the hydrophobic and hydrophilic fiber permeate sides. A hydrophobic fiber is located downstream of hollow fiber filter 1924.

(68) Concentrator cell 1900 operates as follows. The retentate valve 1902 is closed and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 1904. This forces feed solution into the feed port 1908. Any gas trapped in the feed side of the hollow fiber filter 1924 is forced out through the hydrophobic fiber 1934. Once the feed solution has all passed through the hydrophilic fiber 1924, the permeate purge port 1906 is opened and the pressure is equalized across the surface of the fibers. Then, gas pressure is applied through the permeate port 1904, and the retentate port 1902 is opened. A predetermined volume of extraction foam is injected under pressure through the extraction foam port 1910 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 1924. Finally, gas is forced through the gas injection port 1912, which forces any remaining foam out of the hollow fiber filter 1924, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(69) FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 show an embodiment identified as concentrator cell 2200, which is a compact design for use where size of the concentrator cell is an issue. Concentrator cell 2200 contains, for example, a hollow fiber filter 2202 that is less than one inch long. FIG. 24 shows each component of concentrator cell 2200 with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of retentate port 2204, permeate port 2206, feed port 2208, extraction foam port 2210, gas injection port 2212, and permeate purge port 2214. Potting material 2216 retains hollow fiber filter 2218.

(70) Concentrator cell 2200 operates as follows. The retentate valve 2204 is opened and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 2206. The feed solution is injected through the feed port 2208 until the feed solution reaches the end of the hollow fiber filter 2202. Then the retentate port 2204 is closed. When the feed solution has all been forced through the hollow fiber filter 2202, the permeate purge port 2214 is opened to remove the remaining fluid around the hollow fiber filter 2204 and equalize the pressure across the fiber surface. Gas pressure is next applied through the permeate port 2206. The retentate port 2204 is opened, and extraction foam is injected through the extraction foam port 2210 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 2202. Finally, gas is forced through the gas injection port 2212, which forces any remaining foam out of the hollow fiber filter 2202, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(71) FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 show an embodiment according to concentrator cell 2500 which, by way of example, combines the hydrophobic fiber section for gas removal from concentrator cell 1900 with the small size of concentrator cell 2200. The main changes from previous embodiments are the lack of a gas injection port, and the feed port has been relocated to the bottom of the cell. The feed port was moved to help ease the clearing of clogs in the fiber. Concentrator cell 2500 may also contain a hollow fiber filter 2502 that is less than one inch long. FIG. 27 shows each component of concentrator cell 2500 with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of retentate port 2504, permeate port 2506, permeate purge port 2508, extraction foam port 2510, and feed port 2512. Valves 2516, 2518 are one-way check valves. Numerals 2520, 2522, 2504 indicate potting material. A hydrophilic hollow fiber filter 2526 assists with the purging of internal gas under system automated control, as is described above.

(72) Concentrator cell 2500 operates as follows. The retentate port 2504 is closed and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 2506. Feed solution is forced into the feed port 2512. Any gas trapped in the feed side of the hollow fiber filter 2502 is forced out through the hydrophobic fiber 2526. Once the feed solution has all passed through the hydrophilic fiber 2526, the penneate purge port 2508 is opened and the pressure is equalized across the surface of the fibers. Then, gas pressure is applied through the permeate port 2506, and the retentate valve 2504 is opened. A predetermined volume of extraction foam is injected under pressure through the extraction foam port 2510 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(73) FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 show concentrator cell 2800 according to another embodiment. Concentrator cell 2800 is very similar to concentrator cell 2200 except, by way of example, concentrator cell 2800 is made up of modular components that allow different length fibers to be used in the same cell by changing the tube between the respective upper and lower manifolds 2802, 2804.

(74) FIG. 30 shows each component of concentrator cell 2800 where arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow in each of retentate port 2806, permeate port 2808, purge port 2810, feed port 2812, extraction foam port 2814, and gas injection port 2816. Valves 2818, 2820, and 2822 are one-way check valves. Potting material 2824, 2826 retains hollow fiber filter 2828, as does a hollow tube 2830 and compression fitting. A modular bar 2834 may be provided in various lengths to adjust the assembly for selected lengths of hollow fiber filter 2828, and this modular bar may be secured with fasteners 2836, 2838.

(75) Concentrator cell 2800 operates as follows. Retentate valve 2806 is opened and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 2808. Feed solution is injected through the feed port 2812 until the feed solution reaches the end of the hollow fiber filter 2828. Then the retentate port 2806 is closed. When the feed solution has all been forced through the hollow fiber filter 2828, the permeate purge valve 2810 is opened to remove the remaining fluid around the hollow fiber filter 2828 and equalize the pressure across the fiber surface. Gas pressure is next applied through the permeate port 2808, and the retentate valve 2806 is opened. A predetermined volume of extraction foam is injected through the extraction foam port 2814 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 2828. Finally, gas is forced through the gas injection port 2820, which forces any remaining foam out of the fiber and produces the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(76) FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 show the concentrator cell 2800 in an alternate configuration where there is a looped fiber 3100. This configuration allows long fibers to be used without greatly increasing the size of the concentrator cell.

(77) FIGS. 34, 35, and 36 show an embodiment according to concentrator cell 3400, which is designed for long, large diameter hollow fiber filters.

(78) FIG. 36 shows each component of concentrator cell 3400 where arrows indicate the direction of flow through each of retentate port 3402, feed port 3404, permeate port 3406, permeate purge port 3408, gas injection port 3410, and extraction foam port 3412. Valves 3414, 3416 and 3418 are one-way check valves. Potting material 3420, 3422 retains hollow fiber filter 3424 and forms fluid channels.

(79) Concentrator cell 3400 operates as follows retentate valve 3402 is opened and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 3406. The feed solution is injected through the feed port 3404 until it reaches the potting material 3424, then the retentate valve 3402 is closed and the feed pressure is increased. The feed solution forces the gas in the hollow fiber filter 3424 to compress and fill the channel above the fiber while the feed solution is being forced through the hollow fiber filter 3424. When all of the feed solution has been forced through, the permeate purge port 3408 is opened, and the remaining fluid outside the hollow fiber filter 3424 is flushed into the permeate port 3406 while the pressure equalizes across the surface of the hollow fiber filter 3424. Then, gas pressure is applied through the permeate port 3406, and the retentate valve 3402 is opened. A predetermined volume of extraction foam is injected through the extraction foam port 3412 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 3424. Finally, gas is forced through the gas injection port 3410. This forces any remaining foam out of the fiber, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(80) FIGS. 37, 38 and 39 show concentrator cell 3700 which, by way of example. Combines a hydrophobic fiber section with the modular design of concentrator cell 2800. FIG. 39 shows each component of concentrator cell 3700 where arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow in each of retentate port 3702, feed port 3704, permeate port 3706, permeate purge port 3708, extraction foam port 3710, and gas injection port 3712. Valves 3714, 3716, 3718 are one-way check valves. Potting materials 3720, 3722 retain hydrophobic hollow fiber filter while hollow fiber filter 3726 is retained by compression fittings 3728, 3730 and sheath 3732. Tube 3728 connects the permeate channels of the two fibers 3723, 3726.

(81) Concentrator cell operates as follows. Retentate valve 3702 is closed and a vacuum is applied to the permeate port 3706. Feed solution is forced into the feed port 3704. Any gas trapped in the feed side of the fiber is forced out through the hydrophobic fiber 3723. Once the feed solution has all passed through the hydrophilic fiber 3726, the permeate purge 3708 is opened flushing the remaining fluid around the outside of the fiber into the permeate port 3706, and the pressure is equalized across the surface of the fibers. Then, gas pressure is applied through the penneate port 3706, and the retentate valve 3702 is opened. A predetermined volume of extraction foam is injected under pressure through the extraction foam port 3710 to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 3726. Finally, gas is forced through the gas injection port 3710, which forces any remaining foam out of the fiber, producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid.

(82) FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing an automated system 4000 that may be adapted to incorporate any of the foregoing concentrator cells 100, 400, 700, 1000, 1300, 1600, 1900, 2200, 2500, 2800, 3400, or 3700. In particular as shown, system 4000 incorporates concentrator cell 2800 as described above, together with as well as the extraction foam generator of FIGS. 47-49 below. Carbon dioxide gas as the injection gas. In FIG. 40, like numbering of identical elements is retained with respect to FIG. 30, except a prime “′” is added to designate inclusion of these same elements in system 4000 through communicative fluidic pathways in system 4000. System 4000 additionally includes various elements under automated system control. A system controller is shown generally as controller 4001 and may route control signals to the various elements of system 4000 by circuitry or wireless transmission according to programmable instructions.

(83) Elements of system 4000 under automated controls include a feed pump 4002, an extraction foam valve 4004, gas injection valve 4006, permeate purge valve 4008, permeate pump 4010, and retentate pump 4012.

(84) In the intended environment of use, the feed port 2812′ is connected to a reservoir (not shown) which is filled with the feed solution. The permeate purge port 2810′ is connected to a filter (not shown) in ambient air. The permeate port 2808′ is dumped to another reservoir (not shown) with the opening above the fluid level so air can be pulled back into the line 4014 if the permeate pump 4010 is reversed. The retentate port 2806′ is dumped into a sample container (not shown) for analysis. The gas injection port 2816′ is connected to a regulated carbon dioxide gas cylinder (not shown). The extraction foam port 2814′ is connected to the foam generator (not shown).

(85) System 4000 operates as follows under automated control. The extraction valve 4004, gas injection valve 4006, and permeate purge valve 4008, are all closed while the retentate valve 4012 is opened. The feed solution is poured into the sample reservoir and the feed pump 4002 starts to pump the solution into the cell 2600′. Once the feed solution reaches the bottom of the hollow fiber filter 2828′, the retentate valve 4012 is closed, and the permeate pump 4010 starts to pull a vacuum on the permeate side of the hollow fiber filter 2828′. When the feed solution has been completely forced through the hollow fiber filter 2828′, the feed pump 4002 reverses slowly to relieve the pressure on the feed side of the hollow fiber filter 2828′, and the permeate purge valve 4008 is opened, allowing ambient air to be pulled through the permeate purge port 2810′ to flush the permeate fluid out the permeate port 2810′. Then the permeate purge valve 4008 is closed and the permeate pump 4010 is reversed, pressurizing the permeate side of the hollow fiber filter 2828′ with air. The retentate valve 4012 is next opened, and then the extraction foam valve 4004 is opened for a timed period allowing a predetermined volume of extraction foam to enter the concentrator cell to flush the captured particles off of the inside surface of the hollow fiber filter 2828′. The gas injection valve 4006 is opened, flushing any remaining foam out the retentate port 2806′.

(86) FIG. 41 shows a system 4100 that is designed pressure extraction and high pressure cell storage. When a concentrator cell 4102 is not in use, the system 4100 may pressurize the sample cell 4102 with high pressure gas or high pressure extraction foam to inhibit bacterial growth. System 4100 uses a sample loop, rather than a timed valve, to meter the extraction foam. This allows for higher pressures to be used and more precise control of the final extracted volume. To address the problem of gas on the feed side of a hollow fiber filter 4104, a vacuum is applied to the inside of the fiber to remove any gas before the feed solution is pumped.

(87) System 4100 contains a plurality of components where arrows indicate the direction of fluid movement through elements including high pressure gas port 4106, sample loop overflow (waste) port 4108, extraction foam port 4110, permeate purge port 4112, permeate port 4114, feed port 4116, feed drain port 4118, and retentate port 4120.

(88) Elements of system 4100 under automated control may include gas metering valve 4122 that precedes a high pressure gas one way check valve 4124 downstream from high pressure gas port 4106. A four-position gas valve 4126 may distribute gas through system 4100. There are provided a sample loop metering valve 4128, a sample loop 4130, cell foam storage valve 4132, extraction foam one way check valve 4134, cell foam storage metering valve 4136, the extraction foam valve 4138, and permeate purge valve 4140. Potting materials 4142, 4144 retain the hollow fiber filter 4104. Pumps include the permeate pump 4146 and the feed pump 4148. Numeral 4150 designates the permeate valve, while numeral 4152 designates the retentate valve which is the same type of a four position valve as is valve 4126.

(89) In the intended environment of use, the high pressure gas port 4106 is connected to a regulated gas source (not shown). The sample loop overflow port 4108 is connected to a waste container (not shown). The extraction foam port 4110 is connected to a foam generator (not shown). The penneate purge port 4112 is also connected to the waste container; however it is connected in such a way that when the permeate pump 4146 is pulling vacuum on the cell 4102, ambient air can enter the port 4112. The permeate port 4112 is connected to the permeate reservoir (not shown), however it is connected in such a way that when the permeate pump 4146 is pressurizing the cell 4102, ambient air can enter the port 4112. The feed port 4116 is connected to the feed reservoir (not shown). The feed drain port 4118 is connected to the waste container. The retentate port 4120 is dumped into a sample container (not shown) for analysis.

(90) System 4100 uses HPLC style rotary selection valves. FIG. 41A shows the port labels for the valves, the valve is shown in position AB. When a valve of this type is said to be turned off, it is rotated to the nearest position between ports, preventing any fluid movement. All of the four-way valves in this system 4100 have the same port labels.

(91) The gas metering valve 4122, the sample loop metering valve 4128, and the cell foam storage metering valve 4136 all perform a similar purpose. These valves are used to slow the fluid flow and maintain a high fluid pressure on one side. Shown are adjustable needle valves, however, calibrated orifices could be used in place of needle valves.

(92) The concentration and sample recovery cycle is performed as follows. All valves are initially off. The extraction foam valve 4138 is rotated to position CD, connecting the feed and permeate sides of the hollow fiber filter 4104. The permeate valve 4150 is then opened and the permeate pump 4146 pulls a vacuum on the cell 4102. This removes any gas on the feed side of the hollow fiber filter 4104. Once a vacuum has been created on the feed side of the hollow fiber filter 4104, the extraction foam valve 4138 is turned off and the retentate valve 4152 is rotated to position AD. The feed pump 4148 starts forcing the feed solution through the hollow fiber filter 4104. While the feed solution is being forced through the hollow fiber filter 4104, the gas valve 4126 is rotated to position AB, and the sample loop 4130 is pressurized with high pressure gas. This keeps the extraction foam in liquid form while it is filling the sample loop. Once the sample loop 4130 has been pressurized, the extraction foam valve 4138 rotates to position AB and the gas valve 4126 rotates to position BC. Liquid extraction foam slowly forces out the gas in the sample loop 4130 while the pressure is maintained by the sample loop metering valve 4128. Once the sample loop 4130 has been completely filled with liquid extraction foam, both the gas valve 4126 and the extraction foam valve 4138 are turned off. When all of the feed solution has been forced through the hollow fiber filter 4104, the permeate purge valve 4140 is opened to flush out the remaining permeate from around the outside of the hollow fiber filter 4104, and the feed pump 4148 is reversed until the pressure across the surface of the hollow fiber filter 4104 is equalized. Then, the permeate purge valve 4140 is closed and the permeate pump 4146 is reversed to pressurize the permeate side of the hollow fiber filter 4104. The retentate valve 4152 is now rotated to position AB. Then, the extraction foam valve 4138 is rotated to position BC and the extraction fluid expands into foam as it enters the hollow fiber filter 4104. This scrubs the captured particles off of the inside surface of the fiber and flushes them out the retentate port 4120. Gas valve 4126 is rotated to position AB. Gas flushes the remaining extraction foam out of the sample loop 4130 and through the fiber; producing the desired final volume of concentrated fluid. Finally, all valves are turned off.

(93) When the concentrator cell 4102 is not being used, it may be stored in a high pressure gas environment to inhibit bacterial growth. The high pressure gas storage of the cell is performed as follows: All valves are initially off. The extraction foam valve 4138 is rotated to position CD to connect the feed and permeate sides of the hollow fiber filter 4104. This allows both sides of the hollow fiber filter 4104 to be pressurized evenly, and prevents the fiber from rupturing or collapsing. Now, the gas valve 4126 is rotated to position AD, and gas slowly pressurizes the cell. Once the desired pressure is reached, the gas valve 4126 is turned off. To return the cell to a low pressure state, the gas valve 4126 is rotated to position CD, and the gas is allowed to slowly escape.

(94) When the concentrator cell 4102 will not be used for an extended period of time, it is preferred for it to be stored in a liquid environment. The high pressure foam storage of the cell is performed as follows. All valves are initially off. First, the extraction foam valve 4138 is rotated to position CD to connect the feed and permeate sides of the hollow fiber filter 4104. This allows both sides of the hollow fiber filter 4104 to be pressurized evenly, and prevents the fiber from rupturing or collapsing. Then, the permeate valve 4150 is opened and the permeate pump 4146 pulls a vacuum on the cell 4102 to remove any gas. Once the gas has been removed, the permeate pump 4146 is turned off and the permeate valve 4150 is closed. Now, the cell foam storage valve 4132 is opened and extraction fluid is slowly forced into the cell 4102. The extraction fluid initially expands into foam, however as the pressure increases it collapses back into a liquid. Once the desired pressure is reached, the cell foam storage valve is turned off. To return the cell to a low pressure state, the gas valve 4126 is rotated to position CD and the extraction fluid is allowed to slowly escape. Once the pressure is low enough, the permeate valve 4150 is opened and the permeate pump 4146 pulls a vacuum on the cell 4102 to remove the remaining extraction foam.

(95) FIGS. 42, 43 and 44 show one embodiment of an extraction foam generator 4200 that may be used to make foam for the extraction purposes discussed above. Foam is created by adding a high pressure gas to a water based solution. In most cases, a surfactant is used in the solution to generate thicker and dryer foam.

(96) FIG. 44 shows each component of the extraction foam generator with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of gas port 4202, extraction foam port 4204, and is the liquid port 4206. A mixing frit 4208 combines feed from the gas port 4202 and liquid port 4206, ideally to form a solution where the gas is dissolved in the liquid, for foaming discharge at eventual reduced pressure through extraction foam port 4204. Foam is formed in this manner by flashing the gas from the liquid at reduced pressure. Longevity of the foam may be controlled by selecting the type and amount of a particular surfactant.

(97) Extraction foam generator 4200 operates as follows. Gas is injected into the gas port 4202, and a metered amount of liquid extraction solution is injected into the liquid port 4206. The gas and liquid mix in the frit 4208 with the mixture being discharged through extraction foam port 4204. Foam is generated by reducing the pressure on the effluent, or by the mixing action of frit 4208 alone if the pressure at frit 4208 is insufficient to dissolve the gas in the liquid which flows out the extraction foam port 4204.

(98) FIGS. 45 and 46 show another embodiment according to extraction foam generator 4500, which is designed to be integrated directly into a concentrator cell (see, e.g., detail 1338 of FIG. 15). FIG. 46 shows the concentrator cell 1300 as previously described. FIG. 46A provides additional detail with respect to the extraction foam generator 4500.

(99) FIG. 46A shows each component of the extraction foam generator 4500 with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow in each of gas port 4502, liquid port 4504, and foam port 4506. A hollow fiber filter 4508 may be used as a mixing frit, as sealed by potting material 4510, 4512. Foam production is assisted by the action of mixing chamber 4512.

(100) Extraction foam generator 4500 operates as follows. A predetermined volume of liquid extraction solution is injected into the liquid port 4502. High pressure gas is next injected through the gas port 4504 and through the hollow fiber filter 4508. As the gas enters the mixing chamber 4512, the agitation of the liquid generates foam which expands and exists through the foam port 4506.

(101) FIGS. 47, 48 and 49 show yet another embodiment according to extraction foam generator system 4700. System 4700 uses a pressure chamber to force high pressure gas to dissolve into a liquid extraction fluid solution. As long as the extraction fluid is under pressure it remains a liquid, however, if the pressure is reduced it expands into foam.

(102) FIG. 49 shows each component of system 4700 with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow through gas port 4702, extraction foam port 4704, liquid fill port 4706 and purge port 4708. Foam production is assisted by the action of mixing frit 4710. Wall 4712 defines a chamber 4714. Tube 4716 communicates with pressure chamber 4714 to provide a liquid level indicator and may be translucent for this purpose.

(103) System 4700 operates as follows. The pressure in the chamber 4714 is released through the purge port 4708 and the chamber 4714 is filled with liquid extraction solution through liquid port 4706. Once the pressure chamber is full, the liquid fill port (5) and the purge port (6) are closed off. High pressure gas is injected through the gas port 4702 and through the mixing frit 4710. The gas dissolves into the liquid at the design pressure for operation of chamber 4714, but when the compressed fluid is introduced to a low pressure environment, either before or after discharge through extraction foam port 4704, the gas expands and generates foam.

WORKING EXAMPLES

(104) Performance testing of the device as shown in FIG. 1 above was conducted using carboxylate-coated yellow-green fluorescent polystyrene microspheres (Polysciences, Inc., Warrington, Pa.). Three sizes of microspheres were used; 1 micron, 3 micron, and 4.5 micron diameter. For each test run, 10 mL of a diluted microsphere suspension in water was used as feed. The results of nine 1-micron tests, eight 3-micron tests, and nine 4.5-micron tests were averaged, and the results are summarized graphically in FIG. 5. Note that these tests were performed without surfactant or shear added to the process, and the efficiency ranged from approximately 40% to 65%. Testing of the device was then performed with the addition of 0.01% Triton X-100 surfactant, improving the efficiency of the device to nearly 100%. Efficiency improvement data are shown in Table 1 below.

(105) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Efficiency Improvement using Surfactant Condition number 16: 3 um carboxylate-coated YG microspheres Cell efficiency improvement test; 0.01% Triton X-100 Surfactant added Ret. Volume Cell Feed vol Vol Concentration reduction efficiency Sub run # (mL) (mL) factor % % 1 10.0 0.235 43.5 97.7 102 2 10.0 0.157 50.6 98.4 79 3 10.0 0.255 39.3 97.4 101 4 10.0 0.274 39.3 97.3 108 5 10.0 0.189 52.5 98.1 99 6 10.0 0.254 42.1 97.5 107 7 10.0 0.228 48.1 97.7 109 Condition 45.1 100.7 average:
Biological Particle Concentration Data

(106) The device shown in FIG. 4 was used to process a set of nine 10 mL samples of Bacillus subtilis spores suspended in phosphate buffered saline solution containing 0.01% Triton X-100 surfactant. The average concentration factor was 65%× with an average efficiency of 59%. These data are summarized in Table 2.

(107) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Biological Particle Enrichment and Throughput Efficiency Sample Enrichment final concentrate vol. number factor Efficiency (mL) 1 70 64% 0.093 2 99 92% 0.1362 3 68 63% 0.2276 4 58 53% 0.1236 5 46 42% 0.1053 6 63 58% 0.1544 7 41 38% 0.129 8 63 58% 0.1401 9 70 65% 0.1295 Average 65 59% 0.1387
Foam Concentration Data

(108) One test was conducted using 4.5 micron diameter carboxylate coated yellow-green fluorescent polystyrene microspheres, which were concentrated using the device of FIG. 1 combined with the foam generating attachment described in FIG. 42. The 10 mL samples were reduced to a final volume of 13 microliters with a concentration factor of 688× and the volume reduction was 99.87% with an efficiency of 89.2%.

(109) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Foam extraction efficiency at various foam concentrations Feed Sample Sample + Sample Sample Volume Test Feed vol vial vial Dilution average Vol Concentration reduction Concentration no. (FIU) (mL) tare (g) (g) factor (FIU) (mL) factor (%} efficiency (%) A 1066 10.0 1.972 2.001 0.010 2384 0.030 229 99.705 67.6 B 1066 10.0 1.979 2.000 0.007 2362 0.021 317 99.789 66.8 C 1066 10.0 1.966 1.975 0.003 3056 0.009 991 99.913 86.0 D 1066 10.0 1.977 1.982 0.002 2639 0.005 1518 99.951 74.2 The dilution factor is calculated as the sample weight in grams/3 grams added fluid + sample weight in grams, as the concentrated sample must be diluted for analysis.

(110) A set of test runs was conducted using bacterial endospores (Bacillus atrophaeus, ATCC 6633, MedTox, Inc.). which were concentrated using the device of FIG. 7, combined with the foam generating attachment described in FIG. 42. The 10 mL samples were reduced to an average final volume of 271 microliters with a concentration factor of 63× with an efficiency of 53%. The consistency of performance in the extraction volumes was improved by partially automating the extraction cell. An Omron electronic timer was used in conjunction with a solenoid valve and trigger button to control foam injection times to within 0.001 second. For these experiments, the timer was set to 0.020 seconds for the first 3 extractions, and to 1.020 seconds for the final rinse (extraction 4). The solenoid valve was modified to reduce the interior dead volume by potting a length of Teflon tubing into it for attachment to the concentration cell. The fiber filter used was 0.5 mm ID ME with 0.2 micron pore size, approximately 10 cm long.

(111) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Bacterial spore concentration assessments Volume Total Total Condition Ret. Vol Concentration reduction Efficiency Total conc. extract efficiency number 34 (mL) factor (%) (%) factor vol (mL) (%) Run A-Feed 0.094 Run A-extract 1 0.083 25.62 99.175 21.143 Run A-extract 2 0.089 2.21 99.111 1.970 Run A-extract 3 0.093 1.51 99.072 1.400 29.3 0.264 24.5 Run A-Rinse 0.472 0.64 95.278 3.042 Run B-Feed 0.102 Run B-extract 1 0.083 3.49 99.169 2.899 Run B-extract 2 0.104 0.89 98.963 0.921 Run B-extract 3 0.095 0.68 99.050 0.645 5.1 0.282 4.46 Run C-Rinse 0.391 0.37 96.094 1.439 Run C-Feed 0.218 Run C-extract 1 0.086 37.13 99.139 31.971 Run C-extract 2 0.104 2.24 98.965 2.316 Run C-extract 3 0.100 1.82 99.001 1.817 41.2 0.290 36.1 Run C-Rinse 0.409 0.81 95.910 3.308 Run D-Feed 0.101 Run D-extract 1 0.079 45.00 99.205 35.774 Run D-extract 2 0.102 2.87 98.981 2.927 Run D-extract 3 0.096 1.75 99.043 1.670 49.6 0.277 40.4 Run D-Rinse 0.479 0.63 95.215 3.013 Run E-Feed 0.100 98.997 Run E-extract 1 0.083 129.84 99.172 107.504 Run E-extract 2 0.101 8.77 98.993 8.830 Run E-extract 3 0.097 1.96 99.032 1.900 140.6 0.280 118 Run E-Rinse 0.384 0.62 96.158 2.397 Run F-Feed 0.099 99.009 Run F-extract 1 0.080 108.01 99.203 86.082 Run F-extract 2 0.094 4.35 99.059 4.093 Run F-extract 3 0.061 2.19 99.389 1.336 114.5 0.235 91.5 Run F-Rinse 0.288 0.87 97.118 2.493 Average: 63 0.271 53 Std. Dev.: 53 0.020 43

(112) Concentration efficiency of the device shown in FIG. 1 was investigated using carboxylate, a functionally coated biosimulant, on polystyrene microspheres. The efficiencies shown in Table 5, below, are for concentrating 1.5 mL of fluid into 100 μL; this produces concentration factors ranging from 9× to 14×. The processing time was less than 90 seconds.

(113) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Concentration efficiency at various particle sizes Particle Size (μm) Represented Particle Efficiency 4.5 Agglomerates of bacteria 95% 1.0 Single bacteria 85% 0.05 Viruses 75% 0.025 DNA, Lower limit-viruses 60%

(114) It will be appreciated that the foregoing instrumentalities teach by way of example, and not by limitation. Accordingly, those skilled in the art understand that the invention is not limited to what is strictly disclosed, but also pertains to what is understood by those skilled in the art on the basis of the teachings herein. The inventors hereby state their intention to rely, as may be needed, upon the Doctrine of Equivalents to protect the fullness of their rights in what is claimed.