Closed Cell Processing Cartridge for Automated iPS Reagent Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) require manual operation in biosafety cabinets, lacking automation and efficiency in cell processing.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system with a double-structured container and integrated components for automated cell processing, including a closed flow path, reagent channels, and automated opening/closing mechanisms, ensuring aseptic conditions and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation in biosafety cabinets is used for producing iPS cells, then operators can perform cell processing, but automation and efficiency are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system is designed to perform cell processing operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The sealed cartridge contains all necessary components (culture vessels, reagent reservoirs, channels) that work together automatically to culture cells, replace media, and harvest products, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating dependence on operator skills and availability
Solution Approach 2:
The cell processing system is divided into separate functional modules: a sealed cartridge containing culture vessels and reagent reservoirs, a media storage unit, and a control system. This segmentation allows the cartridge to operate as an independent automated unit while maintaining sterility, thereby improving both automation extent and processing efficiency simultaneously
2Reliability
If manual cell processing is performed, then flexibility in organizing processes is allowed, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The culture process is extracted from the open biosafety cabinet environment and transferred into a sealed cartridge system that maintains a closed, sterile environment. By taking the cell culture operations out of the manual handling zone and enclosing them in a hermetically sealed cartridge with integrated reagent reservoirs, the system eliminates exposure to external contamination sources while preserving process flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed cartridge acts as an intermediary between the sterile cell culture environment and the non-sterile external environment. All media additions and reagent introductions occur through sealed connections and automated mechanisms within the cartridge, preventing direct exposure to contaminants while maintaining the ability to perform various cell processing operations
3Ease of operation
If reagent containers are connected to channels in a cartridge, then automated processing is enabled, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent reservoirs are merged with the cartridge body through integrated sealed connections, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. The channels are pre-formed within the cartridge structure, and reagent delivery is achieved through automated pumping systems that connect to pre-positioned ports, simplifying the overall integration process while maintaining automated processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design incorporates universal connection interfaces and standardized channel configurations that can accommodate multiple types of reagent containers and perform various cell processing operations. This multi-functionality reduces connection complexity by using consistent interfaces across different operations while enabling automated processing of different cell types and protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge according to the embodiment is a cartridge in which performs processing of a cell is performed and includes a channel through which a reagent used in the processing flows, a connection configured to connect a reagent container containing the reagent to the channel, and an opening/closing portion for connecting the reagent container to the connection and placing the reagent container in the cartridge.