Connected Culture Vessel Segmentation for Independent Environment Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional culture devices are inadequate for individually setting cell culture environments and identifying secretor factors like cytokines and exosomes, as they lack the ability to separate wells for independent filtration and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A culture vessel system comprising two connected vessels made of transparent thermoplastic material, with a connecting mechanism allowing for watertight communication, a filter for fractionating secretory substances, and separate rooms for independent environment control and observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cell species are cultured in different wells on a common vessel body, then cell interaction can be observed through shared liquid medium, but individual culture environments cannot be set for each cell species
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the culture system into separate first and second vessels, each capable of independent environment control. This segmentation allows each vessel to maintain distinct culture conditions while still enabling cell interaction through controlled connection, resolving the contradiction between individual environment control and interaction observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional well plate structure to a three-dimensional connected vessel system. By stacking vessels vertically and connecting them through side openings, the system achieves independent environment control in each vessel while maintaining liquid medium communication, thus enabling both individual environment setting and cell interaction observation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cell species are cultured in different wells on a common vessel body, then cell interaction can be observed, but secretor factors cannot be identified due to inability to separate wells for filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The separate first and second vessels can be independently connected or disconnected. When connected, cells interact through shared medium; when disconnected, each vessel can be independently filtered to identify secretor factors. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between observing cell interactions and identifying secretor factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between vessels is made dynamic rather than fixed. The vessels can be connected to observe cell interactions or disconnected to perform separate filtration operations for secretor factor identification. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different experimental needs, resolving the contradiction between interaction observation and factor identification.
3Reliability
If vessels are connected to allow liquid medium communication, then cell interaction can be observed, but watertight connection is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting mechanisms are pre-formed on the vessels during manufacturing. The first and second vessels are equipped with integrated connecting structures that align and seal when brought together, ensuring watertight connection without requiring complex assembly procedures. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction between reliable watertight connection and ease of manufacture.
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 independent culture of cells in different environments, facilitates observation of cell interactions, and allows for the identification and analysis of secretor factors through the use of a filter, enhancing the study of cell interactions and secretory processes.
Implementation Method 1
a filter for fractionating secretory substances from the cell culture medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a culture vessel which can be broadly applied to culture, regeneration, manufacture, observation and the like of targets such as cells, organs, and microorganisms. In the culture vessel of the present invention, a first vessel 10 and a second vessel 20 each being a closed-bottom, open-top vessel are provided. In the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20, a sideways-facing opening 12 and a sideways-facing opening 22 are formed. The opening 12 and the opening 22 communicate in a watertight manner when the openings 12, 22 are connected face to face.