Modular Apheresis System for Selective Bioactive Compound Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apheresis technologies are limited in their ability to provide personalized and effective treatment for various diseases due to the difficulty in controlling inflammatory responses and the need for standardized treatment protocols, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apheresis system that allows for the selective removal and addition of bioactive compounds, using interchangeable modules and 3D printing technology to create customized filters and columns tailored to individual patient needs, enabling personalized treatment strategies and combinations with other therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standardized treatment protocols are used in conventional apheresis, then treatment consistency is improved, but adaptability to individual patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apheresis system is divided into modular components including interchangeable cartridges with different filter types (molecular weight cutoff filters, affinity filters, adsorption filters) that can be selected and combined based on individual patient requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain standardized operational procedures while adapting to specific patient needs through cartridge selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The apheresis device is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple treatment functions by utilizing different cartridge configurations. The same base device can be adapted for various therapeutic goals (removing inflammatory cytokines, galectin-3, cancer-associated fibroblast factors, or other blood components) simply by changing the cartridge assembly, thereby achieving both consistency and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate treatments are administered to address different disease aspects, then comprehensiveness of treatment is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple treatment functions are merged into a single apheresis device through the use of interchangeable cartridges. Each cartridge is designed to perform specific therapeutic functions (different molecular weight cutoffs, affinity-based removal, adsorption mechanisms), and multiple cartridges can be assembled in series within the same device to achieve comprehensive treatment of multiple disease aspects simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate treatment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The apheresis device serves as a universal multi-functional platform where a single device can perform various therapeutic interventions by simply changing the cartridge configuration. This universality allows comprehensive treatment of different disease aspects (inflammation, fibrosis, cancer progression) using one device rather than requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If conventional apheresis removes broad classes of molecules, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of treatment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment precision is enhanced by using cartridges with specific local properties tailored to target particular molecules. Different cartridges employ different mechanisms (molecular weight cutoff, affinity binding, adsorption) and can be selected based on the specific target molecule characteristics. This allows precise targeting of specific pathogenic molecules (such as galectin-3 or specific cytokines) while maintaining ease of operation through standardized cartridge installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise treatment by changing parameters such as molecular weight cutoff values, affinity constants, and adsorption capacities of the filter media in different cartridges. These parameter variations allow precise control over which molecules are removed from the blood, enabling tailored treatment protocols while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized cartridge interfaces and procedures.
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 enables personalized and optimized treatment protocols, reducing side effects, enhancing the effectiveness of therapies, and reducing costs by allowing for tailored treatment strategies without the need for multiple treatments or expensive machinery.
Implementation Method 1
blood is removed, and it, or if preferred components thereof, are treated, to remove compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the practice of apheresis employs modules in the system which can be selected for a particular patient to treat particular situations or combinations of difficulties. In one example, Gal-3 mediates a large number of body reactions, and is an effective protector of tumor microenvironments and the like, as well inflammation driver. Removal of Gal-3 may make antic-cancer treatments, like photopheresis and TNF administration more effective. Separate modules, such as one for photopheresis and one for TNF receptor removal, may be combined with a module for the reduction of Gal-3, to render the combination of treatments each more effective than if administered alone.