Bio-reactive Container Filter with Dual-Layer Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bio-reactive containers face challenges with low burst pressure ratings, leading to rupture under significant fluid or gas pressure, and existing filters restrict fluid and gas flow rates, causing backpressure and compromising cell culture efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible walled bio-container configuration with directly secured inlet and outlet filter elements, utilizing dual layer hydrophilic/hydrophobic membranes or single hydrophobic membranes to prevent liquid trapping and enhance gas transfer, while maintaining low pressure and maximizing flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filters are used in bio-reactive containers, then sterile barrier function is provided, but gas and fluid flow rates are restricted causing backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is configured with a large surface area relative to its thickness, creating a thin-walled structure that provides extensive filtration surface without adding significant pressure drop. This dimensional optimization allows high flow rates while maintaining sterile barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element utilizes porous structures with controlled pore sizes and distributions that allow efficient gas and fluid passage while maintaining sterile barrier properties. The porous architecture provides high permeability without compromising filtration effectiveness.
2Productivity
If significant fluid or gas pressure is introduced into the containers, then flow rate requirements are met, but container rupture occurs due to low burst pressure ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element acts as an intermediary pressure-regulating component that allows high flow rates to be achieved without transmitting excessive pressure to the container walls. The filter's structural design absorbs and distributes pressure forces, protecting the container from rupture while maintaining required flow performance.
3Productivity
If single hydrophobic membranes are used, then gas transfer is enhanced, but liquid trapping may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element employs composite structures combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions or materials that work synergistically. The hydrophobic portions facilitate gas transfer while hydrophilic components prevent liquid trapping, achieving both high gas permeability and liquid rejection without compromising either function.
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 solution effectively prevents container rupture and maintains fluid and gas flow rates, ensuring efficient cell culture propagation by reducing pressure buildup and minimizing backpressure.
Implementation Method 1
dual layer hydrophilic/hydrophobic membranes
Implementation Method 2
dual layer hydrophilic/hydrophobic membranes
Implementation Method 3
The vent filter serves as a sterile barrier between the internal container chamber and the environment outside of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-reactive container and filter assembly to improve flow rates and mass transfer without increased pressure. An inlet filter membrane secured to the container defines a container chamber in combination with the container. An inlet filter membrane element may also be secured to the container to provide structural support to the membrane. An outlet membrane secured to the container defines a container chamber in combination with the container. An outlet filter membrane element may also be secured to the container to provide structural support to the outlet membrane. Inlet and/or outlet filters and/or filter elements are constructed to significantly increase surface area available for fluid and/or gas ingress and/or egress. Single and double layer membranes with mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics are used to maximize perfusion and gasification/degasification of bio-reactive containers.