METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING SAMPLES WITH ACOUSTIC ENERGY

摘要

This invention relates to systems and methods for applying acoustic energy to a sample. According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a housing, a chamber for receiving the sample, an acoustic energy source for providing a focused acoustic field to the sample according to a treatment protocol, a processor for determining the treatment protocol, a sensor for detecting information about the sample, and a user interface for communicating with a user.

主权项

1. A method for fragmenting a sample contained in a vessel, comprising:
providing a vessel containing a sample; pressurizing the sample such that a pressure within the vessel is greater than one atmosphere; transmitting focused acoustic energy having a focal zone to the sample through a wall of the vessel; forming a plurality of cavitation bubbles in the sample while the sample is under a pressure of greater than one atmosphere by, at least in part, exposure of the sample to the focal zone of the focused acoustic energy; collapsing the plurality of cavitation bubbles while the sample is under a pressure of greater than one atmosphere so as to produce increased shear forces within the sample consequent to cavitation bubble collapse; and fragmenting at least a portion of the sample by, at least in part, exposure of the sample to the shear forces.