Nematode Breeding System Using Microfilters for Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for breeding and life cycle synchronization of nematodes, such as C. elegans, are inefficient and harmful due to the use of chemicals like bleach, resulting in low yields, poor quality, and unsuitability for high-throughput screening applications.
Innovation Solution
A high volume breeding and life cycle synchronization system that uses a modular design with microfilters and controlled fluid flow to produce synchronized L1 nematodes without chemical bleaching, achieving higher yields and maintaining nematode vitality through a controlled environment and nutrient supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical bleaching is used to separate eggs from nematodes, then egg separation is achieved, but nematode vitality is negatively affected and yield is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes harmful chemicals (bleach) from the egg separation process, replacing them with physical filtration methods using microfilters that separate eggs based on size differences without chemical damage to nematodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microfilters as an intermediary device between the nematode population and the separation process, enabling physical separation of eggs from adult nematodes through size-based filtration without direct chemical contact
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical bleaching is used for synchronization, then egg separation is achieved, but the process is time consuming and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-based bleaching system with a mechanical/physical filtration system using microfilters, enabling faster and more scalable separation while maintaining synchronization quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from chemical concentration and exposure time parameters to physical filter pore size parameters, allowing for rapid separation without time-consuming chemical processes
3Ease of manufacture
If chemical bleaching is used, then egg separation is achieved, but the process is challenging and uncertain with sensitivity to temperature and concentration variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes temperature-sensitive chemical reactions from the process, replacing them with temperature-independent physical filtration that is not affected by environmental variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized microfilters with precise pore sizes as reusable templates for separation, providing consistent results without the variability inherent in chemical concentration and temperature control
4Productivity
If natural egg producing capabilities are used, then high yield is achieved, but population homogeneity and synchronization are not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of eggs from the parent population using microfilters before the eggs are laid or immediately after, ensuring that only synchronized early life stages remain in the culture while maintaining high production yield
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nematode population by life stage using sequential filtration, separating eggs, L1 larvae, and adult stages into distinct groups to achieve both high yield and population homogeneity
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 produces significantly more synchronized L1 nematodes with high viability, achieving yields 20-50 times greater than prior methods, with over 90% of eggs hatching and maintaining nematode health, suitable for research and testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
flowing part of the fluid of the at least one breeding reactor through/over the micro filter to an outlet of the reactor, thereby separating early life stage (egg-L4) of the nematode species from (young) adult nematodes
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of a high volume breeding and life cycle synchronization system for nematodes and a method for breeding such nematodes. An example of a nematode is Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). C. Elegans is a small, free-living soil nematode (roundworm) that lives in many parts of the world. It feeds mainly on microbes, primarily bacteria. C. Elegans is considered and used as an important model system for biological research in many fields including genomics, cell biology neuroscience and aging.