Cell Delivery Device Using Pulsed Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering bio-materials or medicines into cells, such as gene guns, face issues with noise, cell damage, high costs, and inefficiencies due to turbulent flows and nozzle design, leading to poor stability and success rates.
Innovation Solution
A transportation device utilizing fluid mechanics principles, comprising an input module, transmission module, and output module with a specific nozzle design and guiding unit, which atomizes materials and applies pressure to generate high-speed fluids for efficient delivery, allowing phase changes and improved targeting of cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-pressure stream is used to generate seismic waves for accelerating particles, then the particles can enter cells, but the device becomes too noisy and seismic waves kill target cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-pressure stream mechanical system that generates seismic waves with an electric field system for particle acceleration. Instead of using mechanical pressure waves to propel particles, the invention uses electroporation technology where electric fields directly accelerate particles into cells, eliminating the harmful seismic waves while maintaining particle delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric field as an intermediary mechanism between the particle delivery system and the cells. Rather than directly using mechanical pressure to accelerate particles, the electric field serves as a mediator that provides controlled acceleration through electroporation, reducing direct mechanical trauma to cells
2Productivity
If low-pressure vapor acceleration is used to carry liquid with DNA, then the bottleneck is overcome, but the liquid forms turbulent flow and collides with the wall, condensing on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electric fields instead of continuous low-pressure vapor acceleration. The pulsed nature of the electric field creates controlled, periodic particle acceleration that prevents continuous turbulent flow and wall condensation, while still achieving effective material delivery through repeated controlled pulses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental acceleration parameter from low-pressure gas flow to electric field strength. By controlling electric field parameters (voltage, pulse duration, frequency) rather than gas pressure, the system achieves stable particle delivery without the turbulent flow and condensation issues inherent in gas-phase acceleration
3Reliability
If gene gun with high-speed shooting is used to carry vectors into cells, then gene transferring is achieved, but the device is expensive and consumes large amounts of expensive helium and vectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive gold particle carriers with disposable, biodegradable alternative carriers that are significantly cheaper. These alternative carriers perform the same function of delivering genetic material into cells but can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need to recover and reuse expensive gold particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the carrier material properties from heavy metal particles to lighter, biodegradable alternatives. This parameter change reduces the cost per carrier while maintaining delivery effectiveness, and the biodegradable nature allows for simpler disposal without environmental or safety concerns
4Reliability
If electroporation is used to deliver bio-materials into cells, then delivery is achieved, but the method is difficult to operate and has poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional electroporation device that combines particle acceleration, electric field application, and material delivery in a single integrated system. This universal device performs multiple functions that were previously required from separate systems, simplifying operation while maintaining high delivery success rates through coordinated multi-functionality
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
Enhances the delivery of biological materials by reducing cell damage, improving safety and reliability, and allowing precise control over dosage, while minimizing the need for expensive carriers and reducing operational difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission module is coupled to the input module for receiving the carrier fluid in order to disperse/atomize the material
Implementation Method 2
With applying a certain pressure (e.g. 10 kg/cm2) in the output module, a very high-speed fluid can be generated
Implementation Method 3
the mixed two-phase samples can be accelerated to high speed and have instantaneous phase change (liquid to solid phase change, which includes ice crystals, ice needles, and the likes). After the solid material is transferred to the second opening, at least a part of the solid material has phase change from solid phase to liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation device, physically transporting material to a target, includes an input module, a transporting module and an output module. The input module provides a carrier fluid. The transporting module is coupled to the input module for receiving the carrier fluid in order to disperse/atomize the material. The material enters the input module through a first opening and reaches the target Through a second opening. The input module further includes a guiding unit having a length longer than or equal to the distance between the throat portion and the second opening. One end of the guiding unit connects the transporting module. The other end of the guiding unit has a guiding comer for connecting to the first opening.