Cell Processing System with Enclosure Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) face challenges such as contamination risks due to the handling of blood and inducing factors, which can lead to the release of pathogens like hepatitis virus or HIV, necessitating strict containment within cleanrooms to prevent cross-contamination and exposure.
Innovation Solution
A cell processing system comprising an enclosure with air purification filters, a circulating apparatus for gas circulation, and a cell processing apparatus that includes sterilization and temperature control, allowing for safe handling and processing of cells while maintaining a sterile environment to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cell processing is performed in cleanrooms, then cell processing can be conducted with current technology, but contamination risks increase and personnel safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cell processing function into multiple independent modules (blood processing module, inducing factor processing module, cell culture module, cryopreservation module) that can be operated automatically. Each module is segmented to handle specific tasks, enabling automated processing while maintaining containment and reducing contamination risks associated with manual operations in cleanrooms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the cell processing modules and the operator. This intermediary coordinates the various modules, manages the processing flow, and ensures proper containment and sterilization, thereby enabling automation while managing system complexity through centralized control.
2Reliability
If strict containment is implemented to prevent pathogen release, then personnel and environmental safety improve, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service containment features where the enclosed modules automatically maintain their own sterile environments through integrated air filtration, pressure control, and sterilization systems. The modules self-regulate their internal conditions without requiring constant external monitoring or intervention, thereby maintaining high containment reliability while reducing the time and resources needed for external safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sterilization and contamination prevention measures before cell processing begins. The modules are pre-sterilized, and containment barriers are established in advance, allowing processing to proceed efficiently without repeated interruptions for safety checks. This preliminary action ensures containment reliability while streamlining the overall processing workflow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If single individual iPS cells are prepared to prevent cross-contamination, then contamination control improves, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing of different individuals' cells into separate, isolated modules. Each module can process cells from a single individual without cross-contamination risk, while the modular design allows for parallel processing of multiple individuals simultaneously. This segmentation maintains contamination control while reducing total processing time through concurrent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing by maintaining separate containment environments that allow uninterrupted cell processing. The enclosed modules can operate continuously without requiring breaks for contamination control measures, as the containment barriers remain intact throughout the process. This continuity reduces processing time while preventing cross-contamination between different individuals' cells.
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 system effectively prevents contamination of the surroundings during cell processing, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment by maintaining a sterile and controlled atmosphere for handling sensitive biological materials like iPS cells.
Implementation Method 1
an intake air purification filter provided in the enclosure, that purifies gas that has been drawn in from outside the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a circulating apparatus, inside the outer enclosure, that circulates gas inside and outside the enclosure in such a manner that gas in the outer enclosure is drawn into the enclosure through the intake air purification filter and gas inside the enclosure is discharged into the outer enclosure
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust purification filter that purifies gas that has been drawn in by the exhaust system
Data Source
AI summary
A cell processing system comprising an enclosure 601, an outer enclosure 701 that envelops the enclosure 601, an intake air purification filter 602 provided in the enclosure 601, that purifies gas that has been drawn in from outside the enclosure 601, a circulating apparatus, inside the outer enclosure 701, that circulates gas inside and outside the enclosure 601 in such a manner that gas in the outer enclosure 701 is drawn into the enclosure 601 through the intake air purification filter 602 and gas inside the enclosure 601 is discharged into the outer enclosure 701, and a cell processing apparatus for processing of cells, disposed inside the enclosure 601.