Fixed-Bed Sampler Structure for Aseptic Cell Culture Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell culturing devices, particularly fixed bed bioreactors, face challenges in easily obtaining reliable samples without disrupting the cell culture environment or compromising sterility, as existing methods like manual extraction with tools cause contamination risks and indirect sensors provide inaccurate cell measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sampler apparatus with a removable sample portion, positioned between layers of the fixed bed, allows for easy and sterile sampling through a port, using a positioner and actuator system to maintain aseptic conditions and minimize disruption, enabling direct cell examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual extraction with tools is used to take samples from the fixed bed, then samples can be obtained, but contamination risks increase and sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile sampler tool is introduced as an intermediary device that can be inserted through a sealed port to access the fixed bed. This mediator allows sample extraction without direct manual contact, maintaining sterility while enabling operation. The sampler acts as a bridge between the sterile interior and non-sterile exterior environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is segmented into distinct components: a sealed port in the bioreactor, a sterile sampler tool, and a sample collection container. This segmentation allows the sampling function to be isolated from the main system, enabling sterile operation by separating the sterile sampling path from the non-sterile external environment.
2Ease of operation
If manual extraction with tools is used to take samples from the fixed bed, then samples can be obtained, but the cell culture environment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sampler tool serves as a gentle intermediary that can carefully interact with the fixed bed structure. Rather than using forceful manual extraction, the sampler gently engages with the bed material to retrieve samples, minimizing mechanical disruption to the cell culture environment while still enabling easy operation.
3Productivity
If indirect biomass sensors are used to measure cell density, then measurements can be obtained, but accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts actual cell samples from the fixed bed for direct examination, rather than relying on indirect sensor measurements. By taking out physical samples that can be directly observed and analyzed, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining productivity through automated or semi-automated sampling processes.
4Reliability
If the bioreactor is placed in a containment unit for sterility, then sterility is maintained, but freedom of movement and access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sterility function into a sealed port system that remains on the bioreactor, while the sampling operation can be performed outside the containment unit. This allows the bioreactor to maintain sterility within its containment environment while operators can easily access and operate the sampler from outside, restoring freedom of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed port acts as an intermediary that connects the sterile interior with the non-sterile exterior. This mediator allows sampling operations to be performed outside the containment unit while maintaining sterility, eliminating the need for operators to work inside restricted containment spaces.
5Reliability
If aseptic operating procedures are followed during sampling, then contamination is prevented, but the operation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed port and sterile sampler tool serve as intermediaries that automate the aseptic process. Rather than requiring operators to manually perform complex aseptic techniques, the intermediary devices maintain sterility through their design (sealed connections, sterile barriers), simplifying the procedure while ensuring contamination prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampler for use with a bioreactor for growing a cell culture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bioreactor includes a structured fixed bed including a removable sample portion for recovering a sample of cells from the cell culture. Related apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.