Biological Sample Separation with Platelet Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are inefficient in capturing and enriching platelets, often resulting in undesirable platelet counts due to adherence to separator gels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving centrifugation and agitation of a biological sample at specific angles (5° to 60°) in a tube, combined with a centrifugal force, to separate and enrich platelets, using inert materials and a thixotropic gel to release adhered platelets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separator gel is used to separate components, then separation efficiency is improved, but platelet adherence to gel increases causing loss of platelets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts platelets from the separator gel matrix by introducing a platelet recovery solution that dissolves the gel and releases adhered platelets. This separates the platelet enrichment function from the separation function, allowing efficient recovery of platelets that would otherwise be lost in the gel.
Solution Approach 2:
A platelet recovery solution acts as an intermediary substance between the separator gel and the platelets. This solution contains enzymes or chemicals that selectively degrade the gel matrix while leaving platelets intact, thereby releasing adhered platelets without direct mechanical disruption.
2Speed
If centrifugal force is applied to separate components, then separation speed is improved, but platelet enrichment concentration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary centrifugation to achieve rough separation of blood components, then applies a second centrifugation step after adding the platelet recovery solution. This two-stage approach allows initial rapid separation followed by enhanced enrichment, achieving both speed and concentration goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes centrifugal parameters between steps: first centrifugation uses lower g-force for gentle separation, while second centrifugation uses higher g-force for concentrated enrichment. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between separation speed and enrichment concentration.
3Ease of operation
If conventional agitation methods are used after centrifugation, then mixing is achieved, but platelet loss occurs due to adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The platelet recovery solution serves as a protective intermediary during agitation, coating platelets and preventing their adherence to tube walls or other surfaces. This allows thorough mixing while minimizing platelet loss, resolving the contradiction between mixing efficiency and platelet preservation.
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
Increases the available platelet count by up to 500% compared to conventional methods, ensuring a clinically significant number of platelets for administration, with the appearance of a foam layer indicating optimal enrichment.
Implementation Method 1
applying a force to the tube for a time sufficient to separate the plurality of components
Implementation Method 2
using inert materials and a thixotropic gel to release adhered platelets
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods, systems and apparatus for separating components of a biological sample; as well as methods of using compositions prepared by same. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for separating components of a biological sample, the method comprising: introducing a biological sample having a plurality of components to a tube comprising: a lumen; a proximal end; a distal end; an interior wall; and an exterior wall; applying a force to said tube for a time sufficient to separate said plurality of components; and agitating said tube at an angle of from about 5° to about 60°.