Multi-Layer Cell Culture Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cultivating cell cultures, such as in Petri dishes, require significant manual effort and often separate the cultivation location from the experimental location, making the process inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A cultivation device with distinct layers for aggregation, separation, and cultivation, which automates the formation and separation of cell aggregates using mixing and separating sections, and transfers them to cultivation chambers for further growth and experimentation, allowing for automated and cost-effective cell culture preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cultivation methods are used, then flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but productivity and automation extent are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cultivation device is divided into three distinct functional layers: aggregation layer for forming cell aggregates, separating layer for isolating individual aggregates, and cultivation layer for growing the aggregates. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function automatically, achieving high automation while keeping each individual layer relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D manual cultivation methods to a 3D multi-layer automated system. The vertical stacking of aggregation layer, separating layer, and cultivation layer enables automated fluid handling and processing in multiple dimensions, significantly increasing automation extent without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual separation and cultivation steps are performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but loss of time and productivity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The automated multi-layer system enables continuous processing of cell cultures through the aggregation layer, separating layer, and cultivation layer without interruption. Fluids and cell aggregates flow continuously through each layer, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual operations and significantly increasing productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own functions automatically without requiring manual intervention at each step. The aggregation layer self-forms cell aggregates, the separating layer self-separates individual aggregates, and the cultivation layer self-cultivates the aggregates, enabling high-throughput processing that eliminates time-consuming manual steps.
3Ease of operation
If cultivation and experimentation locations are separated, then functional specialization is achieved, but loss of time and operational efficiency are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cultivation function and experimentation preparation function into a single integrated device. The aggregation layer, separating layer, and cultivation layer are combined in one system, allowing cell aggregates to be formed, separated, and cultivated without being transferred between different locations, thereby eliminating transfer time and improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cultivation device (10) for cultivating cell cultures, havingat least one aggregation layer (20) with at least one cell input (22) for introducing a cell suspension (ZS) and at least one aggregation input (24) for introducing an aggregating fluid (AF), wherein the cell input (22) and the aggregation input (24) lead into a mixing section (26) of the aggregation layer (20) for mixing the cell suspension (ZS) and the aggregating fluid (AF) in order to form cell aggregates (ZA),further having at least one separating layer (30) with a separating input (32) for introducing the cell aggregates (ZA) from the mixing section (26), at least one separating section (36) for separating an individual cell aggregate (ZA) from the suspension and a separating output (34) for discharging the remaining suspension after the at least one separating section (36),further having at least one cultivation layer (40) with at least one cultivation chamber (46) with a cultivation input (42) for receiving separated individual cell aggregates (ZA) from the at least one separating section (36) and a cultivation output (44) for discharging fluid from the cultivation chamber (46).