Disposable Membrane Chamber for Sterile Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling sterilized samples in industries like pharmaceuticals require complex, costly procedures to maintain sterility during transfer and manipulation, as existing apparatuses are difficult to disinfect and sterilize, leading to potential contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A disposable membrane or film-based apparatus with a sealing mechanism that isolates the treatment chamber from the outside atmosphere, allowing for sterile conditions to be maintained during sample introduction, treatment, and removal, using materials like PTFE and PEEK that are resistant to degradation and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional apparatuses are used for sterilization and sample handling, then sterilization can be achieved, but the apparatus is difficult to disinfect and sterilize, leading to potential contamination risks and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable outer structure and a disposable inner chamber with membrane. The disposable chamber can be pre-sterilized and discarded after use, eliminating the need to sterilize the entire apparatus including complex mechanical parts like doors and seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable inner chamber with membrane that is pre-sterilized and discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need to repeatedly sterilize the entire apparatus, reducing contamination risks and simplifying procedures while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If isolators are used to maintain sterile atmosphere during sample manipulation, then sterility is maintained, but operators must use isolator suits or cloths, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile environment is extracted from the entire apparatus and confined to the disposable inner chamber with membrane. This allows the outer apparatus to be accessed normally without requiring operators to wear isolator suits, while the critical sterile zone maintains its integrity.
3Reliability
If conveyors and laminar flow systems are used to introduce samples into sterilized apparatus, then contamination is prevented, but additional equipment and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inner chamber with membrane is pre-sterilized before use and then introduced into the apparatus. This preliminary sterilization eliminates the need for complex in-situ sterilization systems, conveyors, and laminar flow equipment during sample introduction.
4Reliability
If mechanical parts like doors, jacks, and screws are sterilized with alcohol, then surface sterilization is achieved, but these parts are not sterilizable or very difficult to sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The inner chamber with membrane is designed as a disposable component that can be pre-sterilized using standard methods and then discarded. This eliminates the need to develop and implement complex sterilization procedures for mechanical parts like doors, jacks, and screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane creates a flexible barrier that seals the disposable inner chamber. This thin film approach provides effective sterilization without requiring the sterilization of rigid mechanical parts with complex geometries that are difficult to sterilize.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to an apparatus comprising a chamber for physically and/or chemically treating one or more samples or products, said apparatus comprising a door for introducing samples inside the apparatus chamber or bringing samples outside the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a membrane or film defining a chamber wall inside said apparatus when the door is closed.