Stackable Biomanufacturing Apparatus with Rocking Tray Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioreactor systems occupy significant laboratory space and are inefficient in terms of space utilization, as they require large supporting frameworks and are not easily adaptable for stacking or flexible use, especially for small batch productions and personalized medicine applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, stackable biomanufacturing apparatus with a cuboid housing allowing multiple bioreactors to be closely spaced and easily loaded, featuring a rocking tray support, peristaltic pumps, and a control system for optimal cell culture conditions, enabling both fed batch and perfusion manufacturing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional bioreactor systems are used with large supporting frameworks, then the bioreactors can be supported and operated, but the laboratory space occupied is significant and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement of bioreactors to vertical stacking arrangement. Multiple bioreactors are stacked one on top of another within a single footprint, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase space utilization while reducing the horizontal laboratory space occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple bioreactors into a single integrated stacking arrangement with shared support structures. The frameworks are designed to support multiple units simultaneously, merging what would traditionally be separate supported objects into a consolidated system that reduces overall space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If bioreactors are arranged in stacked configuration, then space utilization is improved, but the system must be simple to load, operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the biomanufacturing system into modular, self-contained bioreactor units that can be independently loaded, operated, and maintained. Each unit is segmented with standardized interfaces, allowing individual access and manipulation without requiring disassembly of the entire stacked system, thus maintaining operational simplicity despite the compact vertical arrangement.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional workstations are used for cell culture, then cell maintenance and harvesting can be performed, but the footprint occupies significant floor space and laboratory space is not efficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the stacked bioreactor system with multi-functional capabilities that integrate multiple workstation functions into a single vertical unit. The system can perform cell culture, maintenance, harvesting, and monitoring functions within the compact stacked structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated workstations and thereby reducing overall floor space requirements while maintaining full operational versatility.
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 solution allows for efficient use of laboratory space by enabling the stacking of multiple bioreactors, reducing the footprint, and facilitating flexible and efficient cell culture operations, including continuous monitoring and control of parameters like pH, oxygen, and fluid management, thereby optimizing cell density and product yield.
Implementation Method 1
The instrument also includes peristaltic pumps which are controllable to pump a liquid medium into, and out of, the bioreactor
Implementation Method 2
The main chamber includes a rocking tray support which is controllable to rock a tray back and forth through a predefined angle
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is biomanufacturing apparatus 1 comprising a housing (20) including top (22) and bottom (24) faces which allow stacking of plural housings, an access door (25) at a front side of the housing, a substantially enclosed bioreactor chamber (30) inside the housing accessible via the door, and a further substantially enclosed region (36) inside the housing containing electrical parts and/or electronic control components, the chamber (30) including: a tray (40) for supporting a bioreactor, a tray support (45) including a mechanism (44,47) for rocking the tray in use; at least a fluid handling portion (48,49) of at least one fluid pump device (54/58); and at least one connection (43) for connecting to a conduit and/or path for carrying fluids, gas and/or electricity.