Disposable Chromatography Container with Agitator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chromatography systems are cumbersome to switch between slurried and packed-bed operations, require lengthy cleaning processes, and often compromise cleanroom environments due to open tank operations, necessitating a more efficient and disposable system for adjusting particulate slurry or chromatographic operations.
Innovation Solution
A disposable system featuring a flexible container with a separation device, such as a manifold or frit filter, and agitators that allow for easy conversion between slurry and packed-bed configurations, along with a system controller for monitoring and controlling various parameters, minimizing the need for extensive cleaning and maintaining a clean environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional rigid chromatography columns are used for multiple uses, then device reusability is improved, but cleaning time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable flexible containers instead of reusable rigid columns. These single-use containers eliminate the need for lengthy cleaning processes between batches, reducing cleaning time and cost while maintaining chromatography functionality. The flexible container is designed for one-time use and then discarded, avoiding contamination risks and cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system facilitates easy discarding of the flexible container after a single use. The disposable nature of the container allows for rapid replacement without extensive cleaning, thereby recovering operational time while sacrificing the container itself. This approach trades the cost of disposable containers for significant time savings in cleaning operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid columns are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability between slurried and packed-bed operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container provides dynamic adaptability between slurried and packed-bed operations. The flexibility of the container allows it to accommodate different operational modes by adjusting its shape and volume, enabling easy conversion between operation types without requiring structural changes or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container serves multiple functions: it can operate in both slurried and packed-bed modes, accommodate different resin volumes and heights, and adapt to various flow rates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment for different operation modes, providing versatility while maintaining sufficient structural stability through its flexible design.
3Ease of operation
If open tank operations are used, then ease of operation is improved, but cleanroom environment control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container acts as a sealed barrier that maintains cleanroom environment control while enabling easy operation. The sealed flexible container prevents particulate escape into the cleanroom environment, eliminating contamination risks associated with open tank operations. Meanwhile, the flexible material allows for easy manipulation and operation of the system.
4Quantity of substance
If large vessels are used for chromatography, then processing capacity is improved, but cleaning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container provides large processing capacity in a disposable format. By using a single-use flexible container with sufficient volume for large-scale operations, the system achieves high processing capacity without the complexity of cleaning large rigid vessels. The container is discarded after use, eliminating cleaning complexity entirely.
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 quick switching between operational modes, reduces cleaning time and environmental contamination, and maintains a cleanroom environment by providing a sealed and efficient chromatography system for bio-manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a separation device comprising a manifold, mesh, membrane or frit filter peripherally sealed within the container to separate the container into a filter aid or resin containing portion and a drainage portion. The frit filter, mesh or membrane can be configured to exclude the filtration or absorptive medium from the drainage portion during use while allowing fluids to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The disposable system can include a nozzle device through which the mobile phase is pumped at high velocity to dislodge the packed bed and to aid in the slurrying of the filtration or absorptive media
Implementation Method 3
at least one agitator disposed within the bottom of the flexible container positioned above the separation device and an additional agitator mounted at the top of the flexible container adjustably configured to be raised or lowered in the flexible container
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for chromatography are disclosed that employ a flexible container configured to fit within a support structure and adapted to receive a filtration or absorptive medium. The flexible container can include at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a separation barrier peripherally sealed within the container to separate the container into a resin containing portion and a drainage portion. The barrier can be configured to exclude the resin material from the drainage portion while allowing fluids to pass therethrough. The disposable chromatography system can further include one or more agitators disposed within the flexible container and adjustably configured to be raised or lowered in the flexible container. When the agitator is in the raised position, the resin packing material can operate in a settled, packed-bed configuration. Alternatively, the agitator in the lowered position permits the chromatography resin packing material to operate in a mixed, slurry configuration.