Helminth Separation Column With Tapered Wash Hold Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
The logistical challenges of obtaining helminths for medical use have limited the utility of helminthic therapy, necessitating the development of materials and methods for separating helminths from contaminants to meet FDA guidelines and advance this therapy to clinical trials.
Innovation Solution
The development of organism separation devices and systems that utilize a column design with specific flow sections and a tapered wash hold section to separate helminths from contaminants like bacteria, using a counter-flow washing process with a pump to collect purified helminths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to obtain helminths for medical use, then the therapeutic potential can be realized, but logistical problems and contamination with bacteria occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the helminth collection process into distinct functional zones: a collection region at the top for receiving helminths from the intermediate host, a wash hold section in the middle for cleaning, and a collection outlet at the bottom for purified helminths. This segmentation allows simultaneous handling of multiple operations (collection, washing, separation) in a single integrated system, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability by providing a straightforward yet effective design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary washing fluid system that mediates between the contaminated helminth source and the final purified product. The washing fluid flows through the helminths in the wash hold section, acting as a mediator to remove bacterial contaminants while preserving the helminths. This intermediary mechanism enables the transition from contaminated to purified state without complex processing steps.
2Reliability
If helminths are obtained without separation, then the process is simple, but bacterial contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs hydraulic principles by using fluid flow through the column to achieve separation. The washing fluid is pumped through the helminths in the wash hold section, utilizing hydrodynamic forces to flush out bacterial contaminants while the helminths remain trapped in the tapered section. This hydraulic approach provides effective purification without requiring complex mechanical separation mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the column geometry, specifically the tapered wash hold section with varying diameter, to control fluid flow dynamics and helminth positioning. The changing cross-sectional area creates appropriate flow velocities and pressure gradients that enable effective washing while maintaining helminth retention. This geometric parameter variation achieves purification without adding mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If a simple collection method is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot meet FDA guidelines for bacterial load
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated column structure: helminth collection from intermediate hosts, washing with fluid flow, bacterial separation, and purified helminth dispensing all occur within one device. This consolidation maintains ease of operation by requiring only simple fluid pumping while achieving FDA compliance through the combined effects of collection, washing, and separation in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash hold section design allows the system to self-regulate the washing process. The tapered geometry naturally creates fluid flow patterns that ensure thorough washing of helminths as fluid passes through, without requiring complex control mechanisms. The device essentially serves itself by using its own geometry to control the purification process, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring compliance.
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 method achieves high-purity separation of helminths, meeting FDA guidelines for bacterial load, enabling efficient production of helminths suitable for clinical therapeutic dosing.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the organism separation device further includes a pump in fluid connection with the fluid inlet port for actively transporting the washing fluid from the fluid inlet port towards the waste outlet port.
Implementation Method 2
The column further includes a slow flow section proximal to the first end of the column, a rapid flow section proximal to the second end of the column and having a diameter that is less than the slow flow section, and a tapered wash hold section positioned between the slow flow section and the rapid flow section.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides materials and methods for separating organisms from various other components of a composition. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for separating and washing helminths from contaminants such as bacteria.