Multichannel Peristaltic Pump for Uniform Cell Suspension Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cryopreserving cells are inefficient in achieving uniform concentrations and volumes of cell suspensions, often causing cell damage due to ice formation and solute concentration issues, and many cryoprotectants are toxic to cells.
Innovation Solution
A closed and sterile fill system using a multichannel peristaltic pump and fluid lines to distribute a starting material containing biological cells and cryoprotectants into multiple containers, ensuring uniform concentrations and volumes through controlled fluid flow, with optional computer-aided operation and biocompatible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multichannel peristaltic pump is used to distribute cell suspension into multiple containers simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cell suspension distribution process into multiple parallel channels, each leading to a separate container. The multichannel peristaltic pump operates with multiple independent rollers that can simultaneously dispense suspension into multiple containers, enabling parallel processing and improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump head is designed with multiple channels that can be uniformly configured to handle different container sizes and types. The system uses universal connectors and fluid lines that can be adapted to various container configurations, allowing the same pump mechanism to serve multiple functions across different experimental setups without requiring separate specialized equipment for each container
2Reliability
If rapid cooling is applied to prevent intracellular ice formation, then cell viability is improved, but cell damage occurs due to solute concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the cell suspension and cryoprotectant mixture before distribution into containers. By preparing the suspension at sub-zero temperatures in the starting container and using pre-chilled fluid lines, the system ensures that cells receive uniformly cold suspension without experiencing rapid temperature changes that would cause solute concentration damage, thereby maintaining cell viability while preventing ice formation
3Reliability
If cryoprotectants are added to prevent ice formation, then cell protection is improved, but cell toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system minimizes the time cells are exposed to cryoprotectants by rapidly distributing the pre-mixed suspension into containers and immediately placing them in cryogenic storage. The multichannel pump enables quick transfer of suspension, and the entire process is performed at low temperatures where cryoprotectant toxicity is reduced, allowing cells to receive protective benefits while minimizing toxic exposure time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a starting container as an intermediary chamber where cell suspension is mixed with cryoprotectants under controlled conditions before distribution. This intermediate mixing chamber allows precise control over cryoprotectant concentration and exposure time, enabling the system to deliver optimized cryoprotective treatment while minimizing direct cell exposure to toxic levels
4Manufacturing precision
If uniform concentrations and volumes are achieved through controlled fluid flow, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump system uses its inherent mechanical design to provide uniform distribution without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The roller-based pump naturally creates consistent flow patterns, and the multi-channel configuration ensures equal distribution across all containers through symmetric mechanical action, achieving manufacturing precision through the pump's own operational characteristics rather than through additional complex control systems
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 rapid and efficient cryopreservation of multiple cell preparations with uniform concentrations and volumes, reducing cell damage and minimizing exposure to toxic cryoprotectants, allowing for effective storage of cells for medical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a multichannel peristaltic pump having a pump head, wherein the starting container is connected to the system of fluid lines and each one container of the plurality of containers is connected to a fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines so as to form a closed system in which a fluid may flow from the starting container through the system of fluid lines to each container of the plurality of containers
Implementation Method 2
the syringe is connected to the first fluid line via a fluid flow regulator or to the starting container via a bidirectional port for pushing fluid or moving gas in and out of the fluid lines
Implementation Method 3
Such cryoprotectants known in the art are typically glycerol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylamine acetate, and other high molecular weight solutes capable of strongly hydrogen-bonding to water
Implementation Method 4
With further cooling, water from the interior of the cell will pass by osmosis through the cell membrane to add to the growing extracellular ice crystals
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for preparing a plurality of containers having a suspension of a solid wherein the concentrations of the solid in the plurality of containers are substantially similar or the same and the volumes of the suspension in the plurality of containers are substantially similar or the same.