Fluidic Device Ligand-Functionalized Channels Sepsis Pathogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating sepsis are inadequate due to reliance on single mediator removal, inefficiencies in blood processing, and challenges with antibiotic resistance, leading to high mortality rates and complications in identifying and treating sepsis-causing pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device capable of removing pathogens and endotoxins from whole blood using ligand-functionalized channels that capture bacteria and other disease-causing materials, allowing for repeated blood processing and simultaneous antibiotic administration, with the potential to identify bacterial species and determine antibiotic susceptibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If membrane filtration methods are used to remove pathogens from blood, then pathogen removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and frequent clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials functionalized with pathogen-targeting ligands that can capture pathogens through adsorption while allowing blood cells to pass through. This approach achieves pathogen removal without the clogging issues of membrane filtration, as the porous structure maintains open channels for blood flow while trapping pathogens on the adsorbent surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces functionalized adsorbent particles as intermediaries that mediate between the blood flow and pathogen removal. These particles are suspended in the blood and selectively bind to pathogens through surface-functionalized ligands, allowing pathogen capture without requiring complex filtration membranes that clog frequently.
2Productivity
If centrifugation techniques are used to separate pathogens from blood, then pathogen separation is improved, but stress to healthy cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses functionalized adsorbent particles as intermediaries that selectively bind to pathogens in the blood stream. These particles act as carriers that transport and concentrate pathogens for removal, while the gentle adsorption process avoids the high mechanical stress and cell damage associated with centrifugation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from mechanical force-based (centrifugation) to chemical affinity-based (adsorption). By functionalizing adsorbent surfaces with pathogen-specific ligands, the system achieves selective pathogen capture through biochemical interactions rather than mechanical separation, preserving healthy cell integrity.
3Productivity
If incubation time is extended to allow bacterial replication, then pathogen capture efficiency is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-functionalizes adsorbent particles with pathogen-targeting ligands before introduction to the blood stream. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the adsorbent particles encounter pathogens, immediate binding occurs without requiring extended incubation periods for bacterial replication or concentration, enabling rapid pathogen capture and treatment.
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 device significantly reduces disease-causing material burden in the bloodstream, extending the time for optimal antibiotic therapy initiation, improving patient outcomes by capturing pathogens and endotoxins effectively while maintaining healthy cell phenotype.
Implementation Method 1
ligand-functionalized channels that capture bacteria and other disease-causing materials
Implementation Method 2
flowing the biological fluid through the fluidic device to focus and expose the disease material to the ligand-coated inner walls
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluidic device to detect, capture, and/or remove disease material in a biological fluid. The present invention also relates to methods for the treatment/prevention of sepsis through the use of the claimed device.