3D Cell Washer with Peristaltic Flow Control for Spheroid Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microplate washers are inadequate for washing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, such as spheroids, as they disrupt the spheroids during dispensing and aspiration cycles due to unpredictable fluid flow rates and the inability to control the position of dispensing and aspiration pipes relative to the microwells, and are not suitable for both 96-well and 384-well microplates.

Innovation Solution

A microplate washing system using peristaltic pumps with independent control of dispensing and aspiration rates, featuring removable cassettes for the fluid path, allowing for gentle fluid delivery and aspiration, and adjustable pipe positions relative to microwells, ensuring compatibility with both 96-well and 384-well microplates and enabling autoclaveability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional microplate washers are used to wash 3D cell cultures, then washing can be performed, but the spheroids are disrupted due to unpredictable fluid flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespheroid integrityVSAvoidwashing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional pressure-driven fluid delivery systems with peristaltic pumps that use mechanical compression of flexible tubing to propel fluid. This substitution provides precise control over fluid flow rates, eliminating the unpredictable flow that disrupts spheroids while maintaining effective washing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow rate parameter from uncontrolled to precisely controlled through independent adjustment of peristaltic pump speeds. This allows optimization of fluid delivery to match the delicate requirements of 3D cell cultures while preserving washing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional microplate washers are used, then washing can be performed, but the position of dispensing and aspiration pipes relative to micrawells cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe positioning controlVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces movable mounting mechanisms for dispensing and aspiration pipes, allowing their positions to be dynamically adjusted relative to micrawells. This enables precise positioning control to avoid spheroid disruption while maintaining operational simplicity through adjustable rather than fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single washer design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with both 96-well and 384-well microplates is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroplate format compatibilityVSAvoidwasher configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the washer with universal features including adjustable pipe positions, variable flow rates, and configurable spacing that can accommodate multiple microplate formats (96-well, 384-well, and other variations). This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve diverse applications without requiring format-specific configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs modular components such as independently adjustable dispensing and aspiration systems that can be configured for different well spacings and plate formats. This segmentation allows flexible adaptation to various microplate types while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If vigorous washing is applied to remove residual antibodies, then washing effectiveness is improved, but spheroids are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespheroid integrityVSAvoidwashing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fluid delivery parameters from high-flow vigorous washing to controlled, gentle flow rates achieved through peristaltic pump regulation. This parameter adjustment maintains washing effectiveness for removing residual antibodies while preserving spheroid integrity through gentle fluid handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively maintains spheroids by providing controlled fluid flow and aspiration, ensuring gentle washing cycles and maintaining sterility, suitable for both 96-well and 384-well microplates, while allowing for easy sterilization of the fluid path.

Implementation Method 1

A microplate washing system using peristaltic pumps with independent control of dispensing and aspiration rates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS12584474B23D cell washer

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An autoclaving microplate washing system for cells and non-adhering three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures includes one or more pumps for controlling the dispensing of washing fluid and the evacuation of fluid from microwells to gently wash the cells. A method of controlling the autoclaving microplate washing system includes controlling the one or more pumps for dispensing and evacuation.