Magnetized Display Cells for Cost-Effective Cell Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic bead-based cell isolation methods are costly and involve artificial materials, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective approach for cell collection and manipulation that avoids the use of expensive magnets and artificial beads.

Innovation Solution

Engineered magnetized display cells that display target-specific antibodies or antigens on their surfaces, allowing for the use of magnetic fields to collect target cells without the need for magnetic beads or secondary antibodies, using materials like NanoShuttle for magnetization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If magnetic bead-based cell isolation methods are used, then cell collection efficiency is improved, but cost increases and artificial materials are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell collection efficiencyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses temporary magnetization of cells via magnetic nanoparticles that can be applied transiently. The cells are magnetized for the specific task of isolation/manipulation and then the magnetic particles are removed, allowing reuse of cells without permanent artificial material presence. This replaces expensive permanent magnetic bead systems with a temporary, removable magnetization approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the magnetic property from permanent artificial beads and applies it temporarily to natural cells through magnetic nanoparticle uptake. By removing the need for permanent magnetic bead carriers and extracting only the essential magnetic manipulation function, the system eliminates expensive bead materials while maintaining cell collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If magnetic beads are used for cell isolation, then cell manipulation capability is improved, but cell artificiality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell manipulation capabilityVSAvoidcell artificiality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic nanoparticles serve as temporary, disposable carriers that impart magnetic properties to natural cells only when needed. After the manipulation task is complete, the magnetic particles are removed, returning cells to their natural state. This temporary approach maintains manipulation capability while minimizing permanent artificiality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The cells themselves serve as the magnetic carriers rather than requiring external magnetic beads. By enabling cells to take up magnetic nanoparticles and become self-magnetized, the system allows cells to provide their own magnetic property, reducing dependence on artificial bead materials and improving biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If expensive antibody kits and magnets are purchased for magnetic cell isolation, then cell separation precision is improved, but initial investment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell separation precisionVSAvoidinitial investment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive permanent magnets and antibody kits with a system using temporary magnetic nanoparticle magnetization. The magnetic nanoparticles are inexpensive compared to commercial magnetic bead systems, and the temporary nature of magnetization reduces the need for expensive specialized equipment, thereby maintaining separation precision while reducing initial investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective cell isolation and manipulation, allowing for retention of magnetized cells in cultures, particularly beneficial for 3D cultures and immune cell activation, with the potential for in vivo applications and bioprinting.

Implementation Method 1

applying a magnetic field to collect said magnetized display cells bound to said target cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3665269B1Use of magnetic cells to manipulate non-magnetic cells
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 GREINER BIO ONE NORTH AMERICA INC
  • EP3665269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3665269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3665269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods of using magnetic display cells to replace secondary antibodies and magnetic beads in any cell manipulation methods. Cells displaying ligands for target cells are magnetized, and then used to bind the target cells. The complex can then be collected in a magnetic field, and thereby manipulated according to the application needs.