Stem Cell Storage via Freeze-Drying and Vacuum Ampules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing haematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood require expensive low-temperature facilities and ongoing annual fees, offering limited control and flexibility to parents, with risks associated with business entity viability and storage reliability.
Innovation Solution
A business method and system allowing parents to request and purchase stem cells through an Internet-based service, using freeze-drying for storage at ambient temperatures, enabling cost-effective, secure, and controlled long-term storage in a vacuum ampule with integrated medical information, and allowing transfer of storage responsibility to chosen custodians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryostorage facilities are used for stem cell storage, then storage reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from ultra-low temperatures (cryostorage) to ambient temperatures through freeze-drying. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex cryogenic facilities while maintaining stem cell viability and storage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water component from stem cells through freeze-drying, creating a lyophilized state that can be stored at ambient temperatures. This extraction of water eliminates the need for continuous refrigeration while preserving cell viability.
2Reliability
If cryostorage facilities are used for stem cell storage, then storage reliability is improved, but ongoing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from ultra-low temperatures to ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for continuous energy-consuming refrigeration systems. This reduces ongoing operational costs while maintaining storage reliability through freeze-drying technology.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting water through freeze-drying, the patent creates a storage state that does not require continuous energy input for refrigeration, thereby eliminating ongoing energy costs while preserving stem cell viability.
3Reliability
If parents use cryostorage facilities, then stem cells are stored securely, but personal control over biological material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two parts: the freeze-drying processing facility (performed once) and the ambient storage container (controlled by parents). This segmentation allows parents to take home the processed stem cells and control their own storage, improving personal control while maintaining security through proper containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parents to self-store the freeze-dried stem cells in ambient conditions using simple containers. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on third-party cryostorage facilities, giving parents direct control over their biological material while maintaining storage security through proper containment and labeling.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional stem cell storage is used, then cells are preserved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from fixed ultra-low temperatures to flexible ambient temperatures. This parameter change provides parents with flexibility in storage location and conditions while maintaining cell preservation through freeze-drying technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the storage system from a static, fixed-temperature facility to a dynamic, flexible ambient storage solution. Parents can store freeze-dried stem cells in various locations (home, office, safe-deposit box) according to their needs, providing adaptability while maintaining cell viability.
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
Provides a cost-effective, secure, and flexible method for parents to store stem cells, reducing ongoing costs and risks, while maintaining control over the biological material and ensuring long-term viability with minimal loss of cells over time.
Implementation Method 1
using freeze-drying for storage at ambient temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
An online business method and system enables donors or parents or guardians of donors to order and purchase stem-cells extracted from biological tissue sampled from the donor, such as, for example, cord-blood stem cells of a newborn baby, wherein the ordering process interfaces directly with the attending medical services, and the service steps include collection, extraction, preservation, containment, packaging, delivery and storage of the stem cells in a storage medium that can be cost-effectively maintained in a storage facility or by the donor, parent or guardian at home. In one embodiment, preservation is by freeze-drying, containment is in a vacuum vial, and storage is at room temperature.