Acoustic Cell Separation in Closed Fluidic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell therapy processes are costly and inefficient, requiring high-skilled personnel and involving multiple independent, nonsterile steps, with a need for more effective and cost-friendly methods for separating and processing cellular materials.
Innovation Solution
A closed and modular fluidic system using acoustic elements and cell processing reagents for cellular manufacturing, incorporating acoustic separation and washing processes to isolate and concentrate therapeutic cells, replacing conventional centrifugation and filtration methods, and enabling automation of process steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centrifugation and filtration methods are used for cell separation, then established procedures can be followed, but the processes are costly, require high-skilled personnel, and involve multiple independent nonsterile steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical centrifugation and filtration systems with an acoustic field-based separation system. Acoustic waves are used to separate cells based on their acoustic contrast factor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical equipment and reducing the number of process steps while maintaining separation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple independent cell processing steps (separation, concentration, washing) into a single integrated acoustic field system. This consolidation reduces process complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent nonsterile steps while maintaining the reliability of each individual function
2Productivity
If multiple independent process steps are used for cell therapy production, then each step can be optimized independently, but the overall process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cell processing functions into a single acoustic field system that performs separation, concentration, and washing steps simultaneously or in sequence within one continuous process, thereby reducing total process time and increasing production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic field system enables continuous cell processing without interruption between steps. Cells undergo separation and concentration in a continuous flow through the acoustic field, eliminating the downtime and transfer losses associated with multiple discrete process steps
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional mechanical contact methods are used for cell handling, then established techniques can be applied, but cell damage occurs and sterile processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based cell handling with non-contact acoustic field interaction. Acoustic waves exert forces on cells without physical contact, thereby eliminating mechanical damage while simplifying the operational requirements for sterile processing
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic field serves as an intermediary between the processing system and the cells. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the acoustic waves mediate the interaction, allowing for gentle cell manipulation that prevents damage while maintaining operational simplicity
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 allows for efficient separation and concentration of therapeutic cells on a large scale, reducing costs and improving process efficiency by using acoustic waves to trap and wash cells without mechanical contact, enabling sterile and continuous processing.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic elements and cell processing reagents for cellular manufacturing process... acoustic separation and washing processes to isolate and concentrate therapeutic cells... using acoustic waves to trap and wash cells
Data Source
AI summary
A closed and modular fluidic system composed of one or more acoustic elements and cell processing reagents. The system employs a cellular manufacturing process for producing cell and gene therapy therapeutics.