Buffy Coat Extraction Device with Segmented Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells from peripheral blood face challenges in identifying and isolating the Buffy coat layer due to its small volume and difficulty in separating it from erythrocytes, often requiring invasive procedures and general anesthesia.
Innovation Solution
A bio device with a main body featuring an upper and lower reservoir connected by a bottleneck, a sliding top cover with a syringe guide, and a bottom cover that controls the lower reservoir's volume, allowing for easier identification and isolation of the Buffy coat layer and precise extraction using a syringe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a typical cylindrical test tube is used to extract Buffy coat layer, then the extraction process is simple, but it is difficult to identify and extract the Buffy coat layer separating from erythrocytes due to its very small volume (about 1%)
Solution Approach 1:
The test tube is divided into three distinct regions: an upper reservoir for plasma, a bottleneck part with narrow passage for Buffy coat accumulation, and a lower reservoir for erythrocytes. This segmentation creates a concentrated accumulation zone that makes the Buffy coat layer visible and extractable despite its small original volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the uniform cylindrical geometry into a multi-dimensional structure with varying cross-sectional areas. The bottleneck part creates a vertical concentration effect, accumulating the Buffy coat layer in a specific spatial zone that enhances detectability and facilitates targeted extraction
2Quantity of substance
If blood is extracted from patient's two arms for maximum 5 hours to collect sufficient stem cells, then enough stem cells can be collected, but the patient experiences burden of general anesthesia and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the concentration parameter by creating a bottleneck structure that accumulates and concentrates the Buffy coat layer. This concentration effect increases the density of stem cells in a smaller blood volume, allowing sufficient collection from a single arm without requiring prolonged extraction times or large blood volumes
3Measurement precision
If the syringe guide extends downward to block the bottleneck part, then precise extraction of Buffy coat layer is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe guide serves multiple functions: it guides the syringe needle to the precise extraction position, blocks the bottleneck part to contain the Buffy coat layer, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality achieves precise extraction without adding significant device complexity
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 bio device facilitates easier discrimination of the Buffy coat layer, allows for controlled isolation and extraction, reducing the need for invasive procedures and general anesthesia, and enables safe, autologous stem cell use with minimal blood volume.
Implementation Method 1
Blood is separated into upper plasma part and lower erythrocyte part when it is centrifuged and a thin layer called as 'Buffy coat', consisting of platelets and lymphocytes is located between the plasma part and erythrocyte part
Data Source
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AI summary
A bio device for extracting hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells from peripheral blood, comprising a main body having an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir and a bottleneck part connecting the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir; a top cover coupled with the upside of the main body, so as to be capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction of the main body; and a bottom cover coupled with the downside of the main body, so as to be capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction of the main body so as to seal the lower reservoir is provided. The bio device of the present invention makes it easy to extract Buffy coat comprising plentiful of hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.