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How It Works
The Covaris Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) process works by sending acoustic energy wave packets from a dish-shaped transducer that converges and focuses to a small-localized area (it is sometimes visualized as a vibrating loudspeaker cone). At this focal point, the energy density may be controllably focused into the sample of interest which has proven to be beneficial to numerous applications of sample preparation. Essentially, the process enables mechanical energy to be applied to a sample without directly contacting the sample.
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Transducer
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Transducer + beam
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For example, when the transducer is driven at a low energy intensity, this can create a controlled, gentle mixing environment. Conversely, when driven at high energy intensity, this can create an intense shock wave environment which has been shown to be ideal for tissue disruption.
The resultant benefit is a sample may be introduced into the focal point of the instrument and treated with a non-contact, controlled, isothermal mechanical energy which has been utilized in numerous beneficial applications appropriate for the life science industries.
Background
AFA is a form of mechanical energy. As acoustic / mechanical energy transfers through the sample, the material undergoes compression and rarefaction (expansion). At high intensity with fluid samples, this is typically embodied as cavitation events. Cavitation is the formation and subsequent collapse of bubbles. In other words, the acoustic energy applied to a sample causes bubbles to form from the naturally occurring dissolved gases and vapors of biological specimens and chemical fluids. When the energy is then removed the bubble collapses.
As the bubbles collapse, an intense, localized jet of solute (typically water) is created. This jet travels over a very short distance but at a very high velocity (>100m/sec). As the number of bubbles is extremely high and the time interval is short (micro seconds), the mixing and/or disruption power capability of the process is significant. A key point is the precise, reproducible control that is obtainable with the Covaris instrument systems utilizing AFA.
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