Biological Material Dispersion via Loop Flow Channel Constrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispersing biological assemblies, such as animal and plant tissues, often damage cells and lack control over the dispersion degree, which is critical for maintaining viability and achieving uniform dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a flow channel with constrictions arranged in a loop configuration to apply axially extensional and compressional strains, along with radially extensional and compressional strains, to gently disperse biological assemblies, allowing for controlled recirculation and mixing, thereby achieving efficient dispersion without damaging the cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If enzyme treatments or mechanical dispersion methods are used to disperse biological assemblies, then dispersion is achieved, but cell damage increases and control over dispersion degree is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluid dynamic forces generated by a flow channel with constrictions to disperse biological assemblies. The flowing liquid creates extensional and compressional strains that gently separate clusters without mechanical contact or enzymatic treatment, thereby maintaining cell viability while achieving effective dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls dispersion degree by adjusting flow rate, constriction geometry, and channel dimensions. These parameter changes allow precise control over the fluid dynamic forces applied to assemblies, enabling gentle yet effective dispersion without cell damage while maintaining productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If strong dispersion forces are applied to break up clusters, then dispersion degree increases, but cell viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise control over dispersion degree by modifying flow rate, constriction geometry, and channel dimensions. These parameter adjustments allow the system to apply exactly the right amount of force needed to separate clusters without exceeding the threshold that would damage cells, thus maintaining both dispersion precision and cell viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of fluid dynamic forces through carefully designed constrictions provides a controllable, gentle dispersion mechanism. The flowing liquid creates extensional and compressional strains that can be precisely regulated by flow rate, allowing high dispersion degree control while preserving cell viability through non-contact, adjustable forces.
3Productivity
If conventional dispersion devices are used, then dispersion is achieved, but device complexity and sterilization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into multiple constrictions of varying geometries arranged in series. Each constriction contributes to the dispersion process through specific fluid dynamic forces, allowing the device to achieve effective dispersion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and sterilize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple flow channel with constrictions that leverages fluid dynamic forces for dispersion. This hydraulic approach eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity. The smooth channel structure is also easier to sterilize compared to devices with moving parts or complex geometries.
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 provides a robust, compact, and easily sterilizable method for dispersing biological assemblies into smaller units with precise control over the dispersion degree, ensuring minimal cell damage and efficient processing.
Implementation Method 1
assemblies of biological material flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces
Implementation Method 2
assemblies of biological material flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for dispersion of assemblies of biological material (such as plant embryogenic mass, plant tissue, cultured plant cells, animal tissue and/or cultured animal cells)suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps i) and ii) in sequence until assemblies of biological material is dispersed into the desired smaller size. The devices may comprise a flow channel arranged in a loop configuration for re-circulation in the flow channel, the flow channel including at least one constriction, such that the assemblies of biological material flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.