Plasma Source Array for Cell Culture Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling germs in cell material, such as those using antibiotics, face issues like antibiotic resistance and interference with cell physiology, and commercially available plasma sources are too intense and difficult to control for precise treatment.
Innovation Solution
An array of plasma sources with individually controllable, miniaturized plasma sources on a carrier designed for cell culture receptacles, utilizing substrates like LTCC or glass, emitting UV radiation, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen radicals, and ozone, allowing for controlled, physical disinfection without antibiotics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available plasma sources are used for disinfection, then germ control effect is achieved, but plasma intensity is too strong and cannot be controlled sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single plasma source into multiple individual plasma sources arranged in an array, where each plasma source can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows precise control of plasma intensity for each well, resolving the contradiction between achieving effective germ control and maintaining controllable plasma intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each plasma source in the array is designed to provide localized plasma treatment to individual wells. The local quality principle enables different plasma intensities to be applied to different wells simultaneously, allowing effective disinfection where needed while maintaining lower intensities where cell physiology must be preserved.
2Reliability
If antibiotics are used to control germs in cell material, then germ control is achieved, but antibiotic resistance and interference with cell physiology occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical system (antibiotics) with a physical system (cold plasma). Cold plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, UV radiation, and other physical effects that kill germs through physical mechanisms rather than chemical antibiotic action, thereby eliminating antibiotic resistance and avoiding interference with cell physiology.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of germ control from chemical concentration (antibiotics) to physical intensity (plasma power, gas flow, treatment time). By adjusting these physical parameters, effective germ control is achieved without the harmful side effects of antibiotics.
3Reliability
If antibiotics are used for germ control, then disinfection is achieved, but handling effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma array system is designed to be self-contained, with the carrier integrating multiple plasma sources and connection lines. The system automatically generates plasma when connected to a power source, eliminating the need for manual antibiotic preparation, addition, and monitoring. The plasma sources are controllably activated only when needed, reducing handling effort.
4Measurement precision
If individual plasma sources are assigned to each cell culture receptacle, then precise plasma treatment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple plasma sources into a single integrated array structure that fits onto a standard multiwell plate carrier. The carrier integrates electrical connections, gas supply lines, and structural support for all plasma sources, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining individual control capability for precise plasma treatment.
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 effective, controlled disinfection of cell cultures with adjustable plasma intensity, reducing antibiotic resistance and simplifying handling, while maintaining cell physiology integrity, and improving experimental efficiency in molecular biology.
Implementation Method 1
The main effects of the plasma generated by the plasma sources are: emission of UV radiation, generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals and generation of ozone.
Implementation Method 2
a cold, atmospheric plasma is generated by controlling at least one of the plasma sources
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an array (1) of plasma sources (3), comprising a carrier (2) on which a plurality of plasma sources (3) is arranged, wherein each plasma source (3) comprises an LTCC substrate or another ceramic substrate or a glass substrate or a silicon based substrate or a silicone based substrate or a composite substrate of glass and/or ceramics and/or plastics and/or silicon and/or silicone, wherein the carrier (2) is configured as a lid or part of a lid designed to be put on an array (6) of cell culture receptacles (9), such that an individual plasma source (3) is assigned to each cell culture receptacle (9), wherein each plasma source (3) is connected to at least one connection line (4). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for treating cell material (10) by the array (1) of plasma sources (3).