Filter Plate System With Mesh Strainer For Cell Culture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for separating cellular aggregates from single cells and particulate matter in cell culture systems are inefficient, often resulting in contamination, disturbance to aggregates, and time-consuming processes, especially when replacing culture media or performing high-throughput applications.

Innovation Solution

A filter apparatus and filter plate system with a reservoir and strainer plate design, featuring a mesh wall portion with controlled pore sizes, allows for the efficient separation and collection of cellular aggregates while minimizing disturbance and enabling rapid media changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current separation methods are used to separate cellular aggregates from single cells and particulate matter, then the separation process can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and results in contamination and disturbance to aggregates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation purityVSAvoidseparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate is divided into multiple wells, each functioning as an independent separation unit. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously, dramatically reducing total separation time while maintaining high purity through dedicated filtration in each well

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mesh filter acts as an intermediary component between the cellular aggregate suspension and the collection container. The mesh filter with controlled pore sizes selectively retains aggregates while allowing single cells and particulate matter to pass through, achieving high-purity separation without mechanical disturbance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If current separation methods are used, then separation can occur, but contamination increases and aggregate disturbance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination and disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical separation methods (such as centrifugation or manual filtration) with a passive gravity-based filtration system. The mesh filter structure allows separation to occur simply by pouring the suspension through the filter, eliminating mechanical forces that could disturb aggregates while maintaining high separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A mesh filter with specifically controlled pore sizes is used as the separation medium. The porous structure is designed to retain cellular aggregates on one side while allowing single cells and particulate matter to pass through to the other side, achieving efficient separation without contamination or aggregate disturbance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Speed

If rapid media changes are needed in high-throughput applications, then the process speed can be increased, but contamination risk and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia change speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a separation device and a culture vessel. The same plate with integrated mesh filters can be used for initial aggregate separation, subsequent culture, and rapid media changes by simply pouring off old media and adding fresh media, eliminating the need for separate containers and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter plate design allows operators to perform media changes by simple pouring actions without requiring complex equipment or procedures. The plate's own structure facilitates the separation and media exchange process, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate even at high speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively separates aggregates from single cells and particulate matter, reduces contamination, and facilitates rapid and efficient media changes, improving the efficiency and reliability of cell culture processes, particularly in high-throughput applications.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9290731B2Filter apparatus and filter plate system

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 STEMCELL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A filter apparatus comprises a filter having first and second opposed surfaces. A first reservoir is positioned adjacent with the first surface and in communication with the first surface, and a first inlet-outlet port is in communication with the first reservoir and spaced from the first surface. A second reservoir is positioned adjacent the second surface, and in communication with the second surface, and a second inlet-outlet port is in communication with the second reservoir and spaced from the second surface. A filter plate system comprises a reservoir plate. The reservoir plate comprises at least one reservoir well. The filter plate system further comprises a strainer plate. The strainer plate comprises at least one strainer well, which is removably receivable in the reservoir well. The strainer well comprises at least one mesh wall portion.