Aseptic Filter Clogging in Cell Culture Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aseptic filters in sampling devices for cell culturing systems clog due to protein aggregates, leading to reduced sample collection efficiency and negative pressure issues, which can cause gas concentration changes and bubble formation.
Innovation Solution
A sampling method that includes a sampling step and an adhering substance removal step, where the sampling device uses a fluid flow to remove aggregates from the aseptic filter, adjusting flow rates and utilizing cleaning solutions to prevent clogging, and employing sensors to detect filter clogging and initiate adhering substance removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aseptic filter is installed in the sample outflow channel to prevent bacterial intrusion, then the aseptic state is maintained, but the filter becomes clogged with protein aggregates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by periodically reversing fluid flow to flush the aseptic filter before complete clogging occurs. This preventive maintenance approach removes accumulated protein aggregates before they severely impact sample collection efficiency, thereby maintaining both aseptic state and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device implements periodic reverse flow cycles to clean the aseptic filter. By alternating between normal sampling flow and reverse flushing flow, the system continuously removes accumulated contaminants without compromising the filter's aseptic barrier function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining aseptic state and preventing clogging.
2Productivity
If the aseptic filter is clogged, then sample collection is reduced, but negative pressure develops in the sample introduction channel causing gas concentration changes and bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic reverse flow to prevent filter clogging before it causes negative pressure and bubble formation. By regularly flushing the filter in reverse, the system maintains smooth fluid flow and prevents the harmful effects of clogging including gas concentration changes and bubble generation in the sample introduction channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device monitors flow conditions and triggers reverse flow cleaning cycles based on detected changes in pressure or flow rate that indicate approaching filter clogging. This feedback mechanism prevents the development of negative pressure and bubble formation by addressing filter congestion before it causes harmful effects.
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 method effectively reduces filter clogging, ensuring consistent sample collection and maintaining the aseptic state of the culturing device by using fluid flow and cleaning solutions to manage protein aggregates, thereby preventing bubbles and maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a fluid to flow from the sampling channel to the sample introduction channel
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device includes a sampling channel, a detection unit and a sample introduction channel. A cell culturing device or the sample introduction channel includes an aseptic filter in a section before the sampling channel. A sampling method includes a sampling step for introducing the sample from the culturing device and detecting the sample by the detection unit and an adhering substance removal step for removing an adhering substance adhering to the aseptic filter by allowing a fluid to flow from the sampling channel to the sample introduction channel.