Automated PBMC Separation Under Closed, Low-Contamination Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating and packaging peripheral blood cells, particularly peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), are cumbersome, prone to contamination, require high operator skill, and result in low recovery rates and product inconsistency.

Innovation Solution

A fully automatic peripheral blood separation device and method that integrates separation, washing, and packaging processes, using disposable consumables and controlled by a controller to ensure closed operations, reducing human error and contamination, and improving recovery rates and product purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual separation and packaging methods are used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases and recovery rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated liquid transfer, washing, and separation operations without manual intervention. The closed system automatically manages fluid pathways, reducing human contact and contamination risk while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A closed system with automated liquid transfer mechanisms serves as an intermediary between sample input and product output. This intermediary system eliminates direct manual handling of samples and reagents, reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational control through automated sequencing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual separation methods are used, then process adaptability is maintained, but product consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves product consistency through precise control of separation parameters including centrifugal force, flow rates, and timing sequences. Automated control maintains these parameters within tight tolerances, ensuring reproducible results while the modular design manages system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple functions including separation, washing, concentration, and packaging into a single automated platform. This multi-functionality ensures consistent processing across different operation types while the standardized architecture manages complexity through reusable modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual washing and replacement operations are performed, then flexibility in washing次数 is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs washing operations continuously without interruption, transferring cells between chambers and performing multiple wash cycles in sequence without manual intervention. This continuous operation reduces total washing time while maintaining flexibility through programmable cycle numbers and parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If closed automated operations are implemented, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination resistanceVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closed system is divided into discrete functional modules including separation chamber, washing chamber, and packaging chamber. Each module operates independently with controlled fluid pathways, reducing contamination risk while managing complexity through modular, maintainable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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, automated separation and packaging of PBMCs under closed conditions, reducing contamination risks, improving production consistency and recovery rates, and enhancing product purity.

Implementation Method 1

different layers are formed following the centrifugation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

adding a peripheral blood sample liquid in a sample bag and a gradient liquid into a centrifuge cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity gradient: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260027281A1Managing peripheral blood cells

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SINO BIOCAN (SHANGHAI) BIOTECH LTD

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems for managing peripheral blood cells are provided. In one aspect, a fully automatic peripheral blood separation method includes: adding a peripheral blood sample liquid in a sample bag and a gradient liquid into a centrifuge cup, collecting a target cell liquid into an intermediate bag after centrifugation of the peripheral blood sample liquid and the gradient liquid in the centrifuge cup, adding the target cell liquid in the intermediate bag and a washing liquid to the centrifuge cup for washing and replacement to obtain a pre-product, and mixing the pre-product and a cell dilution liquid to obtain a final product.