Automated Cell Dissociation via Imaging Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell dissociation methods are time-consuming and prone to human error, as they rely on manual monitoring to determine when cells have detached from a culture vessel, which can lead to cell damage or death due to prolonged exposure to dissociation agents.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system and controller are used to capture a sequence of images of cells during dissociation, extracting image features to determine when the dissociation agent should be neutralized, reducing human intervention and improving cell viability by providing an objective assessment of cell detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring is used to determine cell detachment, then human judgment can assess cell state, but time consumption increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with an automated imaging system that captures images of cells in the culture vessel. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically detect cell detachment by analyzing morphological changes, thereby substituting human mechanical observation with an automated optical detection system that operates continuously without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors cell morphology and provides real-time data to the controller. When the image analysis detects that cells have detached from the surface, the system automatically triggers neutralization of the dissociation agent, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates manual intervention delays.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring is used to determine cell detachment, then human judgment can assess cell state, but human error leads to cell damage or death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring with an automated imaging and image processing system that objectively detects cell detachment. This substitution eliminates human error in assessing cell state, as the automated system consistently applies the same detection algorithms without fatigue or subjective judgment variations, thereby improving cell viability through more reliable timing of dissociation agent neutralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to monitor and determine cell detachment autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The imaging system automatically captures images, the processing algorithm independently analyzes cell morphology changes, and the controller self-triggered neutralization based on detected detachment, creating a self-monitoring system that improves reliability while simplifying operational burden.
3Reliability
If automated imaging analysis is used, then human error is reduced and cell viability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: the imaging system serves both as a monitoring device and a detection device, the image processing algorithm performs both analysis and decision-making, and the controller executes both neutralization timing and mechanical removal triggering. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex components into an integrated system that improves reliability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual monitoring procedures with a streamlined automated imaging and image processing system. By substituting human visual assessment with algorithm-based image analysis, the system achieves higher reliability through consistent objective measurement while actually reducing operational complexity, as the automated system requires less training and maintains more consistent performance than manual methods.
4Productivity
If prolonged exposure to dissociation agents occurs, then complete cell detachment is achieved, but cell damage or death increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through continuous imaging and image processing that monitors cell detachment progress. When the system detects that cells have achieved sufficient detachment from the vessel surface, it immediately triggers neutralization of the dissociation agent. This feedback mechanism prevents prolonged exposure by dynamically adjusting the treatment duration based on actual cell state, thereby achieving complete detachment while minimizing cell damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary image analysis to detect early signs of cell detachment before complete separation occurs. By identifying morphological changes that precede full detachment, the system can trigger neutralization at the optimal moment, ensuring complete cell release while avoiding excessive exposure time that would cause cell damage. The preliminary detection capability allows precise timing of the neutralization action.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dissociating cells from a cell culture vessel. The system comprises an imaging system configured to image a plurality of cells in a cell culture vessel being dissociated from at least one surface of the cell culture vessel by at least one cell dissociation agent; and at least one controller coupled to the imaging system and configured to: control the imaging system to capture a sequence of images of at least some cells in the plurality of cells during dissociation; and identify when to neutralize the at least one cell dissociation agent using the sequence of images.