Semi-permeable Membrane Device for Convective Cell Transduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transducing cells with viral particles are inefficient due to reliance on random Brownian diffusion, leading to high viral particle decay before interaction with cells, and lack of effective utilization of expensive viral particles.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing convective transport to direct cells and viral particles onto a semi-permeable membrane, concentrating them for increased interaction probability, with a semi-permeable membrane allowing fluid passage while preventing cell and particle passage, and a substrate material for structural support and even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static methods relying on Brownian diffusion are used for transduction, then the process is simple to operate, but the transduction efficiency is low due to random diffusion and viral particle decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane with specific pore sizes to physically concentrate viral particles and cells in close proximity, forcing interactions that would otherwise rely on random Brownian diffusion. The porous structure creates a confined space where viral particles cannot diffuse away, significantly increasing transduction efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane acts as an intermediary structure that mediates the interaction between viral particles and cells. By providing a physical platform that brings these two components into close contact, the membrane facilitates efficient transduction without requiring complex active transport mechanisms or high viral particle concentrations.
2Productivity
If convective transport is used to concentrate cells and viral particles on a semi-permeable membrane, then the probability of interaction increases and transduction time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic flow through the porous membrane to achieve convective transport of cells and viral particles. By applying pressure differential across the membrane, cells and viral particles are forced through the porous structure and concentrated on the opposite side, enabling rapid transduction without requiring complex mechanical pumping or active transport systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the transduction process by controlling flow rate, pressure differential, and membrane pore size. These parameter adjustments enable optimization of transduction efficiency and time while keeping the device structure relatively simple. The substrate material parameters are also tuned to balance structural support with hydraulic resistance.
3Reliability
If a semi-permeable membrane with small pore size is used to prevent cell passage, then cell retention is improved, but fluid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane with optimized pore size distribution that allows small viral particles to pass through while retaining larger cells. The porous structure provides sufficient open area to maintain acceptable fluid flow rates while achieving effective cell retention. The substrate material further supports the membrane while contributing minimal hydraulic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the semi-permeable membrane with a supportive substrate material. The membrane provides the selective barrier function for cell retention, while the substrate provides mechanical strength and additional flow pathways that reduce overall hydraulic resistance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of cell retention and acceptable fluid flow.
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
Enhances the probability of viral particle-cell interaction, reduces transduction time, and increases the efficiency of viral particle use, achieving higher transduction efficiency and cell viability compared to static methods.
Implementation Method 1
The semi-permeable membrane may have a plurality of pores dimensioned to allow passage of a fluid and prevent passage of the cells and the particles
Implementation Method 2
A device and method utilizing convective transport to direct cells and viral particles onto a semi-permeable membrane, concentrating them for increased interaction probability
Implementation Method 3
a substrate material constructed and arranged to give structural support to the semi-permeable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treatment of cells with particles is disclosed. The device includes a semi-permeable membrane positioned between two plates, the first plate defining a first flow chamber and comprising a port, a flow channel, a transverse port, and a transverse flow channel, the first flow chamber constructed and arranged to deliver fluid in a transverse direction along the first side of the semi-permeable membrane, the second plate defining a second flow chamber and comprising a port. A method for transducing cells is disclosed. The method includes introducing a fluid with cells and viral particles into a flow chamber adjacent a semi-permeable membrane such that the cells and the viral particles are substantially evenly distributed on the semi-permeable membrane. The method also includes introducing a recovery fluid to suspend the cells and the viral particles, and separating the cells from the viral particles. A method of activating cells is disclosed.