Integrated Plasma Separation Using Centrifugal and Spinning Membranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood separation systems lack an integrated system capable of efficiently harnessing both centrifugal and spinning membrane separation techniques for separating and collecting red blood cells, plasma, or both, while maintaining sterility and preventing contamination.
Innovation Solution
A blood separation device incorporating a centrifugal separator and a spinning membrane separator drive unit, controlled by a controller, which facilitates the separation and collection of red blood cells and plasma using both centrifugal and spinning membrane techniques, ensuring sterility through a reusable durable device and disposable fluid flow circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable sealed fluid processing assembly is used for centrifugation, then sterility and prevention of contamination are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: a reusable centrifugal separator assembly and a disposable fluid processing assembly. The centrifugal separator contains the drive system, pumps, valves, and controller, while the fluid processing assembly contains the separation chamber with channeling seals and outlet ports. This segmentation allows the complex mechanical components to be reused while maintaining sterility through the disposable chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid processing assembly is designed as a disposable component that is sealed and sterile, used only once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization of the separation chamber, ensuring sterility while reducing the complexity of maintaining reusable sterile components.
2Productivity
If centrifugal separation is used, then separation efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively separate plasma without cell contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, centrifugal separation to separate blood components based on density; second, membrane filtration to separate plasma from cellular components. Each stage uses appropriate separation mechanisms for its specific function, achieving both efficiency and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges centrifugal separation and membrane filtration into a single integrated fluid processing assembly. The centrifugal separator feeds blood into the separation chamber, where both separation mechanisms work together to achieve comprehensive separation of plasma, red blood cells, and other components.
3Productivity
If spinning membrane separation is used, then plasma filtration rate is improved, but the membrane is susceptible to fouling and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
Centrifugal separation is performed as a preliminary action before membrane filtration. By pre-separating the blood into cellular and plasma components through centrifugation, the membrane is exposed primarily to plasma rather than whole blood, significantly reducing fouling and clogging while maintaining high filtration rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal separation chamber acts as an intermediary between the blood source and the membrane filter. It conditions the blood by removing cellular components, creating a cleaner feed stream for the membrane filtration process and extending membrane life.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated system with both centrifugal and membrane separation is used, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both centrifugal separation and membrane filtration are merged into a single integrated fluid processing assembly that can be mounted on the centrifugal separator. The assembly includes both the separation chamber with channeling seals and the membrane filtration system, allowing one device to perform multiple separation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by enabling various blood separation procedures including red blood cell collection, plasma collection, and both simultaneously. The same hardware platform can be configured for different separation modes depending on the clinical needs.
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 integrated system enables versatile blood separation procedures, enhancing separation efficiency and sterility by allowing for the selective collection of red blood cells, plasma, or both, while preventing contamination and fouling of the membrane.
Implementation Method 1
As the whole blood is spun by the centrifuge, the heavier (greater specific gravity) components, such as red blood cells, move radially outwardly away from the center of rotation toward the outer or 'high-G' wall of the separation chamber.
Implementation Method 2
this type of device employs relatively rotating surfaces, at least one or which carries a porous membrane
Implementation Method 3
The Taylor vortices help to keep the blood cells from depositing on and fouling or clogging the membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for separating blood into two or more components for collection of red blood cells, plasma, or both red blood cells and plasma. A blood separation system includes a blood separation device and a fluid flow circuit configured to be mounted to the blood separation device. The blood separation device includes a centrifugal separator and a spinning membrane separator drive unit, with the blood being separated into its constituents by the centrifugal separator. Separated plasma may be collected following separation by the centrifugal separator or may first be conveyed from the centrifugal separator into the spinning membrane separator drive unit to separate cellular blood components from the plasma prior to collection of the filtered plasma. The cellular blood components filtered from the plasma may be retained in the circuit as a waste product or may be flushed out of the circuit to a recipient.