Cell Fusion via Controlled Pressure and PEG Microinjection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell fusion methods, such as the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method, suffer from high cytotoxicity, require complex operations, and result in variable outcomes due to operator technique, limiting the efficiency and stability of cell fusion processes.
Innovation Solution
A cell fusion method involving pressurization of a solution containing multiple cells and a chemical cell fusion agent, where the pressure is maintained at 1.75 MPa or greater and 30.74 MPa or less for 2.0 milliseconds or less, using a pressurization apparatus to enhance cell fusion rates and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If polyethylene glycol (PEG) method is used for cell fusion, then cell fusion rate is improved, but cytotoxicity increases and cell survival rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the cell fusion agent by using a microinjection device to inject PEG directly into cells at controlled rates and pressures, transforming the conventional bulk addition method into a precise parameter-controlled process that reduces cytotoxicity while maintaining fusion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing and incubation procedures with an automated microinjection system that uses controlled pressure and flow rate to deliver PEG, substituting operator-dependent mechanical operations with a precise mechanical injection system that improves reproducibility and reduces harmful effects
2Productivity
If PEG method is used for cell fusion, then cell fusion rate is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing cells to autonomously take up PEG through the microinjection process without requiring complex manual mixing or incubation procedures, where the microinjection device automatically controls PEG delivery based on pre-set parameters, reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If PEG method is used for cell fusion, then cell fusion rate is improved, but result variability increases due to operator technique
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microinjection device monitors and adjusts PEG delivery based on real-time pressure and flow rate measurements, ensuring consistent PEG incorporation across all cells and eliminating operator technique variability that affects result stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces operator-dependent manual mixing and handling with an automated microinjection system that uses precise mechanical control of pressure and flow rate, substituting human technique variability with consistent mechanical parameters that improve result reliability
4Device complexity
If conventional cell fusion methods are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but cell survival rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional bulk PEG treatment with a targeted microinjection mechanism that delivers PEG directly to individual cells under controlled conditions, substituting a complex multi-step chemical treatment protocol with a simpler, more direct mechanical injection process that improves cell survival
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
This method achieves a high cell fusion rate with reduced operator variability and improved cell survival rates, providing a more stable and efficient process compared to existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing, by a pressurization portion, a solution containing multiple cells of one or more types and at least one type of chemical cell fusion agent
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is at least to provide a cell fusion method having a high cell fusion rate. The object is solved by a cell fusion method including pressurizing, by a pressurization portion, a solution containing multiple cells of one or more types and at least one type of chemical cell fusion agent, the solution contained in a container portion.