Automated Cell Processing System with Integrated Quantification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tissue processing methods for stem cell extraction are cumbersome, time-consuming, and result in low cell viability, often requiring external measurements and interrupting sterile processes.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for tissue-derived cell processing that includes a cell quantifying component for measuring cell quantity and quality using impedance, optical, and fluidic methods, integrated with a centrifuge and enzyme management system to optimize processing parameters based on real-time data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual centrifugation and external measurement methods are used, then processing flexibility is maintained, but processing time increases and cell viability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcell viability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the cell quantifying component directly into the centrifuge system, merging measurement and processing functions into a single automated unit. This eliminates the need for external measurements and manual handling, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining cell viability through continuous automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment of processing parameters. The cell quantifying component automatically measures cell concentration and quality, and the control unit adjusts centrifugation parameters accordingly without external intervention, enabling rapid processing while preserving cell viability through optimized parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automated processing is implemented, then processing time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cell quantifying component serves multiple functions: it measures cell concentration, assesses cell quality, and provides data for parameter optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while enabling automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the cell quantifying component continuously monitors cell parameters and the control unit adjusts processing parameters in real-time. This automated feedback mechanism enables rapid processing without requiring complex manual intervention systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If external measurements are performed, then processing flexibility is maintained, but sterile process integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterile process integrityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the cell quantifying component within the closed centrifuge system, the patent eliminates the need to open the sterile environment for measurements. The measurement and processing functions are combined in a way that maintains sterile integrity while providing automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs all measurements and adjustments internally without external intervention. The cell quantifying component and control unit work together to automatically monitor and optimize processing while maintaining the closed sterile environment, thereby preserving sterile integrity with simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient, sterile, and high-quality stem cell processing by reducing mechanical damage, improving cell viability, and eliminating the need for external measurements, allowing for optimized processing parameters and enhanced clinical application.

Implementation Method 1

The cell quantifying component (13a, 23a) for quantifying the volume flow in the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance measurement: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

The cell quantifying component (13a, 23a) for quantifying the volume flow in the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 3

The centrifuge component (26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 4

an enzyme component configured to input at least one enzyme in the AMFAT component (11) via the enzyme inlet (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic digestion: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS20230167398A1System and method for automated cell processing
Publication Date: 2023.06.01 CELLUNITE GMBH
  • US20230167398A1 patent drawing
  • US20230167398A1 patent drawing
  • US20230167398A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a system, method, use, and diagnostic kit for cell processing. The invention discloses a cell-quantifying component configured for quantifying the cells in the derived tissue. The cell quantifying component can be configured for quantifying the volume flow in the system. Based on the cell-relevant data generated by at least cell quantification, the operational parameters for cell processing are determined.