Block Copolymer for Rapid Cell Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cell separation from culture substrates using temperature-responsive polymers require prolonged cooling times, which can damage cells and reduce their activity, necessitating a more efficient approach for cell detachment without proteolytic enzymes.
Innovation Solution
A block copolymer comprising a temperature-responsive polymer, a hydrophilic polymer, and a hydrophobic polymer is used to form a membrane on the substrate, allowing for rapid cell separation by temperature reduction, promoting hydrophilization of the substrate surface and shortening the cooling time needed for cell detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature-responsive polymer is used for cell separation, then cell detachment can be achieved without proteolytic enzymes, but cooling time is prolonged which reduces cell activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer structure by incorporating hydrophilic groups (HEMA, NVP) to change the thermal response characteristics of the temperature-responsive polymer, enabling faster phase transition and reduced cooling time while maintaining cell integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer system combining temperature-responsive polymer chains with hydrophilic polymer segments, achieving both effective cell detachment and rapid response time through synergistic material properties
2Ease of operation
If conventional temperature-responsive polymers are used, then cell detachment is achieved, but the cooling process takes too long affecting cell viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal transition parameters of the polymer by introducing hydrophilic monomers with specific glass transition temperatures and hydrogen bonding capabilities, enabling faster water reorganization and reduced cooling duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes and optimizes the phase transition behavior of the polymer at its lower critical solution temperature, where the polymer undergoes sol-gel transition that rapidly expels water and detaches cells within minutes rather than hours
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 block copolymer enables efficient cell separation in a short time without damaging the cells, even after cell culture, by altering the substrate's surface properties in response to temperature changes, facilitating cell detachment without the use of proteolytic enzymes.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesiveness of the substrate surface is weakened by the sol transition of the temperature-responsive polymer due to a reduction in temperature of the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
allowing for rapid cell separation by temperature reduction, promoting hydrophilization of the substrate surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a block copolymer which is useful as a surface treatment agent for cell culture substrates, said surface treatment agent enabling cell separation in a short period of time. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a block copolymer that comprises the following blocks (A), (B) and (C). (A) a temperature-responsive polymer block that has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) within the range of from 0°C to 50°C with respect to water (B) a hydrophilic polymer block that does not have an LCST within the range of from 0°C to 50°C, while having an HLB value (as determined by a Griffin method) within the range of from 9 (inclusive) to 20 (exclusive) (C) a hydrophobic polymer block that does not have an LCST within the range of from 0°C to 50°C, while having an HLB value (as determined by a Griffin method) within the range of from 0 (inclusive) to 9 (exclusive)