Filter Support System for Live Cell Isolation and Genetic Material Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating and analyzing live cells and their genetic material from blood, such as tumor cells and trophoblastic cells, are inefficient and costly due to the use of formaldehyde-based fixing buffers, which prevent the collection of live cells and the subsequent application of molecular biology and cytogenetic techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a filter support system with a compartment and mobile means to apply force, allowing for the isolation and cultivation of live cells and extraction of their genetic material under sterile conditions, enabling the collection of a large proportion of cellular material, including RNA and DNA, for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If formaldehyde-based fixing buffer is applied to fix cells before filtration, then cell fixation and preservation is improved, but live cell collection and subsequent molecular biology analysis capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the fixation buffer by replacing formaldehyde with paraformaldehyde at controlled concentrations (0.1-4% paraformaldehyde in PBS), and adjusts pH and ionic strength to optimize both cell preservation and viability. This parameter optimization allows cells to be fixed sufficiently for structural integrity while maintaining metabolic activity for live cell applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic, multi-stage processing system where cells can be selectively fixed, preserved, or kept alive based on downstream application requirements. The system allows dynamic adjustment of buffer composition and processing conditions to match specific analytical needs, whether for immediate live cell culture or fixed cell analysis.
2Measurement precision
If manual microscopic examination of filtered cells is performed, then cell analysis capability is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple analytical capabilities into a single integrated platform. The same filtered cell sample can be analyzed by multiple methods (microscopic examination, flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture) without requiring separate processing steps, thereby reducing time and operational complexity while maintaining analytical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration and cell collection system is designed with universal applicability for diverse analytical methods. The filter design and cell preservation methodology enable the same sample to serve multiple purposes: visual microscopy, automated image analysis, molecular biology assays, and cell culture, eliminating the need for separate processing lines.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized equipment and precise working procedures are used for cell isolation, then cell collection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the critical filtration function into a simple, standalone device that can be used independently of complex automated systems. The filter unit is designed to be manually operable while maintaining high collection accuracy through optimized pore geometry and material properties, separating the essential function from unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality optimization to the filter structure, with varying pore sizes and densities in different regions of the filter to maximize cell capture efficiency for specific cell types. The filter material and surface properties are locally optimized to prevent cell adhesion losses while maintaining structural integrity, achieving high precision without requiring complex external control systems.
4Ease of operation
If routine laboratory conditions are used for cell cultivation, then ease of operation is improved, but cell collection efficiency and material recovery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary cell enrichment and concentration on the filter before cultivation. By pre-concentrating target cells on the filter membrane and removing excess fluid and debris, the system achieves high collection efficiency that simplifies subsequent routine cultivation steps, as cells are already prepared and concentrated in the ideal location for growth.
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 efficient and cost-effective collection of live cells and their genetic material, enabling cytogenetic and cytomorphological characterization, as well as the detection of mutations and gene expression levels relevant to target therapies, under routine laboratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
means mobile relative to said compartment for applying a force to the support and releasing said support
Data Source
AI summary
A device for isolating and cultivating live cells on a filter or for extracting the genetic material thereof includes: a filter holder (108) connected to a filter; a compartment (102) having an upper opening and a lower opening; and an element (110) that is mobile relative to the compartment for applying a force on the holder and releasing the holder. According to the embodiments, the filter holder is mechanically connected to the compartment or to the mobile element until the application of the force. Preferably, the device further includes a removable end piece (104) tightly and removably attached and adapted for preventing the relative movement of the mobile element and the compartment for applying the force and releasing the holder.