Batch Photoactivation Apparatus for Mononuclear Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) treatments require repeated collection procedures for mononuclear cells, which can be logistically challenging and burdensome for patients and clinicians, as they necessitate multiple apheresis collections and UV irradiation sessions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for batch photoactivation of mononuclear cells, allowing for the production of two or more therapeutic quantities of ECP-treated cells from a single collection procedure, where the first batch is either stored or reinfused during the second collection cycle, and both batches are treated with a photoactivation agent and UV light, enabling efficient production and storage of treated cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If repeated apheresis collections are performed to obtain therapeutic quantities of mononuclear cells, then sufficient cell quantity is obtained, but patient burden and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing photoactivation treatment on the first batch of mononuclear cells during the second apheresis collection cycle, rather than waiting until after both collections are complete. This allows the treatment process to be initiated in advance, overlapping with the second collection, thereby reducing the total time patients must spend undergoing procedures while ensuring sufficient cell quantity is obtained
2Quantity of substance
If multiple separate ECP treatment sessions are conducted, then adequate therapeutic doses are produced, but treatment time and logistical coordination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate treatment sessions into a coordinated two-cycle process where the first batch is treated during the second collection. This combining of operations allows two therapeutic batches to be produced from what effectively becomes a single treatment visit, reducing the total number of separate appointments patients must attend while maintaining adequate dosing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by overlapping the photoactivation treatment of the first batch with the second apheresis collection cycle. Rather than completing all collections before any treatment, the treatment process continues uninterrupted during the second collection, maximizing the efficiency of each patient visit and reducing total treatment time
3Productivity
If batch photoactivation is implemented, then multiple therapeutic doses are produced from single collection, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mononuclear cell product into two distinct batches: a first batch that undergoes photoactivation during the second collection cycle, and a second batch that is collected and then treated afterward. This segmentation allows the complex batch photoactivation process to be managed in discrete, manageable stages rather than attempting to treat all cells simultaneously, making the increased productivity achievable without overwhelming operational complexity
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
This approach reduces the need for repeated apheresis collections and UV irradiation sessions, providing multiple therapeutic doses of ECP-treated mononuclear cells while minimizing the burden on patients and clinicians, and allowing for cryopreservation of remaining cells for future use.
Implementation Method 1
photoactivation treatment of the collected mononuclear cells
Implementation Method 2
followed by providing the treated mononuclear cells. It is believed that the combination of 8-MOP and UV radiation encourages and/or causes apoptosis or programmed cell death
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for the batch photoactivation of mononuclear cells (MNCs) is described. The system includes a programmable controller configured to automatically separate whole blood in a first collection cycle to obtain a first quantity of MNCs; separate whole blood in a second collection cycle to obtain a second quantity of MNCs while simultaneously photoactivating the first quantity of MNCs to obtain a first quantity of treated MNCs; either store the first quantity of treated MNCs or reinfuse the first quantity of treated MNCs; photoactivate the second quantity of MNCs to obtain a second quantity of treated MNCs; either store the second quantity of treated MNCs or reinfuse the second quantity of treated MNCs; and reinfuse any blood components remaining after the second collection cycle.