Inactivated Stem Cell Storage at Refrigerator Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) require cryogenic temperatures, which are costly and limit their applicability due to the need for specialized facilities and the presence of toxic compounds, making them impractical for many medical indications.
Innovation Solution
Inactivated MSCs, or 'StemShells,' can be stored at refrigerator temperatures (0.1-10°C) for several days to weeks, maintaining cellular integrity and therapeutic potential, allowing for easier transportation and use without the need for cryogenic facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MSCs are stored at cryogenic temperatures, then cellular integrity is maintained, but storage cost and facility complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from cryogenic (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) to refrigerator temperatures (2-8°C), fundamentally altering the storage conditions while maintaining cellular integrity through the use of inactivated cells that no longer require metabolic support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable, single-use vials containing inactivated MSCs that can be stored in standard refrigeratora without specialized cryogenic infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive, complex storage facilities while maintaining product quality
2Reliability
If MSCs are stored at cryogenic temperatures, then cellular integrity is maintained, but transportation cost and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage and transportation temperature parameter from cryogenic to refrigerated conditions, allowing standard refrigeration units to be used instead of specialized liquid nitrogen containers, dramatically simplifying logistics and transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inactivation as an intermediary step that decouples the requirement for metabolic support from storage and transportation, allowing cells to be preserved in a non-living state that does not require complex temperature maintenance
3Ease of operation
If cryopreserved MSCs are thawed and formulated, then cells can be administered, but toxic compounds remain and quality controls are nullified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sequence by inactivating cells before storage rather than after retrieval, eliminating the need for thawing and formulation steps that introduce toxic compounds and compromise quality controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs inactivation as a preliminary action before storage, so that cells are already in their final administrable form when stored, eliminating subsequent manipulation steps that would introduce contaminants or compromise product quality
4Device complexity
If inactivated MSCs are stored at refrigerator temperatures, then storage cost and facility requirements decrease, but storage duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs inactivation as a preliminary step before storage, which stabilizes the cells and extends their shelf life from hours to weeks at refrigerator temperatures, overcoming the limitation of short storage duration
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
This method enables cost-effective and practical storage and administration of MSCs, maintaining their immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities, and is applicable to various types of MSCs, including adipose and bone marrow-derived cells.
Implementation Method 1
Inactivation of MSCs by methods such as heat inactivation, MSCs become metabolically inactive and are unable to proliferate, to adhere and to secrete factors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to inactivated stem cells, which can be stored for several days in a refrigerator (above 0° C.), preferably in the range 0.1-10° C.) and still maintain their cellular and phenotypic integrity as well as therapeutic potential. In particular, the present invention relates to medical uses of such refrigerator-stored inactivated stem cell solution.