Disposable Filter System for Microcarrier Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating microcarriers from cell culture solutions in bioreactors often result in clogged filters and require time-consuming and costly cleaning and sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A filter system comprising a filter assembly with a flexible container and a porous filter that allows cell culture solutions to pass through while retaining microcarriers, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization between uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid screen is used to separate microcarriers from cell culture solutions, then microcarriers are retained effectively, but the screen becomes clogged and requires cleaning and sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable filter unit that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization of rigid screens. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing the reusable rigid screen for a disposable alternative that maintains microcarrier retention while eliminating maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is divided into separate components: a reusable bioreactor and a disposable filter unit. This segmentation allows the filtering function to be isolated in a replaceable component, maintaining effective microcarrier retention while eliminating the need to clean and sterilize the main bioreactor system.
2Reliability
If a rigid container with screen is used for separation, then microcarriers are prevented from passing through, but the process stops when the screen is clogged
Solution Approach 1:
By using a disposable filter unit, the system can maintain continuous productivity as the filter is replaced rather than cleaned when clogged. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing the rigid screen's reusability for uninterrupted operation through simple unit replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning and sterilization processes are implemented, then the rigid container can be reused, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable filter unit eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning and sterilization processes. The filter is discarded after use, resolving the contradiction by sacrificing container reusability for significant time savings and reduced operational costs.
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 filter system effectively separates microcarriers from cell culture solutions without clogging, enabling continuous operation and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a porous filter that allows cell culture solutions to pass through while retaining microcarriers
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for separating microcarriers from a fluid medium includes a collapsible container bounding a sterile compartment adapted to hold a fluid. An inlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows into the compartment. An outlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows out of the compartment. A filter is disposed within the compartment, the filter dividing the compartment into an inlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the inlet port and an outlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the outlet port, the filter allowing a medium to pass therethrough but preventing microcarriers disposed in the medium from passing therethrough.