Parallel Bioreactor System Using Oscillating Motion for Cell Culture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioreactors face challenges in achieving high throughput screening and optimizing cell culture processes due to high shearing forces and inadequate control over microenvironment parameters, which limits the production of biological drugs, especially for sensitive cells and microorganisms.

Innovation Solution

A parallel bioreactor system featuring oscillating culture vessels with inverted truncated conical inner cavities and a control system for precise parameter control, minimizing shearing forces and optimizing dissolved oxygen levels, allowing for simultaneous culture of multiple samples under controlled conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional stirring or bubbling methods are used for oxygen transfer and mixing in bioreactors, then oxygen transfer efficiency is improved, but shearing force increases causing damage to animal cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen transfer efficiencyVSAvoidshearing force damage to cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies oscillating motion to the culture vessel to achieve liquid circulation and oxygen transfer without traditional stirring blades or bubbling. The oscillation creates gentle fluid movement that maintains cell viability while ensuring adequate oxygen supply and mixing of culture media.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stirring system with an oscillating motion system. Instead of using rotating impellers or blades that create high shearing forces, the system uses controlled oscillation of the entire culture vessel to achieve mixing and oxygen transfer through gentle fluid dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional bioreactors are used for cell culture, then basic culture functions are achieved, but high throughput screening and parallel culture capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh throughput screening capabilityVSAvoidparallel culture system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bioreactor system into multiple independent culture vessels that can operate in parallel. Each vessel functions as an independent culture unit, enabling simultaneous screening of multiple cell clones or culture conditions while maintaining individual control over each vessel's parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal culture vessel structure with standardized interfaces and control systems that can accommodate different cell types and culture conditions. The same basic vessel design serves multiple functions across different screening experiments, reducing overall system complexity while enabling high throughput capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bioreactors are used, then basic culture operations are possible, but independent control of microenvironment parameters in each culture vessel is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroenvironment control capabilityVSAvoidparameter control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides each culture vessel with independent control systems for parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. This segmentation of control functions allows each vessel to maintain its own optimal microenvironment independently, enabling precise adaptation to different cell culture requirements without requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables high throughput screening and efficient culture process optimization by reducing shearing forces, improving cell growth density, and allowing independent control of each culture vessel, thereby enhancing the production of biological drugs.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillator for generating oscillating motion; a plurality of culture vessels mounted on the oscillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

each culture vessel is provided with an inner cavity, the inner cavity comprises a cylindrical portion at the upper part and an inverted truncated conical bottom at the lower part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3532601B1Parallel bioreactor system
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 ZHEJIANG JINYISHENGSHI BIOENGINEERING CO LTD
  • EP3532601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3532601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3532601B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

According to the invention, there is provided a parallel bioreactor system, comprising: an oscillator for generating oscillating motion; a plurality of culture vessels mounted on the oscillator, wherein each culture vessel is provided with an inner cavity, the inner cavity comprises a cylindrical portion at the upper part and an inverted truncated conical bottom at the lower part, a cross section of the cylindrical portion is consistent with the cross section of the top of the inverted truncated conical bottom, and the bottom of the cylindrical portion is joined with the top of the inverted truncated conical bottom; disposable culture bags arranged in the inner cavities of the culture vessels and used for accommodating culture solution, wherein each disposable culture bag is provided with a multifunctional cover plate, and the multifunctional cover plate is connected to the top of the culture bag to seal the culture bag, and is provided with a plurality of connection holes leading to interior of the disposable culture bag; and a control system, wherein the control system controls the oscillating motion of the oscillator and parameters of the culture solution in the disposable culture bags.