Actuated Microposts for Automated Cell Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell washing by centrifugation is labor-intensive, costly, and prone to cell loss due to the need for continuous monitoring and the difficulty in maintaining a compact cell pellet with repeated wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
A cell processing system utilizing a fluidics cartridge with a micropost array and a control instrument that applies actuation forces to surface-attached microposts for efficient cell processing, including cell washing and recovery without the need for binding agents, allowing for automated processing and reduced cell loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centrifugation is used for cell washing, then cells can be separated and washed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly due to the need for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The micropost array structure enables self-service cell washing by allowing cells to be retained and washed through the micropost network without requiring continuous technician monitoring. The microposts physically trap cells during washing cycles, enabling automated operation while maintaining washing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If repeated centrifugation wash cycles are performed, then cell purity increases, but cell loss increases due to difficulty in maintaining compact cell pellet
Solution Approach 1:
The micropost array segments the cell washing process into discrete retention and release phases. Cells are retained among individual microposts during washing cycles, allowing multiple washes without losing the cell pellet integrity. This segmented approach enables repeated washing while minimizing cell loss compared to conventional centrifugation where the pellet becomes progressively harder to maintain.
3Reliability
If conventional centrifugation is used for cell processing, then cells can be washed and concentrated, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The micropost-based system employs periodic action through automated alternating cycles of micropost actuation (upward movement to release cells) and downward movement (to retain cells). This periodic cycling enables rapid repeated washing cycles without manual intervention, significantly increasing processing throughput while maintaining cell processing quality.
4Reliability
If binding agents are used on microposts for cell attachment, then cell retention improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for binding agents by relying solely on the physical structure and actuation of microposts for cell retention and release. The microposts' upward movement mechanically releases cells without requiring any chemical binding agents, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining effective cell retention during washing cycles.
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 enables efficient and automated cell processing, reducing labor costs and cell loss by using actuated microposts to precipitate, wash, and recover cells within the fluidics cartridge, improving the efficiency of cell handling and processing.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation force is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic field, a thermal field, a sonic field, an optical field, an electrical field, and a vibrational field
Data Source
AI summary
A cell processing system, fluidics cartridge, and methods for using actuated surface-attached posts for processing cells are disclosed. Particularly, the cell processing system includes a fluidics cartridge and a control instrument. The fluidics cartridge includes a cell processing chamber that has a micropost array therein, a sample reservoir and a wash reservoir that supply the cell processing chamber, and a waste reservoir and an eluent reservoir at the output of the cell processing chamber. A micropost actuation mechanism and a cell counting mechanism are provided in close proximity to the cell processing chamber. A method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, and recover cells. Another method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, count, and recover cells at a predetermined cell density.