Integrated Cell Processing Cartridge for Elutriation and Spinoculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell processing technologies require separate components and significant space for performing elutriation and spinoculation, leading to workflow complexities and inefficiencies, particularly at high volumes, and often involve substantial supplementary fluid use with waste generation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cartridge system with shared rotor and selector valves for both elutriation and spinoculation modules, allowing simultaneous performance of these processes within a single cartridge, reducing the need for multiple components and space, and enabling automated, parallel processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for elutriation and spinoculation, then each process can be performed independently, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elutriation and spinoculation processes into a single integrated cartridge with shared components. The rotor, housing, and magnetic hub are common to both processes, while selector valves enable independent operation of each process. This merging reduces device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the ability to perform both processes independently through the selector valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cartridge design makes the rotor and housing universal components that serve both elutriation and spinoculation functions. The magnetic hub provides universal magnetic actuation for both processes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment for each cell processing operation.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for elutriation and spinoculation, then each process has dedicated resources, but the space requirements and housing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elutriation and spinoculation sub-modules are nested within the same cartridge housing, sharing common structural elements. The selector valves are integrated into the fluid pathway system, allowing one process to be activated while the other remains dormant within the same physical space. This nesting arrangement maintains process dedication through selective activation while dramatically reducing the total housing space required compared to separate dedicated systems.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate systems are used, then workflow flexibility is maintained, but processing efficiency at high volumes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The selector valves provide dynamic switching capability between elutriation and spinoculation modes within the same cartridge. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different processing requirements and volumes. For high-volume processing, multiple cartridges can be processed in parallel through automated cartridge changeover, while maintaining workflow flexibility through the ability to select different process modes as needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional separate systems are used, then process specificity is maintained, but automation and parallel processing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into distinct elutriation and spinoculation sub-modules, each with its own chamber and fluid pathway. The selector valves provide discrete control over which sub-module is active. This segmentation maintains process specificity by providing dedicated chambers and pathways for each process, while enabling automation through standardized cartridge interfaces that can be rapidly exchanged and controlled by automated systems.
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 integrated system simplifies workflow, reduces space requirements, and enhances processing efficiency by automating multiple steps, minimizing waste, and optimizing fluid use.
Implementation Method 1
The elutriation process can include, for example, a counterflow centrifugal elutriation. This elutriation process is typically performed by rotating a fluid container containing the cells at a high rate.
Implementation Method 2
Spinoculation on the other hand, binds together cells of different types, such as cells and viral vectors, though the process also requires rotating a fluid container containing the cells at a high rate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for spinoculation and counterflow centrifugal elutriation. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a cartridge in an automated system, comprising a liquid transfer bus, a module fluidically coupled to the liquid transfer bus, the module comprising two sub-modules, each configured to perform separate cell processing steps, and at least one selector valve configured to direct fluid to at least one of the sub-modules.