Extracellular Vesicle Storage with Non-Adherent Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in handling extracellular vesicles (EVs) is their susceptibility to adsorption onto various surfaces or to each other, leading to significant reduction in yield during handling processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of storage containers with a neutral, hydrophilic polymer coating and a buffer solution containing an enzyme and a sugar to prevent EV adsorption and aggregation, allowing for long-term storage without loss in yield or contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional storage containers are used for EVs, then handling is simple, but significant EV adsorption occurs leading to reduced yield

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEV yieldVSAvoidEV adsorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protein non-adherent coating is applied to the interior surface of the storage container to serve as an intermediary layer between the EVs and the container surface. This coating prevents direct interaction between EVs and the container, thereby eliminating adsorption losses while maintaining container functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface properties of the container are modified by changing the chemical composition of the interior surface through protein non-adherent coating. This parameter change transforms the surface from EV-adhesive to EV-non-adhesive, preventing adsorption without affecting other container properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If EVs are stored for long-term, then research applications are extended, but EV stability and yield are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidEV stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protein non-adherent coating acts as a protective intermediary that maintains EV stability during long-term storage by preventing adsorption-induced damage. This allows extended storage durations while preserving EV integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is pre-coated with protein non-adherent material before EV storage. This preliminary action prepares the surface to prevent adsorption and maintain stability throughout the entire storage period, enabling reliable long-term storage without compromising EV quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If EVs are handled with standard pipettes and tubes, then handling is straightforward, but significant EV loss occurs due to adsorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidEV yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The protein non-adherent coating serves as a mediator between EVs and handling surfaces (pipettes, tubes). It maintains ease of operation by allowing standard handling procedures while preventing EV adsorption, thus preserving yield without complicating the handling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional container materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but leachable contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer manufacturingVSAvoidleachable contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container is constructed as a composite structure with a base material and a protein non-adherent coating layer. This composite design prevents leachable contamination from the base material while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established coating techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The protein non-adherent coating acts as a barrier intermediary between EVs and the container base material, preventing leachable substances from reaching the EVs while allowing the container to be manufactured using conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 described solution effectively prevents EV adsorption and aggregation, enabling storage for up to 30 days without loss in yield or contamination, and maintains EV stability through multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Implementation Method 1

an interior surface of the housing comprising a neutral, hydrophilic polymer coating that reduces binding of attachment proteins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic polymer coating: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

the buffer comprises a solution comprising an enzyme and a sugar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme activity: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS20250018396A1Materials for handling and long-term storage of extracellular vesicles

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 CORNING INC

AI summary

A storage container for extracellular vesicles (EVs) comprises a container and a lid or cap. The container comprises a housing having an opening or aperture; an interior volume defined within the housing; and an interior surface of the housing comprising a protein non-adherent coating. The lid or cap is configured to removably attach to the housing to seal the opening or aperture of the container. A method of storing extracellular vesicles comprises collecting EVs in a storage container; adding a buffer to the container, wherein the buffer comprises a solution comprising an enzyme and a sugar; and storing the EVs in the buffer.