Flexible Compartment Cell Separation Device for High-Yield Stem Cell Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating stem cells from umbilical cord blood and bone marrow aspirate result in low yields and require large volumes, making it difficult to achieve highly concentrated buffy coat fractions necessary for clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method using a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, allowing for the separation and concentration of stem cells, platelet poor plasma, and red blood cell fractions under sterile conditions, with the ability to automate the process and recover fractions in a smaller volume than traditional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional blood banking equipment or small volume platelet concentration systems are used to concentrate stem cells, then the procedure can be performed, but the recovery yield is low and large volumes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the blood sample into distinct density-based fractions (plasma, buffy coat, red blood cells) using multiple density shelves, allowing selective recovery of the buffy coat fraction containing stem cells. This segmentation enables high recovery yield in a small volume by isolating stem cells from the bulk plasma and red blood cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes density as a separating parameter, with adjustable density shelves that create specific density zones. By changing the density parameters of the separation medium, the system can optimize the concentration and recovery of stem cells in the buffy coat fraction while minimizing the overall volume required.
2Manufacturing precision
If density shelves are used for separating blood components, then separation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The density shelf system is designed to perform multiple separation functions simultaneously, separating plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cells in a single operation. This multi-functionality achieves high separation precision while controlling device complexity by consolidating multiple separation steps into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates pre-formed density shelves with predetermined density values, eliminating the need for complex real-time density adjustments during operation. This preliminary preparation of separation parameters simplifies the operational complexity while maintaining high separation precision for different blood fractions.
3Productivity
If manual separation methods are used, then the process can be performed, but automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with automated mechanisms that enable the system to perform separation and fraction collection without extensive manual intervention. The automated density shelf system and fraction collection mechanisms improve processing efficiency while increasing the extent of automation, allowing the system to self-regulate and self-collect fractions.
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
Enables the recovery of highly concentrated buffy coat fractions with greater than 95% recovery in a small volume, along with other fractions like platelet poor plasma and red blood cells, reducing contamination risks and improving point-of-care therapies.
Implementation Method 1
separating the plurality of cells into distinct relative density layers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.