Spinning Membrane Separator for Automated Platelet Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood processing methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, particularly in the separation of blood components, as they rely on manual centrifugation and multiple steps for concentrating and purifying blood cells.
Innovation Solution
An automated system featuring a reusable separation apparatus controlled by a microprocessing unit and a disposable sterile circuit with a spinning membrane separator, which separates blood components by flowing the blood product through a porous membrane, allowing for efficient separation of supernatant, platelets, and red blood cells into distinct containers with enhanced concentrations and reduced volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual centrifugation and multiple processing steps are used to separate blood components, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions (platelet concentration, plasma separation, red blood cell separation) into a single spinning membrane separator device. The device performs all separations in one continuous automated process rather than requiring multiple separate centrifugation steps, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining effective component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated control through a microprocessor that automatically regulates the spinning separator's operation. The device self-regulates flow rates, separation parameters, and timing without manual intervention, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining precise control over the separation process.
2Reliability
If manual expression and transfer of blood components between containers is performed, then component separation is achieved, but human error increases and operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system manages the entire blood component separation and transfer process without manual intervention. The microprocessor automatically controls the spinning separator, monitors separation progress, and manages fluid transfer between containers, eliminating human error while reducing total operational time through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automated operation throughout the separation process. Blood components are separated and transferred in a continuous automated flow rather than through discrete manual steps, eliminating idle time between operations and ensuring the useful action of separation continues uninterrupted, thereby reducing both error and operational time.
3Productivity
If traditional centrifugation methods are used for cell washing and concentration, then separation is achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical centrifugation with a spinning membrane separator that uses controlled spinning to create centrifugal force while simultaneously utilizing the membrane filter for separation. This substitution maintains the effectiveness of centrifugal separation while enabling automated operation and continuous processing, thereby improving productivity without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinning separator incorporates a porous membrane filter that enables automated separation of blood components based on size differentiation. The porous membrane allows plasma and smaller particles to pass through while retaining platelets and larger cells, enabling automated concentration and washing operations without manual intervention, thus improving processing efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 efficient and automated processing of blood products, minimizing platelet activation and membrane fouling, while achieving target concentrations with reduced operational time and error, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of blood component separation.
Implementation Method 1
a spinning membrane separator comprising a porous membrane, wherein the separator comprises an inlet and first and second outlets
Implementation Method 2
separate an amount of supernatant of the source blood product from the first outlet into a filtrate container, and separate platelets and remaining supernatant from the second outlet into a retentate container
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automated processing of a blood product, the method comprising providing a reusable separation apparatus controlled by a microprocessing unit, said apparatus configurable with settings and configured to associate with a disposable circuit comprising a separator and in communication with a source blood product having a first concentration and first volume. The apparatus and disposable circuit are configured to flow the source blood product into an inlet of the separator and separate supernatant of the source blood product from a first outlet of the separator into a filtrate container. The apparatus and disposable circuit are also configured to separate platelets and remaining supernatant from a second outlet of the separator into a retentate container, wherein the platelets and remaining supernatant in the retentate container have a second concentration greater than the first concentration and second volume less than the first volume.