Latticed Cell Separation Device for Neutrophil Depletion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices are ineffective in separating neutrophils from both small and large volumes of blood while maintaining platelet concentration, and none mimic the body's natural filtration process, leading to incomplete removal of neutrophils which can cause tissue inflammation and complications during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A cell separation device with a latticed or coiled tubular material, potentially charged, that uses an electric field to separate neutrophils from platelet-rich plasma by exploiting size, shape, and charge differences, allowing for efficient removal of neutrophils while preserving platelets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional neutrophil reduction filters are used, then neutrophil removal is achieved, but platelet concentration is significantly reduced (96% loss) and large volume of blood is trapped (60% volume loss)
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the filtration process into multiple sequential stages using a multi-chamber design. Blood flows through a series of chambers with progressively smaller pore sizes, allowing gradual separation of neutrophils from platelets rather than single-stage filtration that causes platelet loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter device have different pore sizes and filtration characteristics. The inlet chamber has larger pores for initial filtration, while subsequent chambers have progressively smaller pores for refined separation, creating localized filtration zones that preserve platelets while removing neutrophils.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional neutrophil reduction filters are used, then neutrophil removal is achieved, but large volume of blood is trapped in the filter (60% volume loss)
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the flow dynamics parameter by using a multi-chamber design with controlled flow paths. This allows blood to flow through the filter matrix more efficiently, reducing stagnant zones where blood would be trapped, and maintaining higher flow velocity that prevents volume loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing filtration devices are used for small volumes of blood, then filtration is achieved, but the devices are not functional for small volumes (designed for large volumes only)
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is designed with a modular multi-chamber configuration that can be adapted to process both small and large volumes of blood. The chambers can be selectively activated or connected in series/parallel configurations, making the device universally applicable across different volume requirements while maintaining reliable filtration performance.
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 effectively reduces neutrophil content by 10% or more in both small and large volumes of blood, mimicking the body's filtration process and reducing the risk of tissue inflammation and surgical complications.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular material is charged. In some embodiments, the outlet end has a positive charge and the inlet end has a negative charge
Implementation Method 2
the flow path is placed within an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A particle/cell separation device is described which is particularly adapted for neutrophil depletion from a preparation of whole blood or platelet-rich plasma. Also described are blood and platelet rich plasma compositions produced using the device which are neutrophil-depleted.