Aseptic Sampling System with Sterile Air Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling from aseptic cell cultures in bioreactors are complex, expensive, and risk contamination due to the need for open connections and manual handling, which can compromise sterility and precision in volume control.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system comprising a graduated sampling chamber connected to a pump device via a sterile air filter, allowing for the precise and aseptic removal or addition of fluid volumes from a bioreactor without direct contact between the pump and the fluid, utilizing check valves or stopcocks for unidirectional flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional sampling techniques are used to withdraw samples from the culture vessel, then samples can be obtained for analysis, but the risk of contamination increases and sterility of the culture vessel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the sampling system and the culture vessel. The filter allows sample withdrawal while maintaining the sterile barrier, preventing contamination from entering the culture vessel during sampling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system extracts only the necessary sample volume through a controlled port without requiring open access to the culture vessel. The sample is withdrawn through filtered tubing that isolates the culture environment from potential contaminants.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and open connections are used for sampling, then sampling operations can be performed, but contamination risk increases due to exposure to non-sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile filter serves as a mediator that enables easy sampling operations while blocking contaminants. The filter allows straightforward connection and disconnection of sampling equipment without compromising sterility, maintaining both ease of operation and contamination protection.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional sampling ports and tubing are used, then samples can be drawn from the culture vessel, but precision in volume control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual volume estimation methods with a pump device that provides precise, controlled dispensing of sample volumes. The pump mechanism enables accurate volume measurement and control, eliminating the imprecision associated with conventional manual sampling techniques.
4Productivity
If repeated sampling instances are performed with tubing attachment, then multiple samples can be collected, but the likelihood of contamination increases with each sampling instance
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile filter acts as a permanent intermediary barrier that remains in place during repeated sampling operations. This eliminates the need to repeatedly attach and detach tubing to the culture vessel, allowing frequent sampling while maintaining sterility through the persistent filtered barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile filter is pre-installed and positioned before sampling begins, establishing a permanent sterile barrier. This preliminary setup enables multiple sampling instances without requiring repeated breaches of the sterile field, thus maintaining reliability while increasing productivity.
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 system enables efficient, precise, and aseptic sampling or fluid management in bioreactors, minimizing contamination risks and ensuring sterility, while allowing for repeatable and precise volume control.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing check valves or stopcocks for unidirectional flow
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling system includes a graduated sampling chamber configured for fluid connection to a sample source, a pump device configured for fluid connection with the sampling chamber, and a sterile air filter intermediate the pump device and the sampling chamber, wherein the pump device is selectively actuatable to draw a volume of fluid from the sample source into the sampling chamber.