Aseptic Bioreactor Sampling Port with Movable Sealing Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling cells from bioreactors are cumbersome, risk contamination, and limit the frequency and speed of sampling, making them unsuitable for rapid and frequent monitoring of cell cultures, especially in cell therapy applications where sterility and automation are critical.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for aseptic sampling using a hollow body with sealable outer walls and a movable sealing means that allows for fluid connection to the bioreactor, enabling rapid, sterile, and automated sampling without exposing the sample to the atmosphere, and allowing for recirculating fluid flow to prevent culture loss and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sampling methods using syringes and tubing are used, then sampling can be performed, but the risk of contamination increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a sampling port integrated into the bioreactor, a sampling needle, and a sample collection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall sterility and simplifying the sampling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling needle is extracted as a separate, disposable component that can be inserted through the sampling port and removed without contaminating the bioreactor interior. This extraction of the sampling function into a dedicated needle mechanism eliminates the need for complex external tubing and connection systems.
2Productivity
If multiple sampling instances are performed using traditional methods, then monitoring can be conducted, but the time required increases and contamination risk accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port is pre-integrated into the bioreactor structure with sterile sealing mechanisms already in place. This preliminary preparation allows rapid sampling without requiring assembly of complex connection systems during each sampling event, significantly reducing the time required for each sampling instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system incorporates dynamic elements such as a movable sampling needle that can be inserted and removed through the sealed port, and a flexible sample collection system that adapts to different sampling volumes. This dynamic design enables rapid, repeated sampling while maintaining sterility.
3Extent of automation
If manual sampling operations are performed, then sampling can be completed, but human intervention increases contamination risk and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is designed to be self-contained and self-sustaining, with the sampling port providing its own sterile sealing mechanism and the sample collection system automatically containing the sampled material. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex manual operations and reduces contamination risk associated with human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling needle acts as an intermediary element that bridges the bioreactor interior and the external sampling system without requiring direct manual manipulation of the bioreactor contents. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operation while maintaining sterility by providing a controlled interface between the closed system and external sampling equipment.
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 enables rapid, sterile, and efficient sampling with reduced handling time and effort, allowing for multi-sampling without cross-contamination, and can be set for automatic sampling at periodic intervals, minimizing human intervention and maintaining sample sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing means (7) which is adapted to seal the perimeter of a section (8) of said hollow body (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device and method for sampling from a cell culture bioreactor. The invention is useful where it is required to determine the cell count, provide a sample for off-line analyses or remove a sample while at the same time retain sterility of the sample for quality control (QC) assessment. The device of the invention allows for facile aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time during a cell expansion in a bioreactor.