Rotatable-Frame Fluid Filtration for Closed Cell Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell processing systems for cell therapy applications, such as CAR T-cell therapies, require efficient and automated fluid filtration apparatus that minimize manipulation and exposure of cells to the external environment to prevent contamination and ensure fast, easy processing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filtration apparatus with a rotatable frame and porous members, featuring a housing with a lumen, inlets, and outlets, and a baffle configuration, designed for automated and closed systems, which includes a magnetically-responsive member and pressure-sensitive adhesives for secure attachment of porous membranes, facilitating efficient separation and washing of cellular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cell processing is used, then flexibility in handling different cell types is maintained, but contamination risk increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides cell processing into distinct functional modules: a filtration chamber for separation, a washing chamber for purification, and a collection system. Each module can be independently configured and sterilized, enabling automated closed-loop processing that reduces contamination risk while maintaining processing flexibility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closed-loop fluid delivery and collection system as an intermediary between the filtration and washing chambers. This intermediary system enables automated transfer of cellular suspensions between chambers without manual intervention, reducing contamination exposure while maintaining processing adaptability through programmable fluid control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are performed sequentially, then thorough separation and washing can be achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines filtration and washing operations into an integrated apparatus where cellular suspensions flow sequentially through a filtration chamber and a washing chamber without requiring separate processing equipment. This merging of functions maintains high separation and washing efficiency while reducing total processing time through streamlined, continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing by maintaining fluid flow through the filtration and washing chambers in sequence. Cellular suspensions can be continuously fed into the filtration chamber, processed, and then automatically transferred to the washing chamber without interruption or manual handling, ensuring continuous useful action that reduces overall processing time while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If cells are exposed to the external environment multiple times, then sampling and monitoring can be performed, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sampling ports and monitoring interfaces as intermediaries within the closed-loop system. These ports allow sampling and monitoring operations to be performed through sealed connections without breaking the closed environment, thereby maintaining low contamination risk while enabling necessary operational access for quality control and process monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-contained sampling and monitoring capabilities that can operate autonomously within the closed loop. The apparatus can perform its own quality control measurements and sampling without requiring external manual intervention, reducing contamination exposure while maintaining operational ease through automated self-monitoring functions.
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 apparatus enables efficient separation and washing of cellular components, reducing contamination risks and enhancing the automation and efficiency of cell processing protocols, particularly in CAR T-cell therapies.
Implementation Method 1
a first porous member secured to or about the frame
Implementation Method 2
a frame rotatably supported within the lumen and rotatable relative to the housing
Implementation Method 3
pressure-sensitive adhesives for secure attachment of porous membranes
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a fluid filtration apparatus, and to methods of making and using a fluid filtration apparatus of this disclosure. Fluid filtration apparatus includes a frame having a porous member secured thereto, and the frame is rotatably supported within a housing. Fluid, and particulates therein, are introduced via an inlet and components of the fluid may be filtered through the porous member to yield a filtrate (and particulates having passed through the porous member) and a retentate (and particulates not having passed through the porous member). Methods of manufacturing (and assembling) and methods of using a fluid filtration apparatus of this disclosure are also described.