Centrifuge Insert and Cannula for Nucleated Cell Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to consistently capture high percentages of nucleated cells while efficiently volume reducing the fluid in which they are suspended, often resulting in low yields and concentrations during the separation of components from physiological fluids like bone marrow or cord blood.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuge system with a specially designed insert that allows natural sedimentation and has a funnel-shaped upper portion and through holes, enabling the free flow of fluid and precise extraction of target cells, combined with a cannula assembly for controlled withdrawal of fluid components, ensuring high yield and concentration of nucleated cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a floating insert or buoy is used to create an interface between separated fluid components, then the device can separate different density components, but it fails to consistently capture high percentages of nucleated cells while efficiently volume reducing the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target component (nucleated cells) by using a cannula to withdraw only the specific layer containing nucleated cells from the separated fluid components. The cannula is positioned to access the interface layer where nucleated cells concentrate, allowing selective extraction of this valuable component while leaving other fluid components in the separation chamber, thereby achieving both high cell capture and efficient volume reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific density interface layer at a particular location in the separation chamber where nucleated cells concentrate. The cannula is precisely positioned to access this specific local region (the interface between plasma and red blood cells), allowing selective withdrawal of the cell-rich layer while maintaining separation of other components. This localized access enables high yield extraction without requiring complete processing of the entire fluid volume.
2Quantity of substance
If the insert spans the space between plasma and red cells to create an interface, then separation of components is achieved, but the device cannot simultaneously obtain high yield and high final concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the cannula inserted in the separation chamber and continuously withdrawing the nucleated cell layer as it forms at the interface. The system maintains the separation process and extraction process simultaneously, allowing the nucleated cells to be continuously concentrated into the cannula as they are separated, thereby achieving both high yield and high final concentration through continuous rather than batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density parameter of the fluid components through centrifugal force, causing nucleated cells to concentrate at a specific density interface. By controlling the centrifugation parameters and the density of the insert, the system creates an optimal concentration zone where nucleated cells accumulate. The cannula then withdraws this concentrated layer, achieving high final concentration while maintaining high yield through parameter optimization.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple cannulae are used to extract different fluid components, then complete separation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cannula assembly universal and multi-functional by designing a single cannula system that can perform multiple extraction functions. The cannula can be positioned to extract different fluid components (plasma, nucleated cells, red blood cells) by adjusting its depth and orientation, rather than requiring separate dedicated cannulae for each component. This multi-functional design achieves complete separation capability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the cannula positionable and adjustable within the separation chamber. Rather than fixed multiple cannulae, a single dynamic cannula can be moved to different positions and angles to access various fluid layers. This dynamic positioning capability allows one cannula to replace multiple static cannulae, achieving complete component separation while reducing overall device 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 system effectively separates and concentrates nucleated cells by allowing natural layering of fluid components and using a cannula to isolate target cells, improving both yield and concentration efficiency compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
After centrifugation, the least dense fluid 2000 will be above the insert 1300. The insert can be made of a material of a certain density such that after centrifugation of blood, including blood from marrow, the insert spans the space between the least dense plasma 2000 and the dense red cells 2004, with the intermediate dense material 2002, e.g., nucleated cells, residing in the upper funnel-shaped portion 1304 of the insert.
Implementation Method 2
The insert can be made of a material of a certain density such that after centrifugation of blood, including blood from marrow, the insert spans the space between the least dense plasma 2000 and the dense red cells 2004
Implementation Method 3
A cannula assembly 1500 with a closed end 1502 is inserted through the injection port 1714. The closed end 1502 of the cannula assembly butts against the insert and closes the through hole 1308 of the insert. The closed end of the cannula assembly 1500 and the insert can form a seal, thus isolating denser fluid component or components beneath the seal from fluid components above the seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container. The system includes a manifold that includes a manifold port, a vent to vent the container, and a connector to couple to the container port. A cannula is receivable in the manifold port and extendable through the container port into the container and into the lumen of the insert to withdraw the selected component from the lumen.