Magnetic Bead Processing Assembly for Cell Isolation and Bead Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic cell isolation and activation technologies are limited in flexibility, scalability, and automation, particularly in commercial manufacturing settings, and lack efficient methods for separating magnetic materials from cells.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic bead processing assembly with a base assembly, rocker assembly, and consumable kits that allow for attaching and separating magnetic beads from biological cells, featuring a housing assembly, pinch valves, pumps, and a magnet system for controlled magnetic field manipulation, enabling flexible, scalable, and automated workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic materials are used for cell isolation and activation, then cell isolation and activation efficiency is improved, but separation of magnetic materials from cells becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the magnetic beads from the cell culture by applying a magnetic field to the external surface of the culture vessel, allowing magnetic beads to be removed without disturbing the cells. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy separation of magnetic materials from cells after isolation and activation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary mechanism that acts on magnetic beads externally through the culture vessel wall. This allows control and separation of magnetic beads without direct contact with cells, solving the separation difficulty while maintaining isolation and activation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic processing systems are used, then cell isolation can be performed, but flexibility and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal magnetic processing system that can perform multiple cell processing operations (isolation, activation, separation) using a single apparatus with external magnetic field application. This multi-functional approach increases workflow flexibility and scalability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical manipulation systems with an external magnetic field system that can be controlled remotely. This substitution simplifies the overall system while enabling flexible and scalable cell processing workflows through non-contact magnetic actuation.
3Productivity
If magnetic beads are kept close to magnetic particles for processing, then processing efficiency is improved, but system design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the culture vessel wall and external magnetic field as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the magnet and magnetic beads. This allows efficient magnetic processing without requiring direct contact or complex internal assemblies, maintaining high productivity while simplifying system design.
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 provides efficient and automated isolation and activation of biological cells, enhancing the capabilities of existing technologies by improving scalability and effectiveness in cell-related workflows.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet assembly having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface
Implementation Method 2
A number of devices, methods and reagents have been developed that used magnetic attraction for the isolation and/or activation of cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A bead processing assembly for use in attaching magnetic beads to biological cells and other biological materials and/or separating magnetic beads from biological cells and other biological materials includes a base assembly having a housing, a support panel disposed on the housing and having a front face, a first pinch valve at least partially outwardly projecting from the front face of the support panel, and a first pump at least partially outwardly projecting from the front face of the support panel. A rocker assembly is supported on the base assembly and includes a mount assembly supported on the base assembly, a platform assembly pivotably secured to the mount assembly, and a rocker drive for repeatedly rocking the platform assembly relative to the mount assembly.