Rigid Chamber for Cell Separation from Flexible Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for immunomagnetic cell separation face challenges in maintaining a stable magnetic gradient for efficient collection and processing of target cells, particularly with flexible bags, which can dislodge cells due to flexibility and require multiple re-suspension steps, and lack the flexibility to accommodate varying cell counts and densities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that convert a flexible container into a substantially rigid container by placing it in a rigid frame and applying positive pressure, allowing for adjustable spacing and magnetic field generation, enabling efficient separation and recovery of target cells with minimal re-suspension steps and accommodating varying cell volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible bags are used for cell separation, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the magnetic gradient is unstable and cells are dislodged requiring multiple re-suspension steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible disposable bag as the separation chamber that can be conformally placed against the magnetic gradient surface. The flexible material allows the bag to adapt to the magnetic surface geometry while maintaining cellular separation, combining the advantages of flexibility with stable magnetic gradient contact.
2Device complexity
If flexible bags are used for cell separation, then the device complexity is reduced, but cell loss increases due to dislodgment and multiple re-suspension steps
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag maintains conformal contact with the magnetic gradient surface throughout the separation process, preventing cell dislodgment while keeping the device simple and disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the flexible bag positioning against the magnetic surface, enabling optimal contact during separation while maintaining simplicity of operation.
3Device complexity
If fixed chamber volume is used, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate varying cell counts and densities
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag can be expanded or contracted to accommodate different volumes of cell samples while maintaining conformal contact with the magnetic gradient surface, providing adaptability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the flexible bag volume parameter to match different cell counts and densities, enabling versatile processing of varying sample sizes with a simple device structure.
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 maintains a stable magnetic gradient, reduces cell loss, and allows for efficient processing of target cells with minimal re-suspension, accommodating different cell counts and densities, while maintaining sterility and efficiency in a closed system.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the container by applying positive pressure to engage the container with the frame
Implementation Method 2
separating magnetically labeled target cells by placing the rigid chamber in contact with a magnetic gradient surface
Data Source
AI summary
Method consists of placing a flexible container within a rigid frame and expanding the container by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure such that the walls of the container conform to the inside walls of the rigid frame thus forming a well-defined chamber. The system has the capability of reducing the volume of the chamber by adjusting the distance between the walls of the rigid container. The methods and systems so described are applicable to closed sterile systems that employ immunomagnetic isolation or purging of components from blood products. By providing a fixed volume and at least one surface upon which targeted entities can be magnetically deposited, target cells in the case of positive isolations can be magnetically held, flushed with wash buffers over them to remove entrapped cells and finally the recovery of product of very high purifies and at high yields.