Deviated-Opening Filtration Membrane for Cell Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing membrane separation methods for cell suspensions face challenges in effectively separating cell aggregations from single cells and debris, as they often result in clogging, damage to cells, and inefficient discharge of debris due to the size limitations of filtration membranes.

Innovation Solution

A membrane separation method using a filtration membrane with inlet and outlet openings positioned deviatedly and nonlinearly, allowing for the separation of cell aggregations from single cells and debris by controlling the diameter of the openings and pressure applied, while preventing clogging and cell damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the opening diameter of the filtration membrane is increased to prevent clogging, then the discharge of debris is improved, but cells to be collected permeate through the filtration membrane together with the debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge efficiency of debrisVSAvoidseparation precision of cells from debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration membrane is divided into multiple regions with different opening diameters. A first region has larger opening diameters for efficient debris discharge, while a second region has smaller opening diameters for precise cell separation. This segmentation allows the membrane to simultaneously achieve both high debris discharge efficiency and accurate cell-debris separation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the opening diameter of the filtration membrane is decreased to improve cell separation, then the separation precision is improved, but clogging occurs and debris cannot be appropriately discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation precision of cells from debrisVSAvoiddischarge efficiency of debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the filtration membrane is used to remove single cells and debris, then the purity of cell aggregations is improved, but clogging occurs and single cells cannot be appropriately discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of cell aggregationsVSAvoiddischarge efficiency of single cells

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration membrane is divided into multiple regions with different opening diameters. A first region has larger opening diameters for efficient discharge of single cells and debris, while a second region has smaller opening diameters for precise cell aggregation separation. This segmentation allows the membrane to simultaneously achieve both high purity of cell aggregations and efficient discharge of single cells without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method enables efficient separation of cell aggregations from single cells and debris, reducing cell damage and clogging, and ensuring effective discharge of debris, improving the overall membrane separation process in cell culture devices.

Implementation Method 1

membrane separation processing of a cell suspension using a filtration membrane which includes an inlet-side opening formed on a first surface and an outlet-side opening, which is formed on a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface and communicates with the inlet-side opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11492578B2Membrane separation method of cell suspension, and cell culture device

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a membrane separation method of a cell suspension which can appropriately separate cells from debris, and a cell culture device. That is, membrane separation processing of the cell suspension is performed using a filtration membrane which includes an inlet-side opening formed on one surface and an outlet-side opening, which is formed on the other surface and communicates with the inlet-side opening, and in which the inlet-side opening and the outlet-side opening are disposed at positions deviated in a direction parallel to the surfaces of the membrane.