Porous Filter Apparatus for Bioreactor Medium Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactor systems are inefficient in removing fluid mediums without harming cells, are not scalable, and require significant manual labor, making them unsuitable for rapid and large-scale production of therapeutic cells like T-cells and NK cells.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a porous filter member having a pore size of 1-9 microns is used to remove fluid medium from bioreactors at high flow rates without removing cells, allowing for cell expansion, purification, and buffer medium replenishment, enabling efficient cell growth and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to remove fluid medium from bioreactors, then cells can be maintained in culture, but the process requires significant manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and automates the fluid removal function by integrating a filtration system directly into the bioreactor assembly. The filter assembly with porous filter element is positioned to automatically filter and remove spent medium while allowing continuous or periodic operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the fluid removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor system performs self-service by incorporating an automated filtration mechanism that continuously or periodically removes spent medium without external manual intervention. The system maintains its own culture environment by automatically filtering and replacing medium, allowing cells to thrive without requiring significant human labor for medium management.
2Reliability
If filtration is performed to remove fluid medium, then medium can be replaced for cell replenishment, but cells may be damaged or removed with the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly uses a porous filter element with specific pore sizes that provide different filtration characteristics at different locations. The porous structure allows smaller molecules and fluid to pass through while blocking larger cells, creating a localized quality difference that enables selective separation of medium from cells during the filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous filter element as the core filtration mechanism. The porous material allows fluid medium to pass through while retaining cells based on size exclusion, enabling efficient medium removal and replacement without damaging or removing the therapeutic cells from the bioreactor.
3Quantity of substance
If bioreactor volume is increased for scalable production, then greater quantity of product can be produced, but the process complexity and manual handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that combines culture, filtration, and medium replacement capabilities in a single integrated system. This modular design can be scaled from small to large volumes while maintaining the same operational principles and automation level, allowing scalable production without proportionally increasing process complexity or manual handling requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple washing and separation cycles are performed, then cell purity increases, but the process time and manual labor increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system enables continuous or periodic medium removal and replacement without interrupting the cell culture process. The continuous filtration action maintains cell purity by constantly removing spent medium and allowing fresh medium to replenish, eliminating the need for discrete, time-consuming washing and separation cycles while maintaining high purity levels.
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 rapid expansion of cell densities, reduces manual labor, and allows for scalable production of therapeutic cells with high viability and purity, improving the efficiency and scalability of bioreactor operations.
Implementation Method 1
A filter apparatus with a porous filter member having a pore size of 1-9 microns is used to remove fluid medium from bioreactors at high flow rates without removing cells
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus is disclosed for withdrawing a fluid medium from a bioreactor during the growth of a cell culture within the bioreactor. Also disclosed is a method for culturing cells in a bioreactor. The filter apparatus includes a hollow tubular member attached to a filter member. The filter member has a pore size and volume capable of withdrawing a fluid medium at a relatively high flow rate from the bioreactor. Without withdrawing biological cells from the bioreactor and without damaging or harming the cells. The filter apparatus of the present disclosure allows for many process improvements.