Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Treatment for Homogeneous Cell Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed electric field (PEF) and nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatments for biological cells lack homogeneity in cellular response, leading to suboptimal productivity and biomass yield, and are not easily scalable for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
Applying 1 to 100 pulses of electricity between electrodes with a voltage increase of 10% to 90% of a target voltage within 0.1 to 100 ns, and pulse durations of 5 to 5000 ns, achieving electric field strengths of 0.5 kV/cm to 50 kV/cm, to increase metabolic activity and stimulate cell proliferation in a wide range of cell sizes, including bacterial, yeast, and human cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional PEF treatment is applied to biological cells, then cell membrane effects are achieved, but homogeneity of cellular response is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nanosecond pulsed electric field treatment with specific parameters (pulse duration of 1-300 ns, electric field strength of 10-100 kV/cm) to achieve reversible electropermeabilization. This parameter optimization creates a more homogeneous cellular response compared to conventional PEF treatment, while simultaneously improving productivity and biomass yield through controlled intracellular effects.
2Reliability
If high electric field strength is applied for long duration, then irreversible electropermeabilization is achieved, but cell death occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electric field treatment with nanosecond duration pulses (1-300 ns) at controlled frequencies. This periodic application delivers sufficient electric field strength (10-100 kV/cm) to achieve reliable electropermeabilization while the brief pulse duration and inter-pulse intervals prevent cumulative damage that would lead to cell death, thus avoiding irreversible effects.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional PEF processing is used, then mass transfer is enhanced, but scalability to industrial scale is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nanosecond pulsed electric field treatment system is designed with universal applicability across different cell types and industrial processes. The equipment can handle various biological materials (bacterial cells, yeast, plant cells, animal cells) and is adaptable to both batch and continuous processing modes, facilitating easy scalability from laboratory to industrial production while maintaining enhanced mass transfer effects.
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 method enhances metabolic activity and biomass yield, allows for targeted manipulation of cells, and facilitates industrial-scale adaptation by providing a more homogeneous cellular response and increased production of specific compounds.
Implementation Method 1
nsPEF induces intracellular effects, distinct from the pronounced effects of conventional PEF on the cell membrane. Thereby, innovative applications and novel process windows are possible... the resulting electropermeabilization increases the mass transfer of molecules and ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods of increasing metabolic activity and stimulating cell proliferation of biological cells through the use of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment, especially through the use of nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatment.