Multi-walled Biological Processing Assembly with Isolatable Transfer Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological processing assemblies lack effective containment and isolation between the incubation and aseptic environments, compromising operator safety and the integrity of biological materials during handling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-walled biological processing assembly with a glove port, transfer hatch, and disinfectant delivery system creates an isolatable port between the incubation and aseptic environments, allowing for controlled access and bio-decontamination before material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional processing assemblies are used without effective containment structures, then device complexity is reduced, but operator safety and biological material integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The processing assembly is divided into distinct functional zones (incubation zone, transfer zone, aseptic processing zone) separated by physical barriers such as multi-walled chambers and isolatable ports. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability through controlled transitions between zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested multi-walled structures where inner chambers are contained within outer chambers, creating layered containment. The isolatable port is nested within the transfer wall, allowing sequential access to different zones while maintaining containment integrity throughout the processing workflow.
2Reliability
If an isolatable port is created between incubation and aseptic environments, then biological material integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolatable port acts as an intermediary structure between the incubation zone and aseptic processing zone. It includes a transfer hatch with transfer door, docking spigot, and seal assembly that mediate the transition of biological materials between zones while maintaining containment integrity through controlled isolation and docking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfectant delivery device is positioned to deliver disinfectant to the transfer port before biological material transfer occurs. This preliminary bio-decontamination action ensures the transfer port is sterile before use, preventing contamination without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If multiple access points and isolation structures are implemented, then operator protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible gloves are used at glove ports to allow operator interaction with the aseptic processing zone while maintaining containment. The flexible glove material allows dexterous manipulation of instruments and materials without compromising the integrity of the isolation barrier, combining operator protection with operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If disinfectant delivery is integrated into the isolation structure, then bio-decontamination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfectant delivery device is merged with the isolatable port structure, combining the containment function with the bio-decontamination function in a single integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for separate disinfectant delivery systems while maintaining effective bio-decontamination through the transfer port.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biological (eg cell) processing assembly comprising an aseptic chamber with apertures adapted for gloves to fit and an incubation chamber connectable to aseptic chamber with transfer hatches, doors secured by multi-walls and inflatable seals, stepped collars for tight closure of doors and closed interaction between the chambers. From the aseptic chamber it can be reached through into incubation chamber. There is a docking spigot on outlet wall to interact with stepped collar to define transfer port between the chambers and a disinfectant delivery device to disinfect transfer port.