Mini-Stem Adipose Stem Cell Extraction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting adipose-derived stem cells are costly and require specialized equipment, limiting their use to large hospitals and research facilities, making them inaccessible for therapeutic and cosmetic applications in small medical practices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for extracting and processing adipose tissue to obtain a purified fraction of mesenchymal stem cells using a Mini-Stem system, which includes a kit with sterile containers and processing reagents, allowing for on-site processing and administration of stem cells in a clinical environment without the need for full-scale facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized equipment and facilities are used for extracting adipose-derived stem cells, then extraction reliability and cell purity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into modular components including collection containers, processing chambers, and separation modules that can be used independently or in combination. This segmentation allows small practices to use only the necessary components rather than requiring a complete complex system, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes equipment that can perform multiple functions including tissue collection, processing, and cell separation using the same basic apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, lowering device complexity while maintaining extraction reliability through standardized procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized processing procedures are implemented, then stem cell purity and therapeutic effectiveness are improved, but manufacturing cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use processing kits and containers that eliminate the need for expensive reusable equipment requiring maintenance and validation. These disposable components provide consistent purification results at lower cost, making high-purity stem cell extraction accessible to small medical practices without specialized facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing procedures utilize adjustable parameters such as centrifugal force, filtration pore sizes, and separation thresholds that can be optimized for different applications. This flexibility allows the same basic system to achieve high stem cell purity for various therapeutic indications without requiring multiple specialized processing lines, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If full-scale hospital facilities are used, then therapeutic efficacy and safety are improved, but accessibility and cost-effectiveness for small practices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated processing steps and pre-programmed protocols that minimize the need for highly specialized operator training. The equipment performs self-validation and quality control checks, enabling small practice staff to safely conduct stem cell extraction and processing without requiring hospital-level expertise, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining therapeutic safety.
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 the safe and economical extraction of therapeutically or cosmetically effective amounts of adipose-derived stem cells, suitable for small medical clinics and outpatient settings, facilitating their use in regenerative medicine and cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
centrifuging the modified centrifuge tube containing processed lipoaspirate to concentrate a pellet comprising an enriched stem cell fraction
Data Source
AI summary
A device that allows for either fat graft preparation or cell fraction harvest is disclosed. The device includes a first centrifuge tube configured to receive and process a biological substance, the first centrifuge tube comprising an upper cylindrical portion and a lower conical portion, a sterile tissue inlet fitting, at least one sterile processing fluid inlet fitting, a sterile suction fitting, and at least one sterile extraction port connected to a first extraction tube. The first centrifuge tube further includes an internal space including a screen being positioned therein, the screen being configured to divide the internal space in half, and a filter positioned therein, the filter being positioned below the screen in the lower conical portion of the first centrifuge tube. The device may further include a second centrifuge tube configured to receive and further process the biological substance from the first centrifuge tube. The second centrifuge tube has at least one sterile fitting, wherein the second centrifuge tube is releasably connected via the at least one sterile fitting to one of the at least one sterile extraction ports of the first centrifuge tube.