Spiral Cell Propagation Device with Spacer Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing cultivated meat are complex and not suitable for industrial-scale production, lacking simplicity and reliability while ensuring high yields.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cylindrical housing with a plastic film wound in a spiral shape around a shaft, featuring spacers to maintain the film's inner and outer sides apart, allowing for efficient transfer of nutrient solutions and cell propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex methods are used for producing cultivated meat, then high yield can be achieved, but device complexity increases and industrial scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cultivation space into multiple levels using a multi-layered spiral structure. Each layer provides independent cultivation zones that can be processed separately, enabling modular scaling and simplifying operation while maintaining high yield through efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat cultivation surfaces to a three-dimensional spiral winding structure. This vertical dimensionality allows significantly increased cultivation area within the same footprint, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cultivation methods are used, then current production capabilities are maintained, but ease of manufacture and industrial scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral bioreactor design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structured support for cell carriers, creates controlled fluid flow paths for nutrient delivery, enables efficient heat and mass transfer, and facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing while preparing the system for industrial scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a spiral winding structure that can be manufactured as a continuous thin film or shell, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple rigid components. This flexible spiral structure maintains structural integrity while being easier to produce and scale.
3Productivity
If cell carriers are wound closely to maximize space, then productivity increases, but liquid medium transfer becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the cell carriers and the liquid medium. It creates controlled channels and flow paths that facilitate nutrient delivery to densely packed cell carriers while maintaining sufficient space for fluid circulation, thus resolving the conflict between high space utilization and effective medium transfer.
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 device enables reliable, high-yield propagation of differentiated and undifferentiated cells, facilitating the production of cultivated meat on an industrial scale while maintaining sterile conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a multiplicity of spacers is present, arranged and adapted to keep the inner side of the wound up plastic film spaced apart from the outer side of in each case adjacent film sections in the wound up state at least in sections, in some cases completely, such that a liquid medium can be transferred along the longitudinal orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for propagating cells, comprising a housing with a longitudinal orientation extending from a first housing end to a second housing end, a plastic film present in the housing and wound up in a spiral shape around a winding axis oriented along or parallel to the longitudinal orientation, with a first and a second film end and with an inner and an opposite outer side, wherein on the inner side or on the outer side or on the inner and the outer side of the plastic film a multiplicity of spacers is present, arranged and adapted to keep the inner side of the wound up plastic film spaced apart from the outer side in sections or substantially completely in the wound up state, such that a liquid medium can be transferred along the longitudinal orientation. Use of the device for the production of cultivated food or for the production of propagated differentiated or undifferentiated cells.