Fluid Coupling Network for Bioreactor Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioreactor sampling methods are time-consuming, expensive, and risk contamination, with automated systems often wasting a large volume of fluid during sampling.

Innovation Solution

A controllable fluid coupling network with a barrier unit that sterilely separates fluid paths, allowing for efficient sampling by obtaining a fluid sample from the bioreactor, providing it to a processing system, and returning residual fluid, while minimizing contamination and fluid volume loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sampling with hypodermic needle is used, then sampling can be performed, but it is time-consuming and increases contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an automated fluid coupling network system that uses electronically controlled valves and pumps to perform sampling operations, thereby increasing speed and reducing human intervention-related contamination risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fluid coupling network as an intermediary system between the bioreactor and sampling equipment, using sterile barriers and controlled fluid pathways to enable automated sampling while maintaining sterility and reducing direct contamination risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated sampling is used, then sampling speed increases, but a large volume of fluid is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling automationVSAvoidfluid volume waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a fluid recovery system where residual fluid in the sampling lines is collected and returned to the bioreactor through a return line, rather than being discarded, thereby recovering valuable fluid and reducing overall waste while maintaining automated sampling capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes sampling parameters including reducing the sample volume drawn, controlling flow rates, and adjusting pressure parameters to minimize fluid consumption while maintaining effective sampling, thereby reducing waste associated with automated sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sterile barrier is implemented, then contamination risk reduces, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidfluid coupling network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fluid coupling network into distinct segmented sections with sterile barriers positioned at critical interfaces, allowing sterility to be maintained in the bioreactor connection zone while simplifying the downstream sampling equipment design and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces the risk of contamination and minimizes the volume of fluid drawn from the bioreactor, enhancing the efficiency and sterility of the sampling process.

Implementation Method 1

a barrier unit configured to sterilely separate fluid paths within the fluid coupling network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSterile separation:

Implementation Method 2

returning residual fluid sample to the bioreactor, wherein the residual fluid sample is comprised by a part of the fluid coupling network separated by the barrier unit, wherein the step of returning residual fluid sample comprises controlling a flow of gas from a gas source to the bioreactor via the part of the fluid coupling network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20230357702A1Fluid coupling network for sampling a bioreactor

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer implemented method for controlling a fluid coupling network (170), the fluid coupling network (170) being configured to be fluidly couplable to bioreactor (110), a gas source (120), a buffer source (140), a waste port (150), a processing system (160) and a conduit reservoir (208), the fluid coupling network (170) comprising a barrier unit (220) configured to sterilely separate fluid paths within the fluid coupling network (170), the fluid coupling network (170) being controllable to sample the bioreactor (110), the method comprising obtaining (510) a fluid sample from the bioreactor (110), wherein the step of obtaining the fluid sample comprises controlling a flow of fluid from the bioreactor (110) via the conduit reservoir (208) and the fluid coupling network (170) to the waste port (150), to fill the conduit reservoir (208) with the fluid from the bioreactor (110), providing (530) the fluid sample, wherein the step of providing the fluid sample comprises to provide the fluid sample to the processing system (160) from the conduit reservoir (208) via the fluid coupling network (170), and returning (540) residual fluid sample to the bioreactor (110), wherein the residual fluid sample is comprised by a part of the fluid coupling network (170) separated by the barrier unit (220), wherein the step of returning residual fluid sample comprises controlling a flow of gas from a gas source (120) to the bioreactor (110) via the part of the fluid coupling network (170).