Sterile Space Sampling via One-Way Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell culture apparatuses of the isolator type require significant labor and time for sampling culture solutions as they need to be transported out of the sterile space, compromising sterility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture apparatus with a sampling unit, a one-way delivery flow path, and a culture solution delivering section that allows for safe and efficient sampling and measurement of culture solutions within the sterile space, using a buffer substance supplier and suction pump to direct the flow from the sterile space to the outside while preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cell incubator is carried out into a pass box to sample the culture solution, then the sampling operation can be performed, but the sampling operation requires much labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sampling function from the traditional pass box workflow by providing a sampling unit that can directly access and sample culture solution within the sterile space through the delivery flow path, eliminating the need to transport the entire cell incubator out for sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery flow path acts as an intermediary system that connects the sterile space with the outside environment, allowing culture solution to be sampled and transferred without breaking sterility or requiring physical movement of the cell incubator
2Ease of operation
If the cell incubator is carried out into a pass box to sample the culture solution, then the sampling operation can be performed, but the sampling operation requires much labor
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted and isolated as a separate unit that operates within the sterile space, removing the complex procedure of transporting equipment in and out of the sterile environment
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery flow path serves multiple functions including sampling, fluid transfer, and maintaining sterility, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate operations and devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery flow path allows bidirectional flow, then substances can be introduced into the sterile space, but contaminants from the outside may enter the sterile space
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve converts the potential harm of bidirectional flow into benefit by allowing necessary outward flow of sampled culture solution while automatically blocking the reverse flow that would introduce contaminants, thus protecting sterility
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile space maintains its inert sterile environment by using the one-way valve to prevent external contaminants from entering, while still allowing controlled removal of culture solution for sampling
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
Enables continuous sampling and measurement of culture solutions without compromising sterility, significantly reducing labor and time required for sampling and maintaining a secure cell culture environment by ensuring unidirectional flow from the sterile space to the outside.
Implementation Method 1
The delivery flow path may include a one-way valve which does not interrupt a flow directed from the inside of the sterile space toward the outside of the sterile space and which interrupts a flow directed from the outside of the sterile space toward the inside of the sterile space
Implementation Method 2
The culture solution delivering section may include a suction pump configured to suck the culture solution that is sampled by the sampling unit, toward a portion of the delivery flow path on a side of the outside of the sterile space
Implementation Method 3
The suction pump is a peristalic pump which is disposed in the delivery flow path on a side of one of the inside and the outside of the sterile space
Data Source
AI summary
A cell culture apparatus includes: an isolator in which a sterile space accommodating a cell incubator filled with a culture solution containing cells to be cultured is disposed; a sampling unit configured to sample the culture solution in the cell incubator; a delivery flow path through which an inside of the sterile space and an outside of the sterile space communicate with each other, the delivery flow path configured to limit a flow in the delivery flow path to a direction that is directed from the inside of the sterile space toward the outside of the sterile space; and a culture solution delivering section configured to deliver the sampled culture solution to the outside of the sterile space via the delivery flow path.