Angled Centrifugation Chamber for Continuous Cell Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell culturing methods under hypergravity conditions are labor-intensive and prone to contamination, as they require manual handling steps that disrupt the microenvironment and are not efficient for large-scale cell modification or differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugation device with a chamber having cell modifying surfaces at an angle of 135-45° to the rotational axis, allowing cells to be immobilized and modified without stopping the rotation, enabling continuous nutrient and gas supply through input/output ports, and functionalized surfaces for enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and genetic modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling steps are used for medium exchange and cell transfer in static cell culture systems, then cell culture can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated medium exchange and cell transfer mechanisms. The centrifugal force automatically moves cells and medium between compartments without manual intervention, and the system self-regulates fluid levels and exchange timing, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual handling while maintaining sterile conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced by a controlled mechanical system using centrifugal force. The automated centrifugal cell culture system uses programmed rotation to achieve medium exchange and cell transfer, substituting manual operations with an automated mechanical process that reduces contamination risk and labor requirements
2Quantity of substance
If cells are cultured in static systems with large volume medium, then nutrient supply is sufficient, but gas diffusion to cells is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic cell culture by using controlled centrifugal motion. The periodic rotation and reversal of centrifugal force create dynamic fluid movement that enhances gas diffusion to cells while maintaining adequate medium volume, solving the limitation of gas exchange in static systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by varying centrifugal force magnitude and direction through controlled rotation. By adjusting rotation speed and timing, the system optimizes both medium distribution for nutrient supply and fluid dynamics for gas diffusion, simultaneously addressing both requirements
3Productivity
If medium convection is used to supply nutrients to cells, then nutrient delivery improves, but the supply becomes uncontrolled and uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through sensors that monitor medium levels, cell distribution, and centrifugal force parameters. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of rotation speed and timing to achieve controlled and uniform nutrient distribution, preventing the uncontrolled convection problems of traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic centrifugal action with controlled rotation cycles. By applying centrifugal force in regular, programmed intervals rather than continuous uncontrolled convection, the system achieves both efficient nutrient supply and uniform distribution across the cell culture
4Productivity
If cells are cultured on surfaces in dynamic systems like roller fermenters, then cell proliferation can occur, but cells dislocate from the surface and become suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controlled dynamic centrifugal force that adapts to maintain cells on the culture surface. By programming rotation speed and timing, the system creates dynamic conditions that promote cell proliferation while preventing dislocation, keeping cells in the desired adherent state throughout the culture process
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
Facilitates efficient and continuous modification of eukaryotic cells under hypergravity, maintaining a stable microenvironment, and allowing for large-scale cell modification and differentiation with reduced labor and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the cells to be modified are immobilized at the cell modifying surfaces by the rotation of the centrifugation chamber at 2 to 2000 g
Implementation Method 2
functionalized surfaces for enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and genetic modification
Data Source
AI summary
A cell modification device, comprising a centrifugation chamber with at least one cell modifying surface with a normal vector having an angle of 135-45° to the rotational axis of the centrifugation chamber, wherein the centrifugation chamber comprises at least one input/output port and the cells to be modified are immobilized at the cell modifying surfaces by the rotation of the centrifugation chamber at 2 to 2000 g. In an embodiment, the device is used as a point-of-care and/or portable device. Further, the present disclosure describes software that, when executed by a processor, causes the device to perform the disclosed functions.