Methods and apparatus for treating samples with acoustic energy

Abstract

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.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method of processing a sample held within a vessel, the method comprising:
 subjecting the sample to pressurization such that a pressure within the vessel is greater than a pressure outside of the vessel;   providing focused acoustic energy to the sample held within the vessel, the focused acoustic energy having a frequency of between about 100 kilohertz and about 100 megahertz and a focal zone having a width of less than about 2 centimeters, and the focused acoustic energy originating from an acoustic transducer exterior to the vessel; and   inducing cavitation within the vessel at a location proximate to the sample held within the vessel.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the pressure within the vessel is greater than standard atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein pressurization of the sample lowers a threshold of acoustic energy required for cavitation within the vessel to occur. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein subjecting the sample to pressurization comprises adding at least one of compressed air, nitrogen, argon, helium and inert gas to a space within the vessel. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein subjecting the sample to pressurization comprises sealing the vessel with a cover, piercing the cover with a needle, and delivering at least one fluid through the needle into the vessel. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein subjecting the sample to pressurization comprises reducing a volume of the vessel. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein subjecting the sample to pressurization comprises sealing the vessel with a plunger and moving the plunger in a direction that reduces the volume of the vessel. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the vessel comprises a deformable container and subjecting the sample to pressurization comprises sealing the vessel with a clip and moving the clip in a direction that reduces the volume of the vessel. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein providing focused acoustic energy to the sample sterilizes the sample. 
     
     
         44 . An apparatus for treating a sample using acoustic energy, the apparatus comprising:
 a vessel constructed and arranged to hold the sample and to subject the sample to pressurization such that a pressure within the vessel is greater than a pressure outside of the vessel; and   an acoustic energy source comprising a transducer that is spaced from and exterior to the vessel, the transducer being adapted to generate acoustic energy for forming at least one focused acoustic field having a frequency of between about 100 kilohertz and about 100 megahertz and a focal zone having a width of less than about 2 centimeters.   
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the vessel comprises a cover configured to form an air-tight seal between a space within the vessel and outside of the vessel. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the cover comprises a pierceable septum that allows for delivery of at least one fluid into the space within the vessel for pressurization of the sample. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the cover comprises a plunger movable in a direction that reduces a volume of the vessel for pressurization of the sample. 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the vessel comprises a deformable container. 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , further comprising a clip constructed and arranged to seal the vessel and to move in a direction that reduces a volume of the vessel.