Modular Biochemical Purification System with Automated Sterile Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biochemical purification processes are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error due to manual assembly and disassembly of equipment, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination of sensitive samples.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with interconnected tanks and flexible tubing that allows for automated and sterile processing, enabling modifications without labor-intensive changes to tubing connections, and includes a closed system with controlled interfaces for maintaining sterility and robotic attachment/detachment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly and disassembly of equipment is used, then flexibility in process modification is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (tanks, filters, chromatography columns, connectors) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration of purification processes without manual intervention in tubing connections, reducing downtime while maintaining process flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic connection interfaces that allow for quick attachment and detachment of modules. The tubing connections are designed to be readily reconfigurable, enabling the system to adapt to different purification protocols without extensive manual assembly, thus reducing downtime between runs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly and disassembly of connections is performed, then process customization is possible, but human error and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing connection interfaces that automatically ensure proper sterile technique during assembly and disassembly. The modular design includes built-in features that guide correct connection without requiring operator expertise, reducing human error while maintaining process customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sterile barriers and intermediate connection components are introduced between the external environment and the purification system. These intermediaries prevent contamination during module assembly and disassembly, allowing process customization without compromising sterile technique adherence.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated apparatuses are used for each purification step, then process specificity is maintained, but system complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal connectors and standardized interfaces that allow the same modular components to be used across different purification steps (filtration, chromatography, concentration). This multi-functionality maintains process specificity through configured module arrangements while reducing overall system complexity and footprint compared to dedicated apparatuses for each step.
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 system reduces downtime, increases efficiency, and enhances reproducibility by automating biochemical purification processes, maintaining sterility, and minimizing human error, while allowing for flexible process modifications and reduced equipment footprint.
Implementation Method 1
Additions to and samples to, from, and between the tanks may be performed using compressed air to actuate fluid movement. The air may pressurize the internal space of a liquid-containing tank and induce liquid flow out of the tank into a destination container
Implementation Method 2
The air may be sterilized. Air used for transferring liquids in this way can be sterilized by passage through sterile filters
Implementation Method 3
These filters themselves may be steam sterilized and tested for filter integrity via automated processes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a method for processing a liquid sample, utilizing a first component including an interface side and at least 3 sample containers or tanks; and a second component including a connector manifold. The method may include the step of reversibly connecting a reagent container, a filtration apparatus, and a chromatography apparatus to the manifold; reversibly connecting the first component to the connector manifold; pressurizing the first sample tank; transferring the sample into the filtration apparatus; passing the sample through a filter; transferring the sample into the second sample tank; transferring the sample into the chromatography apparatus; transferring the reagent into the chromatography apparatus; and transferring the sample to the third sample tank. Some or all transfers may be routed via the connector manifold and the interface side.