Automated Macromolecule Extraction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional manual methods for producing large molecule biopharmaceuticals are inefficient and inflexible, requiring extensive resources, being operator-dependent, and struggling with scale-up and rapid process iteration, which hinders the selection and production of effective products in large-scale settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising incubators for culturing biological samples, a sample operating system for extracting macromolecules, and a transfer platform with a robot for automating the transfer of samples between incubators and the operating system, enabling controlled temperature and humidity, and batch processing within a laminar flow environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual production methods are used, then operator flexibility and control are maintained, but production efficiency and scalability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operations where the robotic arm automatically transfers samples between incubators and the operating system without human intervention. The incubators automatically control temperature and humidity, and the system performs batch processing operations autonomously, eliminating dependency on operator skills while maintaining continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with gripper replaces manual sample handling, the automated incubators replace manual temperature control, and the batch processing system replaces sequential manual operations, thereby increasing productivity while reducing operator dependency.
2Productivity
If manual operations are performed, then equipment and space requirements are reduced, but production throughput and batch processing capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated systems: the robotic arm combines sample transfer, positioning, and placement operations; the incubators combine temperature control, humidity control, and batch cultivation; the operating system combines multiple processing steps in a single automated workflow, thereby increasing throughput despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves multiple purposes: transferring samples between incubators, loading/unloading the operating system, and positioning samples for batch processing. The incubators provide both temperature-controlled cultivation and humidity-controlled environments. This multi-functionality increases production throughput by eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each operation.
3Reliability
If manual production methods are used, then equipment cost and space are reduced, but product quality consistency and operator dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs all critical operations without human intervention, making the process self-service. The robotic arm automatically executes transfer operations with consistent precision, the incubators maintain stable environmental conditions, and the batch processing system ensures uniform treatment of all samples, thereby ensuring product quality consistency while eliminating operator dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated control with feedback mechanisms: temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor incubator conditions and adjust heating/cooling and humidification accordingly; the robotic system tracks sample positions and adjusts transfer operations to ensure consistency; this closed-loop feedback ensures reliable and consistent product quality independent of operator skill levels.
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 system significantly enhances production efficiency and flexibility, allowing for high-throughput processing and effective selection of target products, reducing operator dependency and improving scalability, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
the incubator comprises a heating membrane, wherein the heating membrane automatically heats the incubator and controls the internal temperature thereof at 15 to 40° C.
Implementation Method 2
the incubator comprises a refrigeration compressor, the refrigeration compressor being configured to control the temperature of the biological samples at 2 to 8° C. when sedimentation enrichment of the biological sample is required.
Implementation Method 3
the incubator comprises a humidification unit, the humidification unit comprising an automatic water supply unit and a nebulizer, the automatic water supply unit being configured to supply water to the incubator in a controlled manner, and the nebulizer being configured to control the humidity of the incubator by nebulizing the water from the automatic water supply unit.
Implementation Method 4
a centrifugal separation unit for separating components in the biological sample
Implementation Method 5
a magnetic bead sorting unit for sorting components in the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for the extraction of macromolecules comprising: one or more incubators, the incubators for culturing a biological sample to provide a base sample for screening for the detection of the macromolecule; a sample operating system, the sample operating system for performing predetermined operations on the biological sample cultured in the incubator; a sample detection platform, the sample detection platform for detecting the biological sample for screening; and a transfer platform, the transfer platform for transferring the biological samples between the incubator and the sample operating system and/or between the sample operating system and the sample detection platform. The system according to the present disclosure not only quantitatively increases the throughput of extraction of macromolecules while quantitatively reducing the number of operators, but also greatly improves the stability, homogeneity, and reproducibility of the process by standardizing operations.