De-cellularized Amniotic Fluid Storage Stability via Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The stability of amniotic fluid during long-term storage is a concern, as existing methods may lead to loss of biological functions of molecules naturally present in the fluid, making it unsuitable for therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

Methods for preparing de-cellularized human amniotic fluid (D-HAF) involve centrifugation, filtration, and storage under controlled temperature conditions, either as a liquid or lyophilized powder, to maintain the stability and biological activity of critical amniotic factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If amniotic fluid is stored for long-term periods, then availability for therapeutic applications is improved, but biological function of molecules is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidbiological function retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling storage temperature (refrigeration at 2-8°C versus freezing at -20°C to -85°C) and physical state (liquid versus lyophilized powder) to maintain biological activity during long-term storage. These parameter adjustments prevent molecular degradation while extending storage duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by offering both liquid and lyophilized powder storage forms. The lyophilization process transforms the liquid amniotic fluid into a dry powder state, which enhances stability and extends storage life without compromising biological function, allowing the product to be stored at higher temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Manufacturing precision

If centrifugation and filtration are applied, then purity of amniotic fluid is improved, but loss of biological molecules occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification levelVSAvoidbiological molecule retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using sequential filtration with progressively smaller pore sizes (5-10μ, then 1μ, then 0.45μ or 0.2μ). Each filtration stage removes different sizes of contaminants while preserving biological molecules, achieving high purity without excessive loss of beneficial substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs partial action by performing centrifugation and filtration only when necessary to achieve the desired level of purity for specific therapeutic applications. The process can be adjusted based on the intended use, balancing purification needs against retention of biological molecules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 D-HAF retains at least 50% of total protein content after storage, with refrigeration reducing inflammatory molecules, and is effective in various therapeutic applications due to its stability and low toxicity.

Implementation Method 1

de-cellularizing the amniotic fluid via centrifugation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a series of filtration steps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

D-HAF is lyophilized to be stored as a dry powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLyophilization: Freeze Drying

Data Source

PatentUS9884078B2Human amniotic fluid preparation having long-term stability
Publication Date: 2018.02.06 MAM HOLDINGS OF WEST FLORIDA LLC
  • US9884078B2 patent drawing
  • US9884078B2 patent drawing
  • US9884078B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of preparing sterile de-cellularized human amniotic fluid that is amenable for long-term storage without loss of biological functions have been developed. In particular, the methods involve refrigeration steps to maximize shelf-life while retaining most of the important growth factors and other molecules present in the fresh amniotic fluid for effective therapeutic application. Use of the compositions is intended for therapeutic purposes and will alleviate pain or discomfort associated with any disorders or diseases, particularly those involving eyes and joints, or fibrotic disorders such as COPD.