Cell Manipulation Solution Using Thickeners for Vitrification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell preservation solutions for vitrification lack manipulability and efficiency in cryopreservation and thawing processes, leading to increased workload and longer processing times.
Innovation Solution
A cell manipulation solution containing a thickener such as xanthan gum, carrageenan, or locust bean gum, combined with cell membrane-permeable and -impermeable cryoprotectants, is used in a multi-step process involving wells with varying viscosities to improve cell handling and processing times during cryopreservation and thawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional preservation solutions without thickeners are used, then the solution has low viscosity and easy flow, but cell manipulability deteriorates and cells settle too quickly causing handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the preservation solution by adding thickeners (xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, or their combinations) at specific concentrations (0.01-0.50% by mass). This parameter change slows down cell settling speed from too rapid (conventional) to a controlled rate that allows sufficient manipulation time while ensuring complete settling within 30 minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite thickening systems combining different types of gums (xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum) to achieve optimal viscosity characteristics. These composite materials provide synergistic effects that improve cell manipulability while maintaining controlled settling rates, addressing both ease of operation and time loss concerns.
2Ease of operation
If thicker solutions are used to slow cell settling, then manipulability improves, but the solution becomes too viscous for efficient handling and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter within a specific range (achieved through 0.01-0.50% thickener concentration) that balances manipulability and processing efficiency. This controlled parameter change ensures the solution is thick enough to slow settling and improve handling but not so thick as to impede efficient cell processing and transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial thickening rather than excessive thickening, using moderate concentrations of thickeners (0.01-0.50%) that provide sufficient viscosity improvement for manipulability without over-thickening the solution. This partial action maintains processing efficiency while achieving the desired ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple thickening agents are combined to optimize viscosity, then cell handling improves, but the solution composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials (combinations of xanthan gum, carrageenan, and/or locust bean gum) to achieve optimal viscosity characteristics. These naturally occurring polysaccharides are biocompatible and work synergistically to provide the desired thickening effect with relatively simple composition compared to synthetic alternatives, improving cell handling while maintaining manageable solution complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thickening agents or combinations in specific formulations tailored to particular cell types or preservation requirements. This local quality approach allows optimization of viscosity for specific applications without unnecessarily complicating all formulations, maintaining ease of operation with controlled complexity.
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
The solution enhances manipulability and reduces the workload by adjusting sedimentation and floating rates of cells, allowing for faster and safer vitrification and thawing processes compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the thickener has a concentration of from 0.01% by mass to 0.50% by mass and a viscosity of from 1.5 mPa·s to 100 mPa·s
Implementation Method 2
at least one selected from cell membrane-permeable cryoprotectants of dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and butanediol; and at least one selected from cell membrane-impermeable cryoprotectants of trehalose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and polyethylene glycol
Implementation Method 3
a method including: enclosing and bonding eggs, embryos, or the like to a vial or a straw with a vitrification solution; sealing a cryopreservation container; and then rapidly cooling the cryopreservation container by bringing the cryopreservation container into contact with liquid nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cell manipulation solution which improves manipulability of a cell, and a cell cryopreservation method and a cell thawing method using this cell manipulation solution. This cell manipulation solution is for use in vitrification of a cell or thawing of a cell subjected to vitrification and comprises a thickener, wherein the thickener contains at least one selected from xanthan gum, carrageenan, gellan gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, and diutan gum. The manipulability of a cell in vitrification of a cell or thawing of a cell subjected to vitrification is improved by using this cell manipulation solution.