Disposable Cell Culture Vessel with Integrated Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell culture devices are expensive due to the need for rigid materials like stainless steel or glass to accommodate biomass probes, which increases costs and requires expensive sterilization and washing steps, while also being unable to function accurately in disposable, less rigid vessels.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture device with a disposable culture vessel made from materials with a Young modulus of less than 50 GPa, featuring a sensor element integrated into the culture zone on a wall delimiting the cell culture zone, allowing for accurate biomass measurement without the need for rigid extensions, thus avoiding deformation issues and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid materials like stainless steel or glass are used to accommodate biomass probes, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable culture vessel made from flexible material that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive rigid vessels. The vessel is designed to be single-use, removing the complexity of sterilization and washing steps while maintaining measurement capability through the integrated sensor element.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is integrated directly into the flexible culture vessel wall, merging the sensing function with the vessel structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate rigid probe extensions and allows the flexible material to serve both containment and measurement functions.
2Measurement precision
If rigid materials are used to ensure stable sensor positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The culture vessel is designed as a disposable component made from inexpensive flexible material, eliminating the need for expensive rigid materials. The sensor element is integrated during the manufacturing process, so no additional rigid structures need to be assembled or installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, allowing the vessel to deform elastically during use without compromising sensor functionality. The sensor element is designed to remain functional despite the flexible deformation of the vessel wall.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable flexible vessels are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to wall deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is merged with the flexible vessel wall structure, allowing the sensor to experience the same deformation as the vessel. This integration ensures that the sensor remains functional and provides accurate measurements even though the vessel wall deforms during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is designed with properties that allow it to function under flexible deformation conditions. The sensor can detect biomass accurately despite changes in the surrounding medium caused by vessel wall movement, maintaining measurement precision in a disposable flexible vessel.
4Reliability
If rigid vessels are used to maintain structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable flexible vessel that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex rigid structures and sterilization processes. The flexible material provides sufficient structural integrity for the intended application without requiring expensive rigid construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The culture vessel is constructed from flexible material that can deform elastically while maintaining containment functionality. This flexible shell approach replaces rigid structures, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability for disposable use.
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
The solution enables the production of inexpensive, compact, and functionally effective cell culture devices that can accurately measure cell density even in conditions where the vessel walls deform, eliminating the need for expensive materials and sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor element of a sensor for measuring at least one culture parameter of the cell culture, with said sensor element being situated in the culture zone of the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cell culture device (1) comprising: a disposable culture vessel comprising at least one external wall made of a material having a Young modulus E of less than 50 GPa, in which there is situated at least one cell culture zone and at least one cell-free medium transfer zone, allowing a flow of a culture medium between the cell culture zone and the transfer zone, and at least one sensor element of a cell-density sensor wherein said sensor element is situated in the cell culture zone of said vessel. The sensor element is an electrode arrangement of at least two and preferably at least four measuring electrodes arranged on the inner side of an external wall of the disposable culture vessel and directed towards the cell culture zone. The present invention further relates to a method of culturing cells.