Miniature Stirred Tank Bioreactor With Non-Invasive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactor systems face challenges in miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, and interference from sensors and inserts, particularly in small volumes, leading to non-uniform cell cultures and inefficient use of space and resources.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, small-footprint stirred tank bioreactor with integrated sensors and a compact design that eliminates internal inserts, using optical sensors and a portable system with a battery-powered controller for precise control of culture conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional bioreactor systems are used, then cell culture capability is provided, but system size and resource consumption become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable bioreactor cartridges that are pre-filled with culture medium and consumables. This eliminates the need for large, reusable bioreactor systems while reducing contamination risks and simplifying operations. The disposable nature allows for smaller working volumes (e.g., 1-10 mL) compared to traditional systems, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing medium quantity while maintaining effective cell culture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor system integrates multiple functions into a nested cartridge structure where the culture chamber, sensor housing, and fluid handling components are concentrically arranged. This nested design maximizes functional density within a minimal footprint, enabling efficient cell culture in small volumes without requiring large external support systems.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and inserts are added to monitor culture conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but interference with uniform mixing and cell attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from traditional probe-based systems and integrates it into the cartridge wall structure itself. Optical sensors are positioned externally or embedded in the cartridge housing, eliminating the need for intrusive probes that disrupt mixing and provide attachment surfaces for cells. This extraction maintains measurement precision while preserving culture homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge wall acts as an intermediary medium that transmits optical signals for sensing without requiring physical penetration into the culture. This intermediary approach allows for non-invasive monitoring of cell density and culture conditions, avoiding the interference problems associated with traditional sensor probes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Volume of stationary object
If small bioreactor volume is used, then space efficiency and resource consumption are improved, but maintaining uniform mixing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a magnetic stirring mechanism that uses rotating magnetic fields to agitate the culture medium. This vibration-based mixing approach is highly effective in small volumes where traditional mechanical stirrers cannot be accommodated. The magnetic stirring ensures uniform distribution of cells and nutrients throughout the culture, maintaining homogeneity despite the reduced bioreactor volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pneumatic actuation for medium exchange and waste removal through integrated channels in the cartridge. This hydraulic/pneumatic system enables efficient fluid handling in the compact geometry, ensuring uniform mixing and culture conditions are maintained throughout the small volume without requiring large mechanical mixing components.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, space-efficient, and flexible bioreactor system that maintains culture homogeneity and reduces resource consumption, enabling efficient cell culture without interference from internal probes.
Implementation Method 1
A conduit (18) from the bottom drainage tube (17) may be directed from within the bioreactor system to exit (40) so as to become accessible outside of the system. The sparging system may be used to deliver gas into the bioreactor vessel (10) to provide oxygen and/or remove carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 2
The vessel (10) may be placed into a heating block (50) which provides heating to the vessel (10) so as to maintain proper temperature for growth of the cells.
Implementation Method 3
The stirred tank bioreactor (100) may be supplied sterile to the user with all the essential accessories ready for immediate use... The current invention addresses this problem by providing a 'complete' bioreactor system in a very small foot print... incorporates features that provide the user with the culture control flexibility and capabilities of a larger system... the agitation system... provides uniform mixing
Data Source
AI summary
Miniature stirred tank bioreactor and system; the bioreactor configured for single use culturing, providing unobstructed culturing volume with sensors, probes and ports using minimally invasive placement in-wall or across the wall methods; the bioreactor further capable of containing scaffolds and features for culturing cells and tissue, including structures providing surfaces for cell growth, and screens for retaining microparticles during media exchange.