Fetal Cell Isolation Using Fetal Membrane Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating fetal cells from maternal blood are laborious and limited to a narrow time frame, typically around 12 weeks of gestation, making them less effective for prenatal testing beyond this period.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using ligands directed against markers of fetal membrane cells to isolate these cells from maternal blood samples, which are shed in higher numbers during the expansion of fetal membranes between weeks 15-20 of gestation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If common isolation methods (MACS, FACS) are used to isolate fetal cells, then fetal cells can be isolated with high precision, but the isolation is limited to a narrow time frame around 12 weeks of gestation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the target parameter from placenta-derived fetal cells to fetal membrane cells, which are shed in higher numbers during membrane expansion (weeks 15-20). This parameter change in cell source and timing enables isolation beyond the narrow 12-week window while maintaining isolation precision through specific markers like cytokeratins and vimentin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary enrichment of fetal cells before final isolation using specific markers. This preliminary action increases the concentration of fetal membrane cells in the sample, making subsequent detection and isolation more effective during the extended gestational period
2Reliability
If placenta-derived fetal cells are used for isolation, then prenatal testing can be performed, but the numbers of cells drop after 12 weeks making isolation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates fetal membrane cells from maternal blood using specific markers (cytokeratins, vimentin) that are uniquely expressed on these cells. This extraction method targets a different cell population (fetal membrane cells instead of placenta-derived cells) that remains abundant during weeks 15-20, maintaining both reliability and quantity for prenatal testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific markers (cytokeratins, vimentin) as intermediaries to identify and isolate fetal membrane cells. These markers serve as mediators that enable reliable detection and separation of fetal cells from maternal blood during the gestational period when fetal membrane cells are naturally abundant
3Reliability
If fetal cells are isolated using traditional methods, then diagnosis can be performed, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cell target parameter to fetal membrane cells which are naturally more abundant during weeks 15-20, reducing the time and effort required for isolation. The use of specific markers enables more efficient enrichment and isolation compared to traditional methods, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while reducing procedural time
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
This approach allows for the isolation of fetal cells over a longer period than traditional methods, enhancing the utility of fetal cells in prenatal diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the cells comprised in the maternal blood sample with a ligand directed against a fetal membrane cell marker
Implementation Method 2
One such method of enrichment is based on Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) where antibodies conjugated to magnetic beads are used to target fetal cells
Implementation Method 3
After enrichment, fetal cells are stained with specific antibodies and identified and isolated using different technologies, including fluorescence scanner integrated with a microscope
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods of fetal cell isolation and methods of prenatal diagnostics. The disclosure furthermore provides novel markers for fetal cell isolation that can be used to isolate fetal cells for prenatal diagnostics.