Mixing Container Startup Solvent for Target Bioprocess Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In bioprocess solutions for culturing Chinese hamster ovary cells to produce antibodies, the initial concentration of the solution often does not reach the set concentration, leading to waste and increased costs due to discarding the unsuitable solution.

Innovation Solution

The method involves preparing a bioprocess solution by initially storing a solvent in the mixing container that is closer to the desired concentration, using a first initial solvent with a composition matching the set concentration, and continuously supplying a solid bioprocess material to achieve the set concentration efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pure water is used as the initial solvent in the mixing container, then the mixing container can be easily cleaned and prepared, but the initial bioprocess solution concentration is too low and must be discarded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of preparationVSAvoidloss of bioprocess solution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the mixing container with solid bioprocess material before starting the continuous supply process. This ensures that when solvent is initially added, the concentration immediately reaches the target level, eliminating the need to discard the initial solution while maintaining ease of preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If solid bioprocess material is continuously supplied to achieve set concentration, then the desired concentration is maintained, but initial solution must be discarded due to insufficient concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentration accuracyVSAvoidtime for concentration buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-loads the mixing container with the required amount of solid bioprocess material before starting operation. This preliminary action eliminates the time required for concentration buildup from scratch, allowing the system to immediately produce solution at the target concentration without discarding initial low-concentration solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-loaded solid material in the mixing container automatically begins dissolving when solvent is supplied, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain the target concentration without external intervention or waste of initial solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the same solvent is used for initial loading and continuous supply, then the system is simple to operate, but concentration cannot reach set level immediately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidinitial concentration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains operational simplicity by using the same solvent for both initial loading and continuous supply. The precision issue is resolved by pre-loading solid bioprocess material into the mixing container, which immediately establishes the correct concentration when solvent is added, eliminating the need for different solvents while maintaining concentration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces the amount of discarded solution, thereby lowering costs and ensuring consistent supply of the bioprocess solution to the culture tank, facilitating efficient and cost-effective perfusion culture.

Implementation Method 1

storing a first initial solvent, which has a composition closer to the bioprocess solution having the set concentration than the solvent continuously supplied to the mixing container, or a second initial solvent, which has a higher solubility for the solid bioprocess material than the solvent continuously supplied to the mixing container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP4682240A1Bioprocess solution preparation method and mixing container
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4682240A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682240A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682240A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for preparing a bioprocess solution, in which a bioprocess solution having a set concentration is continuously prepared in a mixing container by continuously supplying a solvent and a solid bioprocess material to the mixing container, the method including storing a first initial solvent, which has a composition closer to the bioprocess solution having the set concentration than the solvent continuously supplied to the mixing container, or a second initial solvent, which has a higher solubility for the solid bioprocess material than the solvent continuously supplied to the mixing container, in the mixing container and starting continuous supply of the solid bioprocess material and the solvent to the mixing container in a state where the first initial solvent or the second initial solvent is stored in the mixing container.