Air Bubble Cell Detachment for Selective Cell Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detaching cells from culture vessels using proteolytic enzymes result in non-selective detachment of all cells, while alternative methods require specialized apparatuses or coated vessels, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cell manipulation method involving the use of a flow path to introduce gas, forming an air bubble at the end, and attaching cells to the bubble, allowing selective detachment and collection using a device with a tubular portion for generating air bubbles and controlling their volume or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If proteolytic enzymes are utilized to detach cells, then all cells in a vessel are detached, but selective detachment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized air bubble at a specific position within the culture vessel rather than treating the entire vessel uniformly. The air bubble is generated at a defined end portion of a flow path, enabling detachment to occur only in the local region where the bubble contacts the cells, thus achieving selective detachment while maintaining high efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a method for locally heating a scaffold material is used to detach cells, then selective detachment can be achieved, but a large-sized apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing gas through a flow path to generate air bubbles for cell detachment. This replaces complex thermal heating apparatus with a simple gas delivery system consisting of a gas source and flow path, dramatically reducing device size and complexity while maintaining selective detachment capability through localized bubble formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter from thermal energy (heating) to pneumatic energy (gas introduction). By introducing gas at controlled flow rates to generate air bubbles, the system achieves cell detachment through mechanical disruption by bubbles rather than thermal effects, simplifying the apparatus while preserving selectivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a culture vessel coated with scaffold material is used for local heating method, then selective detachment is possible, but the method requires specialized coated vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the selective detachment function from the vessel coating itself and transfers it to the air bubble generation mechanism. Instead of relying on specialized scaffold material coatings on the vessel, the system uses a flow path with gas introduction to create air bubbles that selectively detach cells, eliminating the need for specially coated vessels and simplifying manufacturing
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
Enables selective detachment and collection of cells without proteolytic enzymes, using a simple apparatus that can detach and collect cells efficiently, suitable for applications in regenerative medicine and scratch assays.
Implementation Method 1
a step of attaching the cells to the air bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A cell manipulation method is provided including culturing cells in a liquid; disposing a flow path through which a gas is able to be introduced in the liquid; forming an air bubble at an end portion of the flow path; and attaching the cells to the air bubble.