Platelet Release Reservoir With Vortex Flow for Scalable Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for in vitro production of blood platelets face challenges in maintaining quality due to contamination risks and have low throughput, making them unsuitable for large-scale operations, and existing methods like pipetting are not scalable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platelet release reservoir with specific fluid connection elements and a pumping device that generates vortex disturbances to fragment megakaryocyte cytoplasmic extensions, allowing continuous and efficient platelet release at high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microfluidic systems are used for platelet release, then platelet production quality is improved, but throughput is limited to a few hundred microliters per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-volume fluid processing into multiple microfluidic channels working in parallel. Each channel maintains the quality standards of microfluidic systems while collectively achieving high throughput by processing multiple streams simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic system is designed to perform multiple functions: cell culture, platelet release, and fluid extraction through interconnected reservoirs and channels. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain quality control while increasing overall productivity.
2Productivity
If reservoir systems with agitation means are used, then throughput is increased, but contamination risk increases due to lack of isolation from external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir system uses sealed flexible reservoirs that can be isolated from the external environment. These sealed containers allow agitation and fluid processing while maintaining isolation to prevent contamination, resolving the contradiction between throughput and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate sealed connections and fluid pathways that allow agitation and processing to occur within isolated reservoirs. The intermediaries maintain the barrier between the processed fluid and external environment while enabling the necessary mechanical actions for platelet release.
3Ease of operation
If manual pipetting is used for platelet release, then simplicity of operation is improved, but scalability is limited and cannot handle large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual pipetting operations with an automated pumping system that controls fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. This substitution maintains the simplicity of operation through automated control while dramatically increasing scalability to handle large volumes of fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping system enables continuous fluid flow and platelet release operations, replacing the discrete manual pipetting steps. This continuity allows the system to process large volumes efficiently while maintaining ease of operation through automated sequential processing.
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 achieves high platelet release efficiency and scalability, capable of processing several liters of fluid per hour with improved quality and reduced contamination risks, mimicking the natural process of platelet formation.
Implementation Method 1
generate a continuous flow of fluid between said injection port and said discharge port as well as vortex disturbances within the reservoir causing the fragmentation of the cytoplasmic extensions of the megakaryocytic cells
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid connection element fixed at said first opening and adapted to inject said fluid into said reservoir, said first connection element comprising an orifice for injecting the fluid into the platelet release reservoir and a portion narrowed towards said orifice, a sudden widening of section existing between the injection orifice and the reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for platelet release from a fluid containing in particular megakaryocytic cells comprising cytoplasmic extensions. The system makes it possible to reproduce the pipetting process performed manually by means of a pipette, thereby permitting a continuous and automatic release of platelets. This is carried out on a large scale since the geometry of the system according to the invention makes it possible to treat large volumes of fluid with a high throughput (of the order of a plurality of litres per hour), thereby making it particularly suitable for industrial-scale use. The invention also relates to a method for platelet release from a fluid containing in particular megakaryocytic cells comprising cytoplasmic extensions, said method being carried out by means of the abovementioned system.