Disposable Bioreactor Connection Device Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors face challenges in maintaining sterility and reducing contamination risks due to complex sterilization requirements and the need for reusable connections, which can lead to cross-contamination and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A disposable connection device made of plastic, designed as a one-piece component with a fastening structure that securely attaches to the bioreactor, providing a hermetic seal and reducing the risk of contamination by eliminating the need for complex sterilization and assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reusable connections are used in bioreactors, then device complexity and sterilization requirements increase, but reliability and contamination risk management improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a connection device that is used once and then discarded. The connection device includes a disposable connector that inserts into a reusable connector in the bioreactor head plate. This eliminates the need to sterilize the connector parts, as the disposable portion is replaced after a single use. The reusable head plate with its connector remains in the bioreactor and does not require sterilization between uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into two parts: a reusable connector that is integrated into the head plate of the bioreactor, and a disposable connector that inserts into the reusable connector. This segmentation allows the reusable part to remain in place while the disposable part is replaced, eliminating the need to sterilize the entire connection system including the reusable components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable connection devices are used, then contamination risk is reduced and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable connector is designed to be inexpensive and single-use. By eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes and reducing contamination risk, the overall operational cost is reduced despite the continuous consumption of disposable components. The simplicity of the disposable design allows for cost-effective production and replacement.
3Reliability
If complex sterilization processes are implemented, then sterility is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable connection device eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes. The disposable connector is pre-sterilized during manufacturing, and the act of insertion itself maintains sterility by creating a sealed connection without requiring additional sterilization steps. This significantly improves operational efficiency by removing time-consuming sterilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable connector is pre-sterilized during the manufacturing process before being supplied to the user. This preliminary sterilization action eliminates the need for on-site sterilization procedures, allowing for rapid setup and immediate use without time-consuming sterilization steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable connectors require sterilization, then contamination is prevented, but assembly and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable connector eliminates the need for users to perform sterilization operations. The connector is designed to be inserted into the reusable connector and then discarded after a single use, simplifying the assembly process to a simple insertion and removal action without any sterilization steps required during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable connection device (10) for insertion into a connection opening of a bioreactor, in particular into a connection opening of a top plate of a rigid bioreactor and/or into a connection opening of a connection element of a bag bioreactor. The invention further relates to a top plate for a bioreactor and to a bioreactor for the cultivation of microorganisms and/or cell cultures. The invention also further relates to a connection element for a bag bioreactor and to a bag bioreactor for the cultivation of microorganisms and/or cell cultures.The disposable connection device (10) is designed for insertion into a connection opening of a top plate of a bioreactor and/or into a connection opening of a bag bioreactor with multiple passages (102) and a fastening section (110), characterized in that the disposable connection device (10) is made in one piece from plastic and the fastening section (110) has a fastening structure (114) on an outer circumferential surface (112) for fastening the disposable connection device (10) in the connection opening.