Aligned Sort Tubes for Viable Flow Cytometry Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sorting and purifying cells compromise cell viability and sterility due to high stress and contaminated environments during the sorting process, influenced by factors such as cell type, sorting conditions, and system sterility.
Innovation Solution
The collection system includes a sort tube aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sorted stream to minimize cell contact with inner surfaces, a collection container providing a sterile environment, and a sample output for sterile transport to evacuated receiving containers, using materials like Pyrex glass, polycarbonates, and pliant bags to maintain cell viability and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells are sorted using conventional flow cytometry systems, then cell separation and purification are achieved, but cell viability and sterility are compromised due to high stress and contaminated environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sort tubes and collection containers that are pre-sterilized and designed for single-use. These disposable components eliminate cross-contamination between samples and reduce the stress of repeated sterilization processes on cells. The sort tube is discarded after one use, ensuring complete sterility for each sorting operation while maintaining cell viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container is evacuated to create a vacuum or inert atmosphere that prevents contamination from the external environment. This sterile, controlled environment protects sorted cells from bacterial and fungal contamination during collection and storage, addressing the sterility compromise issue while maintaining cell viability through reduced oxidative stress.
2Reliability
If sort tube is aligned with longitudinal axis of sorted stream, then cell contact with inner surfaces is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sort tube and collection container are designed as integrated, pre-aligned components where the sort tube is factory-aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sorted stream. This merging of alignment functionality into the disposable component itself eliminates the need for complex external alignment mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining low cell contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is extracted from the main sorting system and embedded into the disposable sort tube component. By pre-aligning the sort tube during manufacturing, the complex alignment requirements are removed from the operational system, reducing device complexity while ensuring optimal orientation for minimal cell contact with inner surfaces.
3Reliability
If sterile transport system is implemented, then sterility is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile transport system utilizes disposable collection containers with integrated sterile barriers and evacuated environments. Each container is pre-sterilized and sealed, eliminating the need for complex reusable sterile infrastructure. The low-cost disposable nature reduces overall system complexity while maintaining sterility through single-use design.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container is evacuated to create a vacuum or inert atmosphere that inherently prevents contamination without requiring complex active sterilization systems. This passive sterility maintenance through environmental control reduces device complexity compared to active sterilization methods, while reliably maintaining sterility throughout transport and storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Collection systems for flow cytometrically sorted samples are provided. Aspects of the collection systems include: a collection container having a sort tube configured to be in droplet receiving relationship with a sort block of a flow cytometer; and a sample output operatively coupling a cell collection location of the collection container to a mating connection for a receiving container, such as an evacuated receiving container. Also provided are methods using the collection systems, as well as assemblies and kits including components of the systems.