Sub-atmospheric Pressure Extraction of Platelet Growth Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and isolating growth factors from platelets for wound healing are inefficient, requiring complex equipment and expertise, and result in products that are costly and difficult to preserve, with limited shelf life and contamination from cellular debris.
Innovation Solution
A process involving sub-atmospheric pressure is applied to unfrozen platelet-rich plasma to release growth factors in a bioactive state, which are then filtered to separate them from platelets and other cellular components, allowing for lyophilization or freeze-drying to create a shelf-stable product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to extract growth factors from platelets, then growth factors can be obtained, but the process requires complex equipment and expertise, resulting in high costs and limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of growth factor release from the complex platelet activation process by using a simple vacuum application to directly release growth factors from platelet-rich plasma without requiring thrombin activation or complex cardiovascular equipment. This takes out the unnecessary complexity while retaining the therapeutic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables self-service extraction where the growth factors are released through a simple vacuum application that can be performed by clinicians without specialized training. The system serves itself by using the natural properties of platelet-rich plasma under vacuum conditions to release growth factors without requiring expert operation of complex equipment.
2Reliability
If growth factors are extracted using conventional methods, then therapeutic levels can be achieved, but the resulting product contains cellular debris and has limited shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes out the cellular debris and unwanted components from the final product by using a filtration step that separates growth factors from platelets and other cellular elements. This extraction leaves a purified growth factor solution that can be safely stored and administered without contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the growth factor solution by adjusting pH, temperature, and concentration to optimize both purity and stability. These parameter changes enable the product to maintain its therapeutic activity while achieving extended shelf life through proper formulation.
3Productivity
If platelet-rich plasma is processed using traditional methods, then growth factors are released, but venous access and clinical expertise are required, limiting widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes out the requirement for venous access and specialized clinical expertise by using a simple vacuum application method that can be performed with basic equipment. This extracts the essential therapeutic function while removing the barriers to widespread clinical adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable, single-use components such as vacuum chambers and filtration systems that eliminate the need for complex reusable equipment requiring specialized operation. These simple, disposable items can be used by any clinician without specialized training, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity.
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
This process efficiently isolates growth factors in a bioactive state, free from contaminants, enabling enhanced wound healing and prolonged shelf life, facilitating simpler and more cost-effective production of wound healing compositions.
Implementation Method 1
applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to an unfrozen growth factor starting material. Growth factors are released from the growth factor starting material in a bioactive state
Implementation Method 2
The released growth factors are filtered to separate them from platelets, bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other cellular debris
Implementation Method 3
allowing for lyophilization or freeze-drying to create a shelf-stable product
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-atmospheric, negative pressure is applied to a growth factor starting material, such as whole blood, to release growth factors and plasma in a non-destructive medium. The released growth factors having a weight of about 70-76 kDaltons are applied in either a filtered or unfiltered state to a wound to promote healing of the wound. The released growth factors are applied topically to the area of a surface wound to effect healing. The released growth factors are also injected into soft tissue, such as a torn tendon, to promote tissue growth and healing. The growth factors are released in one method from a patient's own blood. In another method the growth factors are released from a whole blood source and freeze dried by conventional lyophilization. Then at a later date, the freeze dried product is reconstituted by normal saline for treatment of a patient's wound or for use in a surgical procedure.