Automated Cell Processing Reagent Cartridge with Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for genome editing with engineered nucleases are not compatible with automation, facing challenges with liquid handling, cell transformation, growth measurement, cell selection, and integrating multiple editing rounds, which limits the complexity and nature of cell populations that can be created.
Innovation Solution
The development of a reagent cartridge configured for automated multi-module cell processing instruments, including a thermal block, electroporation device, and a script for processor control, enabling automated dispensing and electroporation of samples and reagents, along with modules for cell growth, concentration, and editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional benchtop devices are used for genome editing, then manual operation flexibility is maintained, but automation compatibility and processing efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules (electroporation module, liquid handling module, growth measurement module, cell selection module) that can be independently developed and then integrated through standardized interfaces, reducing overall integration complexity while enabling automation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated instrument is designed with multi-functional modules that can perform multiple operations (electroporation, liquid handling, growth measurement, cell selection) within a single integrated system, improving automation capability while managing complexity through functional consolidation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple editing rounds are performed manually, then complex cell populations can be created, but processing time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated instrument enables continuous processing through recursive editing rounds, where cells that survive one editing round are automatically subjected to subsequent editing rounds without manual intervention, maintaining high editing complexity while reducing processing time through uninterrupted operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through automated growth measurement and cell selection modules that continuously assess cell states and adjust processing parameters, enabling complex multi-round editing to proceed autonomously without increasing operational complexity
3Productivity
If manual liquid handling and cell transformation are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but processing efficiency and reproducibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations (liquid handling, cell transformation) are replaced with automated robotic systems controlled by computer algorithms, dramatically improving processing efficiency and reproducibility while the modular design maintains operational simplicity through standardized protocols and user-friendly interfaces
4Extent of automation
If traditional methods are used for growth measurement and cell selection, then manual control is possible, but automation integration and throughput are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback loops where growth measurement modules continuously monitor cell growth and provide real-time data to control systems, which automatically adjust cell selection criteria and processing parameters, achieving both high automation and precise measurement through closed-loop control
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 solution enables efficient and automated nucleic acid-directed nuclease editing of live cells, allowing for controlled and reproducible processing of various cell types, including bacterial, mammalian, and yeast cells, facilitating complex cell population creation without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal block with block reservoirs defined therein
Implementation Method 2
an electroporation device, as well as sample receptacles, reagent receptacles, waste receptacles and the like, and a script for controlling a processor to dispense samples and reagents contained in the receptacles, and to porate cells in the electroporation device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment. The reagent cartridges may include an electroporation device, as well as sample receptacles, reagent receptacles, waste receptacles and the like, and a script for controlling a processor to dispense samples and reagents contained in the receptacles, and to porate cells in the electroporation device. Also described are kits including the cartridges, automated multi-module cell processing instruments including the reagent cartridges and methods of using the reagent cartridges.