Antibody-Modified Filter for Specific Cell Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, such as filtration and centrifugation, struggle to efficiently separate specific cells or proteins from cell suspensions containing multiple cell types of similar sizes.
Innovation Solution
A separation device and method that utilize a pump, valves, and a base material capable of binding antibodies or aptamers, allowing for the specific capture of target cells or proteins by controlling the flow of liquids through the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a filter with fine pores or centrifugation method is used, then cell separation can be performed, but it is difficult to separate a specific cell from multiple types of cells having similar sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The base material is modified to have non-uniform properties by immobilizing antibodies or aptamers at specific locations on its surface. This creates localized binding sites that selectively capture target cells based on antigen presence rather than size alone, enabling specific cell separation from heterogeneous cell populations with similar sizes
Solution Approach 2:
Antibodies or aptamers are introduced as intermediary substances that mediate between the base material and target cells. These biomolecules specifically recognize and bind to antigens on target cell surfaces, enabling selective separation based on molecular recognition rather than physical size differences
2Reliability
If separate processes are used for filter manufacturing and cell separation, then each process can be optimized, but the overall work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter manufacturing process and cell separation process are merged into a single integrated operation. The base material serves dual purposes: as the filter structure itself and as the substrate for immobilizing separation agents. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and separation steps, improving overall work efficiency while maintaining process reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The base material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural filter medium, the support for immobilizing antibodies/aptamers, and the separation device itself. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate processes, enhancing productivity without compromising separation effectiveness
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 efficient separation of specific cells or proteins from cell suspensions, even when multiple cell types have similar sizes, by utilizing the selective binding properties of antibodies or aptamers.
Implementation Method 1
a base material made of a porous polyester or a porous polyurethane capable of binding to the antibody or the aptamer
Implementation Method 2
an antibody or an aptamer capable of specifically binding to an antigen of the separation target
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A controller 44 fixes an antibody 30 or an aptamer to a surface 26 of a base material 20 of a filter 10 by operating a pump 78 in a state where a first valve (76c, 76d) is opened and a second valve (76a) is closed to cause a first liquid to pass through the base material 20, and captures a separation target with the antibody 30 or the aptamer by operating, after fixing the antibody 30 or the aptamer to the surface 26 of the base material 20, the pump 78 in a state where the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to cause a second liquid to pass through the base material 20.