Liquid Transferrer Control for Centrifuge-Free Cell Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for separating biological cells using centrifugation can cause cell lysis due to excessive mechanical force, leading to cell loss and reduced viability, which affects the reliability and yield of cell-based assays and cell therapy processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing liquid transferrers and actuators for controlled liquid dispensing and aspiration, allowing for sample washing without centrifugation, thereby reducing cell loss and improving viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal force is applied to separate biological cells, then separation efficiency is improved, but cell viability deteriorates due to excessive mechanical force causing lysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the centrifugal mechanical separation system with a magnetic separation system. Magnetic particles conjugated with target molecules are used to selectively bind and separate cells through magnetic field application, eliminating the need for high-speed centrifugation that causes cell lysis while maintaining effective separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary substance that conjugates with target molecules on or in the cells. These magnetic particles serve as a mediator between the magnetic field and the cells, enabling gentle magnetic-based separation without direct mechanical stress on the cells that would cause lysis
2Productivity
If conventional centrifugation is used for washing samples, then washing efficiency is improved, but cell loss increases due to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical centrifugation-based washing with magnetic field-based washing. After magnetic particles conjugate with target molecules, magnetic fields are applied to capture and wash the cell-magnetic particle complexes, enabling efficient washing without the mechanical stress and cell loss associated with centrifugation
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 system effectively washes samples while maintaining cell viability and yield by minimizing mechanical stress, enhancing the reliability of biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
positioning, with at least a first subset of the one or more actuators, at least a first subset of the one or more liquid transferrers at a first height for dispensing liquid into a sample solution while a nozzle of at least the first subset of the one or more liquid transferrers is in contact with the sample solution
Implementation Method 2
positioning, with at least a second subset of the one or more actuators, at least a second subset of the one or more liquid transferrers at a second height for aspirating liquid from the sample solution
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for washing a sample includes one or more liquid transferrers; one or more actuators; one or more processors; and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The one or more programs include instructions for receiving information identifying a target residual volume; determining a final aspiration height based on the target residual volume; and sending a first set of one or more signals to an actuator to place a liquid transferrer at a first location corresponding to the final aspiration height.