Automated Stem Cell Extraction from Limited Adipose Tissue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting stem cells from adipose tissue are inefficient for thin subjects, requiring large amounts of tissue (6-10 grams) and are operator-dependent, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity and homogeneous cells.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated device with a robotic handling system, filtration, centrifugation, and cell culture units that can process as little as 1 gram of adipose tissue, using a gripper and suction/discharge system to manage fluids and enzymes, and multiple culture devices to maximize stem cell yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of adipose tissue (6-10 grams) is required for stem cell extraction, then sufficient stem cells can be obtained, but it becomes difficult to extract enough tissue from thin subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction process by using optimized enzyme concentrations, incubation temperatures, and processing times to increase stem cell yield from limited tissue. This allows sufficient stem cell extraction even from small tissue samples obtained from thin subjects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary enzymatic treatment and tissue processing steps before actual stem cell extraction to maximize the yield from limited tissue. Pre-treatment protocols are optimized to ensure maximum stem cell recovery from the available adipose tissue
2Ease of operation
If manual operator-dependent methods are used for stem cell extraction, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but consistency and homogeneity of extracted cells vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms through automated liquid handling systems, robotic cell separation, and computer-controlled incubation parameters. The system automatically performs repetitive tasks with precise control, eliminating operator variability while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through real-time monitoring of extraction parameters, cell viability assessment, and automated adjustment of processing conditions. This ensures consistent results by detecting and correcting deviations from optimal parameters during the extraction process
3Manufacturing precision
If automated systems are implemented for stem cell extraction, then operational consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extraction system into modular functional units: tissue processing module, enzymatic digestion station, cell separation system, and culture setup area. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, maintaining precision while reducing overall system complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. For example, the robotic arm handles tissue manipulation, fluid transfer, and cell harvesting; the centrifugation system performs both cell separation and concentration. This reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining extraction consistency
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 extraction and growth of homogeneous stem cells from a limited amount of adipose tissue, reducing operator intervention and ensuring consistent phenotypic, functional, and genetic quality.
Implementation Method 1
a suction and discharge system (5) which is capable of managing volumes of fluid exceeding 3 ml and which is also designed to aspirate and release high density fluids
Implementation Method 2
The fraction with the cells is concentrated by filtration and centrifugation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device and method for the extraction of stem cells from adipose tissue wherein an adipose tissue dissolved in an isotonic solution is subjected to a washing operation and subsequent filtering step and to centrifugation operations to initiate three stem cell cultures thereby maximising in this manner the yield of the sample collected.