Gas-Liquid Interface Cell Detachment for Selective Cell Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detaching cells from culture vessels, such as using proteolytic enzymes or local heating, either non-selectively detach all cells or require specialized equipment and coated vessels, lacking flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a flow path in a liquid medium to introduce gas, forming an air bubble at the end, which contacts and moves along the cell surface to selectively detach cells, using a simple apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If proteolytic enzymes are utilized to detach cells, then all cells in a vessel are detached, but selective detachment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gas/liquid interface at a specific location within the culture vessel. The gas is introduced through a flow path to form a localized interface that contacts only specific regions where cells are present, enabling spatially selective detachment rather than uniform detachment of all cells. This localized action allows targeted removal of cells from specific areas while leaving other regions unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the cell detachment process by dividing the culture vessel into regions affected by the gas/liquid interface and regions that remain unaffected. The flow path system creates discrete zones of cell detachment, allowing independent control over which cell populations are removed. This segmentation enables selective harvesting of cells from specific locations or time points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local heating method is used to detach cells, then selective detachment can be achieved, but a large-sized apparatus and coated vessels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing gas through a flow path to create a gas/liquid interface for cell detachment. This replaces the thermal field of local heating with a mechanical field based on gas flow and interface dynamics. The approach uses simple gas introduction equipment rather than complex heating apparatus, and requires no special vessel coatings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining selective detachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the thermal mechanism of local heating with a mechanical/gas-based mechanism. Instead of using heat to detach cells, the system uses gas flow to create a gas/liquid interface that mechanically interacts with cells at the interface. This substitution eliminates the need for heating elements and temperature control systems, simplifying the overall apparatus.
3Productivity
If proteolytic enzymes are used for cell detachment, then cell detachment is achieved, but enzyme contamination and loss of cell function may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of proteolytic enzyme digestion with a physical/gas-based mechanism. The gas/liquid interface detaches cells through mechanical interaction at the interface rather than through enzymatic cleavage of adhesion molecules. This substitution eliminates exposure to proteolytic enzymes, preventing enzyme contamination and preserving cell function while still achieving effective detachment.
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
Efficient and selective detachment of cells from culture surfaces without enzymes, allowing for targeted cell removal and collection, suitable for applications like regenerative medicine and scratch assays.
Implementation Method 1
bringing a gas/liquid interface into contact with the adherent cells and moving the interface along the surface
Implementation Method 2
adhering the cells to the air bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A cell manipulation method is provided including: culturing cells in a liquid; disposing a flow path through which a gas is able to be introduced in the liquid; forming an air bubble at an end portion of the flow path; and attaching the cells to the air bubble.