Automated Cell Isolation Valve Array for Aseptic Tissue Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cell isolation procedures are time-consuming and prone to human error, requiring manual operations that are costly and difficult to standardize, especially for different types of tissues, and there is a need for a device that minimizes human intervention and ensures aseptic conditions for reliable cell isolation.
Innovation Solution
An automatically operable cell isolation device with a liquid distribution unit, biopsy kit, main disposable unit, and valve array, along with electronic components and a method for performing cell isolation procedures, minimizing human intervention and ensuring aseptic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cell isolation procedures are used, then flexibility in handling different tissue types is maintained, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a universal valve array that can be configured to handle multiple tissue types through software-controlled protocol selection, eliminating the need for separate devices for each tissue type while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronic copies of procedural protocols that can be selected and executed automatically, replacing manual procedural variations with digital protocol templates that ensure consistency across different tissue isolation procedures
2Reliability
If a cell isolation device specific for each tissue type is created, then isolation reliability is improved, but economic feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single device with a configurable valve array and protocol system replaces multiple tissue-specific devices, achieving cost reduction while maintaining reliability through standardized, validated protocols for different tissue types
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves tissue-specific optimization through software parameter adjustments and protocol configuration rather than hardware redesign, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different tissue requirements through controlled parameter changes
3Reliability
If manual operations are used for cell isolation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but contamination risk and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-control through integrated sensors and automated valve control, maintaining aseptic conditions without requiring continuous manual intervention while ensuring consistent protocol execution
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated electronic control systems that precisely manage fluid flow, timing, and protocol execution, reducing human error and contamination risk while maintaining procedural accuracy
4Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable units are used for each patient, then cross-contamination is restricted, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cell isolation process into modular, disposable units that can be independently discarded after each patient, physically separating contamination risks while maintaining a reusable core device structure
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable units are used for single-patient procedures to eliminate cross-contamination, with the assumption that the low cost of these single-use components is offset by the elimination of cleaning, qualification, and contamination prevention measures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically isolating viable cells from connective, epithelial or other tissue, and, if the tissue is multilayered, for automatically separating one tissue layer from another.