Flow cytometer disinfection module
View Patent ↗A flow cytometer disinfection module is useful for disinfecting a sheath fluid in a flow cytometer. The module includes a flow cell and at least one UV-C and/or UV-B light source. The UV-C and/or UV-B light source is disposed about the cell and irradiates a sheath fluid passing through the cell.
1. An assembly comprising:
(a) a flow cytometer, and
(b) a flow cytometer disinfection module connected to the flow cytometer, comprising
(i) a flow cell, and
(ii) at least one ultraviolet, electromagnetic radiation subtype C (UV-C) and/or ultraviolet, electromagnetic radiation subtype B (UV-B) light source, wherein the at least one UV-C and/or UV-B light source is disposed about the flow cell and irradiates a sheath fluid of the flow cytometer passing through the flow cell, and wherein the light source is assembled within a wall of an interior region of the flow cell in a light-permissive housing and/or outside of the interior region of the flow cell irradiating the sheath fluid through a light-permissive material,
wherein the module is connected to sheath fluid tubing and installed between a nozzle and a sheath fluid tank of the flow cytometer.
2. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell is linear, spiral, U-shaped, cylindrical, rectangular, helical or ellipsoid shaped.
3. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode (LED) or a semiconductor.
4. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell is made of polymer, glass and/or metal.
5. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell is made out of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
6. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises inlet and outlets ports.
7. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises mechanical baffles and/or stirring mechanisms disposed within the cell.
8. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises an interior surface for reflecting the radiation.
9. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises at least one sensor.
10. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a cooling device is mounted to the flow cell.
11. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is assembled within a wall of an interior region of the flow cell.
12. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is assembled in a light-permissive housing within a wall of an interior region of the flow cell.
13. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is arranged outside of the interior region of the flow cell irradiating the sheath fluid through a light-permissive material.
14. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the UV-C and/or UV-B LED emits light with 240 nm-290 nm.
15. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the LED is gallium nitride based.
16. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises an electronic control for activating and deactivating the light source.
17. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein more than 5 UV-C and/or UV-B light sources are disposed within the flow cell.
18. The assembly according to claim 17 , wherein more than 10 UV-C and/or UV-B light sources are disposed within the flow cell.
19. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light sources are divided into groups, which are activated separately by the electronic control.
20. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein light sources are operated intermittently or continuously.
21. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a focusing or diffusing optic is arranged in front of the light source.
22. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light sources are operated with an accumulator or batteries.
23. A method for disinfecting a sheath fluid in a flow cytometer, said method comprising the steps of:
obtaining an assembly according to claim 1 ; and
irradiating the sheath fluid passing through the flow cell with the at least one UV-C and/or UV-B light source.