Dielectric-Support Levitation for Post-Thaw Cell Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cryopreservation of biological cells and cell aggregates are inadequate in characterizing and separating cells post-thawing, leading to stress and damage due to uncontrolled nucleation, osmotic changes, and non-physiological effects of cryoprotectants, with limited survival rates and insufficient quality criteria.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing dielectric support bodies with adjustable dielectrophoretic forces to levitate cells in a controlled electric field, shifting DEP spectra by altering frequencies and dielectric properties of microelements to differentiate viable and damaged cells based on their viability and membrane properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryopreservation is performed with non-physiological cryoprotectants, then cell survival rate is improved, but cell membrane permeability increases and cytoplasmic components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing frequency-dependent dielectrophoretic forces to selectively manipulate cells based on their membrane integrity and cytoplasmic properties. By adjusting the frequency of the electric field, the system can differentiate between viable and damaged cells without requiring chemical treatments that compromise cell integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical separation methods with an electrical field-based system. Instead of using physical filtration or chemical staining to assess cell viability, the invention uses dielectrophoresis to automatically separate and characterize cells based on their electrical properties, which change according to their physiological state after cryopreservation.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative characterization methods are developed, then cell quality assessment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional device that combines cell characterization, separation, and sorting capabilities in a single system. The dielectrophoretic field can operate at different frequencies to perform multiple functions: characterizing membrane integrity, separating viable from non-viable cells, and potentially sorting by cell type, all without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses frequency as a controllable parameter to achieve different characterization and separation functions. By varying the frequency of the applied electric field, the same device can optimize its interaction with different cell types and physiological states, providing quantitative data while maintaining a relatively simple hardware configuration.
3Loss of time
If rapid cell separation is performed after thawing, then stress on cells is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual assessment methods with rapid electrical field-based detection. The dielectrophoretic response of cells provides immediate information about their viability and physiological state, enabling quick separation decisions without requiring prolonged observation or multiple assessment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the dielectrophoretic response of cells is continuously monitored and used to adjust separation parameters in real-time. This feedback loop ensures high measurement precision by adapting to the specific characteristics of the cell population being analyzed, while maintaining rapid processing speeds.
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 rapid characterization and separation of cells post-thawing, reducing stress and improving survival rates by differentiating cell quality through controlled levitation heights in a MHz range, allowing for efficient cryopreservation and recovery of viable cells.
Implementation Method 1
the device consisting of a dielectric body and the at least one biological cell is designed such that the dielectrophoretic force acting on the device by an alternating electric field at at least one alternating frequency disappears or changes from a negative dielectrophoretic force to a positive dielectrophoretic force when a predetermined number of biological cells is exceeded
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for characterizing, separating, multiplying and/or cryopreserved at least one biological cell, comprising at least one device consisting of at least one biological cell and a dielectric support, at least one container with an open mouth region and a bottom region, wherein the device is arranged in the container, wherein the bottom region has at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode for generating an alternating electric field within the container, wherein the dielectric support exhibits a weaker negative dielectrophoretic force in an alternating electric field with a first alternating frequency than in an alternating electric field with a second alternating frequency that is higher than the first alternating frequency.and exhibits, at least in the alternating electric field with the second frequency, a stronger negative dielectrophoretic force than an absolute value of a dielectrophoretic force exerted by a single biological cell in the alternating electric field with the second frequency.