Bioreactor Fluid Sampling with Weight-Based Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sampling systems in biotechnology lack a continuous means to determine the amount of transferred fluid, which is essential for accurate and efficient fluid management in bioreactor applications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sampling system comprising a bioreactor chamber, a perfusion probe with a fluid-tight housing and a monolithic fluid filtering element with microchannels of predetermined openings (0.2 to 64 μm) for filtering culture medium, and a weight measuring station to monitor fluid transfer, enabling controlled and accurate fluid transfer to a target container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fluid sampling probe with microfiltration device is used to avoid sampling particulate matter, then the purity of transferred fluid is improved, but the ability to continuously determine the amount of transferred fluid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A weight measuring station is introduced as an intermediary device between the fluid sampling probe and the target container. This mediator continuously monitors the weight of the fluid being transferred, providing real-time measurement data without interfering with the microfiltration process or the purity of the transferred fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid sampling system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both the microfiltration device for particle removal and the weight measuring station for continuous fluid quantity monitoring. This allows the system to simultaneously achieve high fluid purity and accurate measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If a weight measuring station is added to continuously monitor fluid transfer, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with a simpler weight-based measurement approach. By using a weight measuring station that directly measures the mass of transferred fluid, the system avoids the need for complex flow meters, pressure sensors, or volumetric measurement mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If microchannels with small openings (0.2 to 64 μm) are used to filter culture medium, then the purity of filtered fluid is improved, but the fluid throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system is segmented into multiple microchannels arranged in parallel within the fluid filtering element. This segmentation allows the total filtering area to be distributed across numerous small channels, each providing high purity filtration with 0.2 to 64 μm openings, while the collective arrangement of multiple channels maintains adequate fluid throughput by reducing individual channel clogging risks and providing redundant flow paths.
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 system allows for continuous monitoring and controlled transfer of filtered culture medium, preventing particulate matter entry and ensuring accurate fluid management, suitable for both analytical and production purposes in biotechnological applications.
Implementation Method 1
a weight measuring station configured for acquisition of a weight signal corresponding to the fluid receptacle's momentary weight
Implementation Method 2
the fluid filtering element comprising an array of microchannels defining a filtering passage between the primary face and the secondary face, the microchannels each having a predetermined opening selected in the range of 0.2 to 64 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sampling system for biotechnological applications, comprises a bioreactor chamber (2) for a fluid culture medium (4) containing cells (6) and further comprising transfer means (8) for transferring controlled amounts of culture medium from said bioreactor chamber to a target container (10). The transfer means comprise: a perfusion probe (12) with a fluid-tight probe housing surrounding an internal probe volume (14) and having an inlet probe aperture (16) and an outlet probe aperture (18); a fluid filtering element (20) sealingly connected to the probe housing and forming a cover of the inlet probe aperture. A fluid connection line comprises a fluid receptacle (30) disposed between the outlet probe aperture (18) of the perfusion probe and the target container (10) and disposed on a weight measuring station (32) configured for acquisition of a weight signal corresponding to the fluid receptacle's momentary weight.