Biological Sample Cooling Validation Using Power Signatures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryopreservation techniques lack effective validation methods to ensure that biological samples are cooled under conditions matching reference standards, which can lead to damage or degradation due to improper cooling protocols, especially for high-value samples like patient-specific cells.

Innovation Solution

Monitoring the cooling operation based on electric power data to compare with reference data, allowing for validation of cooling conditions such as sample volume, composition, and cooling rate, and generating alerts or stopping the process if deviations occur, ensuring that the biological sample is cooled according to established protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cryopreservation is performed without validation of cooling conditions, then the process is simple and quick, but the biological sample may suffer damage or degradation due to improper cooling protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample viabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electric power consumption data from the cooling apparatus is continuously monitored and compared against reference data to validate that cooling conditions match the prescribed protocol. This feedback loop ensures sample viability by detecting deviations in real-time without requiring complex direct temperature measurement systems within the sample

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electric power consumption as an intermediary parameter to indirectly validate cooling conditions. Instead of directly measuring complex thermal parameters within the sample, the system monitors the power consumed by the cooling apparatus, which serves as a proxy indicator of cooling performance and protocol adherence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If electric power monitoring is implemented to validate cooling conditions, then cooling protocol compliance is ensured, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling condition validationVSAvoiddata processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy or signature of the expected electric power consumption profile for valid cooling protocols. This reference power signature is stored and used for comparison during actual cooling operations, enabling automated validation without complex real-time analysis. The copying approach simplifies data processing by replacing complex thermal modeling with straightforward pattern matching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 method ensures that biological samples are cooled under validated conditions, reducing damage and maintaining viability, particularly for high-value samples, by providing real-time monitoring and adjustment of cooling protocols.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling apparatus (510) for cooling a sample (105)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat removal: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3726983B1Method relating to cooling conditions for a biological sample
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 BIOSAFE SA
  • EP3726983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3726983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3726983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a computer-implemented method comprising: obtaining first data indicative of electric power supplied to a cooling apparatus during a cooling operation on a biological sample, the cooling operation having a given cooling condition; obtaining second data associated with a reference cooling condition; determining, based on the first data and the second data, whether the given cooling condition has a predetermined relationship with the reference cooling condition; and in response to a determination, by the determining, that the given cooling condition has the predetermined relationship with the reference cooling condition, outputting a control signal. The given cooling condition for the "live" data cooling operation may thus be validated against a reference cooling condition.