Anti-adhesion mechanism for alternating tangential flow filtration device
By introducing a swaying mechanism and a stirring device into the alternating tangential flow filtration device, the cell adhesion problem was solved, the lifespan of the separation membrane and the material exchange efficiency were improved, and more efficient cell culture was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU FOOTPRINT INTELLIGENT MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
In traditional alternating tangential flow filtration devices, cells tend to adhere to the surface of the separation membrane, leading to blockage and a reduction in the effective area of the separation membrane. Furthermore, the material exchange efficiency for substances not in contact with the liquid is not high.
An alternating tangential flow filtration device is designed. A swing mechanism creates localized turbulence in the liquid within the hollow separation membrane filter. Combined with the use of a stirring rod, cell adhesion is prevented. Furthermore, the disordered reciprocating flow of the liquid is achieved through alternating diaphragm pumps and circulating pumps, enhancing substance exchange.
It effectively reduces the probability of cell adhesion to the membrane surface, improves the lifespan of the separation membrane and cell culture efficiency, and enhances the contact efficiency between the liquid and the membrane wall.
Smart Images

Figure CN114874910B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell culture technology, and more specifically to an anti-adhesion mechanism for an alternating tangential flow filtration device. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, various cell separation technologies are applied in perfusion processes, such as gravity-based cell sedimentation devices, rotary filters, centrifugation, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and alternating tangential flow filtration (ATF). Tangential flow filtration reduces membrane fouling because particles are not directly forced into the filter membrane. Among these systems, cell separation technology based on hollow fiber filters is the most efficient. In traditional methods, cells adhere to the surface of the separation membrane during use, clogging the pores and reducing the effective membrane area; the liquid not in contact with the separation membrane does not undergo mass exchange, resulting in low utilization efficiency.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an anti-adhesion mechanism for alternating tangential flow filtration devices. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-adhesion mechanism for an alternating tangential flow filtration device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an anti-adhesion mechanism for an alternating tangential flow filtration device, comprising a rectangular box, the upper part of which is open, a box cover being snapped onto the upper end of the rectangular box, storage mechanisms symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides inside the rectangular box, a swinging mechanism being arranged in the middle of the rectangular box, an alternating diaphragm pump and a circulating pump being installed inside the rectangular box, the alternating diaphragm pump being connected to the left storage mechanism and the swinging mechanism through a pipe, and the circulating pump being connected to the right storage mechanism and the swinging mechanism through a pipe.
[0006] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the above-mentioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, the storage mechanism includes a storage container, a stirring rod, a bevel gear, and a feeding pipe. The storage container is fixed to the inner wall of a rectangular box, and a feeding pipe is provided on the storage container. A stirring rod is rotatably provided on the storage container, and a bevel gear is connected to the bottom end of the stirring rod.
[0007] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the aforementioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, the swing mechanism includes a drive motor, a rotating rod, a second bevel gear, a base frame, rotating blades, springs, and a hollow fiber membrane filter. The base frame is fixed to the upper end of the bottom plate of the rectangular box. A hollow fiber membrane filter is arranged on the inner side of the base frame. Several springs are connected between the hollow fiber membrane filter and the inner wall of the base frame. Several elastic balls are arranged inside the base frame. A rotating rod is rotatably arranged on the base frame. The rotating rod is rotatably connected to the rectangular box. A drive motor is connected to the outer end of the rotating rod. A second bevel gear is symmetrically sleeved on the outer side of the rotating rod. The second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear.
[0008] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the aforementioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, a handle is fixed to the upper end of the box cover.
[0009] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the aforementioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, a heating mechanism is provided inside the storage container on the left side.
[0010] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the aforementioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, a monitoring mechanism is provided inside the rectangular box.
[0011] Furthermore, in the anti-adhesion mechanism of the aforementioned alternating tangential flow filtration device, the scheme includes a controller, a swing mechanism, a heating mechanism, a diaphragm alternating pump, a circulation pump, and a monitoring mechanism. The controller interacts with the swing mechanism, the heating mechanism, the diaphragm alternating pump, the circulation pump, and the monitoring mechanism, respectively.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0013] This invention incorporates a disordered oscillation mechanism during use, transforming the originally orderly back-and-forth flow of liquid within the hollow fiber separator into localized turbulence while maintaining the overall flow direction. This allows cells to flow across the separator surface in different directions, effectively reducing the likelihood of cell adhesion. Simultaneously, at the same flow rate, liquid flowing across a unit membrane area can undergo more extensive and thorough material exchange. This design reduces the probability of cell adhesion to the separator, improving its lifespan and cell culture efficiency. Furthermore, the liquid within the separator can fully contact the separator wall, enhancing its overall efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the heating mechanism of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the blade and the rotating rod of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 5 This is a control principle diagram of the present invention;
[0020] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0021] 1-Rectangular box, 2-Box cover, 3-Storage mechanism, 31-Storage container, 32-Stirring rod, 33-Bevel gear one, 34-Feeding pipe, 4-Swing mechanism, 41-Drive motor, 42-Rotating rod, 43-Bevel gear two, 44-Bottom frame, 45-Rotating blade, 46-Spring, 47-Hollow diaphragm filter, 5-Diaphragm alternating pump, 6-Circulation pump. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0023] Example 1
[0024] This invention provides a technical solution: an anti-adhesion mechanism for an alternating tangential flow filtration device, comprising a rectangular box 1, the upper part of which is open, a box cover 2 attached to the upper end of the rectangular box 1, a handle fixed to the upper end of the box cover 2, storage mechanisms 3 symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides inside the rectangular box 1, a swing mechanism 4 arranged in the middle of the rectangular box 1, a diaphragm alternating pump 5 and a circulation pump 6 installed inside the rectangular box 1, the diaphragm alternating pump 5 being connected to the left storage mechanism 3 and the swing mechanism 4 through pipes, and the circulation pump 6 being connected to the right storage mechanism 3 and the swing mechanism 4 through pipes.
[0025] Example 2
[0026] Based on the anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filter device provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, Embodiment 2 of this application proposes another anti-adhesion mechanism for the alternating tangential flow filter device. Embodiment 2 is merely a further embodiment of Embodiment 1, and its implementation will not affect the separate implementation of Embodiment 1.
[0027] The second embodiment of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0028] Compared with Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a specific storage mechanism 3 and a swing mechanism 4.
[0029] The storage mechanism 3 includes a storage container 31, a stirring rod 32, a bevel gear 33, and a feeding pipe 34. The storage container 31 is fixed to the inner wall of the rectangular box 1. The feeding pipe 34 is installed on the storage container 31. The stirring rod 32 is rotatably mounted on the storage container 31, and the bottom end of the stirring rod 32 is connected to the bevel gear 33. A heating mechanism is installed in the left storage container 31, which is used as a cell culture container. The right storage container 31 stores nutrient solution.
[0030] The swing mechanism 4 includes a drive motor 41, a rotating rod 42, a second bevel gear 43, a base frame 44, a rotating blade 45, a spring 46, and a hollow separation membrane filter 47. The base frame 44 is fixed to the upper end of the bottom plate of the rectangular box 1. The hollow separation membrane filter 47 is arranged on the inner side of the base frame 44. Several springs 46 are connected between the hollow separation membrane filter 47 and the inner wall of the base frame 44. Several elastic balls are arranged inside the base frame 44. The rotating rod 42 is rotatably arranged on the base frame 44. The rotating rod 42 is rotatably connected to the rectangular box 1. The outer end of the rotating rod 42 is connected to the drive motor 41. The outer side of the rotating rod 42 is symmetrically fitted with a second bevel gear 43. The second bevel gear 43 meshes with a first bevel gear 33.
[0031] Example 3
[0032] Based on the anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filter device provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, Embodiment 3 of this application proposes another anti-adhesion mechanism for the alternating tangential flow filter device. Embodiment 3 is merely a further embodiment of Embodiment 1, and the implementation of Embodiment 3 will not affect the separate implementation of Embodiment 1.
[0033] The third embodiment of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0034] Compared with Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the rectangular box 1 is equipped with a monitoring mechanism, which can be a surveillance camera, to facilitate timely monitoring of production.
[0035] The solution includes a controller, a swing mechanism 4, a heating mechanism, a diaphragm alternating pump 5, a circulation pump 6, and a monitoring mechanism. The controller interacts with the swing mechanism 4, the heating mechanism, the diaphragm alternating pump 5, the circulation pump 6, and the monitoring mechanism.
[0036] The working principle is as follows:
[0037] When in use, the drive motor 41 is started to drive the rotating rod 42 to rotate. With the cooperation of the second bevel gear 43 and the first bevel gear 33, the stirring rod 32 is driven to rotate, which can stir the solution in the storage containers 31 on both sides. At the same time, the rotation of the rotating rod 42 drives the rotating blade 45 to rotate, causing the elastic ball to hit the hollow separation membrane filter 47, which swings under the cooperation of the spring 46.
[0038] A diaphragm alternating pump draws liquid from the cell culture vessel into the hollow fiber separator membrane filter, then returns the liquid to the cell culture vessel, creating a cyclical flow. A circulation pump injects nutrient solution into the outside of the hollow fiber separator membrane filter, forming a unidirectional circulation. The cell solution inside the membrane and the nutrient solution outside exchange substances through micropores in the membrane wall, achieving the purpose of cell culture. Simultaneously, the hollow fiber separator membrane filter is driven to oscillate randomly. This creates localized turbulence within the filter, reducing cell adhesion to the membrane and increasing contact between the liquid inside and the membrane wall.
[0039] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.
Claims
1. An anti-adhesion mechanism for an alternating tangential flow filtration device, comprising a rectangular box (1), characterized in that: The upper part of the rectangular box (1) is open, and the upper end of the rectangular box (1) is fitted with a box cover (2). The rectangular box (1) is symmetrically equipped with storage mechanisms (3) on the left and right sides. The rectangular box (1) is equipped with a swing mechanism (4) in the middle. The rectangular box (1) is equipped with a diaphragm alternating pump (5) and a circulation pump (6). The diaphragm alternating pump (5) is connected to the left storage mechanism (3) and the swing mechanism (4) through a pipe. The circulation pump (6) is connected to the right storage mechanism (3) and the swing mechanism (4) through a pipe. The storage mechanism (3) includes a storage container (31), a stirring rod (32), a bevel gear (33), and a feeding pipe (34). The storage container (31) is fixed to the inner wall of the rectangular box (1). The feeding pipe (34) is provided on the storage container (31). The stirring rod (32) is rotatably provided on the storage container (31). The bottom end of the stirring rod (32) is connected to the bevel gear (33). The swing mechanism (4) includes a drive motor (41), a rotating rod (42), a second bevel gear (43), a bottom frame (44), a rotating blade (45), a spring (46), and a hollow separation membrane filter (47). The bottom frame (44) is fixed to the upper end of the bottom plate of the rectangular box (1). The hollow separation membrane filter (47) is provided on the inner side of the bottom frame (44). Several springs (46) are connected between the hollow separation membrane filter (47) and the inner wall of the bottom frame (44). Several elastic balls are provided inside the bottom frame (44). The rotating rod (42) is rotatably provided on the bottom frame (44). The rotating rod (42) is rotatably connected to the rectangular box (1). The outer end of the rotating rod (42) is connected to the drive motor (41). The second bevel gear (43) is symmetrically sleeved on the outer side of the rotating rod (42). The second bevel gear (43) meshes with the first bevel gear (33). The rotation of the rotating rod (42) can drive the rotating blade (45) to rotate, causing the elastic ball to hit the hollow separation membrane filter (47), and under the cooperation of the spring (46), it will swing.
2. The anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handle is fixed to the upper end of the box cover (2).
3. The anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating mechanism is provided inside the storage container (31) on the left.
4. The anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filtration device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rectangular box (1) is equipped with a monitoring mechanism inside.
5. The anti-adhesion mechanism of the alternating tangential flow filtration device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which interacts with the swing mechanism (4), the heating mechanism, the diaphragm alternating pump (5), the circulation pump (6), and the monitoring mechanism.