Probe-Free Ultrasonic Stem Cell Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for harvesting stem cells from adipose tissue are prone to contamination and yield low-quality, low-count stem cells due to the use of sonication probes that can introduce pathogens and enzymatic lysis methods that result in low yields and contamination with animal-derived enzymes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize ultrasonication without a probe to lyse tissues, maintaining a constant temperature to preserve stem cell vitality, and employing a closed-system sonication-driven process to isolate and concentrate stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells from lipoaspirate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a sonication probe is used to lyse adipose tissue, then tissue lysis efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases due to pathogen introduction and cross-contamination between donors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue lysis efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful sonication probe from the tissue processing system and replaces it with an ultrasonic bath that processes tissue through container walls. This removes the direct contact pathway for pathogen introduction and cross-contamination while maintaining ultrasonic lysis functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary medium (ultrasonic bath water) that transmits ultrasonic energy to the tissue container without direct probe-tissue contact. The container wall acts as a mediator, allowing energy transfer while maintaining sterile isolation between the ultrasonic source and the tissue sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If enzymes are used to lyse adipose tissue, then stem cell release is improved, but contamination with animal-derived enzymes occurs causing allergic reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestem cell release efficiencyVSAvoidallergic reaction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical/enzymatic lysis system with a mechanical ultrasonic lysis system. Ultrasonic waves create cavitation bubbles that mechanically disrupt tissue structures and release stem cells without requiring animal-derived enzymes, thereby eliminating the source of allergic reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If sonication is performed without temperature control, then lysis process speed is improved, but stem cell vitality decreases due to heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelysis process speedVSAvoidstem cell vitality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements temperature feedback control where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the ultrasonic bath and adjusts power delivery to maintain optimal temperature. This closed-loop system allows rapid lysis processing while preventing excessive heat generation that would compromise stem cell viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts ultrasonic power parameters based on temperature conditions. By modifying amplitude, duration, and duty cycle of ultrasonic pulses in response to temperature feedback, the system optimizes the balance between lysis efficiency and stem cell preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach minimizes contamination risk, produces high-quality, high-count viable stem cells, and maintains stem cell vitality, making it suitable for safe and effective administration to patients.

Implementation Method 1

The water bath is agitated with an ultrasonic wave generator to lyse the tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic cavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

apparatus that lyses tissues through an ultrasonication apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

sonicates tissues at a constant temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12312602B2Apparatus and method for harvesting and preparing viable stem cells

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 POLANSKY GLENN

AI summary

A method of preparing viable stromal and mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue that produces high quality and high counts of stem cells with a low risk of contamination. The apparatus provides ultrasonic waves through a constant temperature bath to the tissue held in a sterile sonication container such as a test tube or jar. No sonication probe touches the tissue or the cells during the process. The stem cells produced are ready to be administered to a patient.