Sterilizable Flow Cell for Optical Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable bioreactors cannot be sterilized in place using steam due to the presence of probes, limiting their use in optical fluid analysis systems, which requires improved sterilization methods and compatibility with disposable systems.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell system with a disposable flow cell, external holder, bypass lines, and an external detection device that allows for optical analysis through opposed light-transmitting windows, enabling sterilization and reuse while maintaining sterility and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable bioreactors are pre-sterilized by γ-radiation, then sterility is achieved, but in-place sterilization by steam becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bioprocess into two segments: a disposable pre-sterilized bioreactor for cell cultivation and a separate sterilizable flow cell system for optical analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bioreactor maintains sterility through pre-sterilization while the flow cell can undergo in-place steam sterilization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is extracted from the disposable bioreactor and placed in a separate sterilizable flow cell. This extraction removes the constraint that would prevent in-place sterilization, allowing the flow cell to be sterilized by steam while the bioreactor relies on its pre-sterilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If probes are installed in disposable bioreactors, then optical fluid analysis is enabled, but in-place sterilization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection components (probes, light guides, spectrometers) are extracted from the disposable bioreactor and relocated to a separate sterilizable flow cell system. This allows the bioreactor to remain probe-free for pre-sterilization while the external flow cell contains all optical components that require sterilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or interface system acts as an intermediary between the pre-sterilized bioreactor and the sterilizable flow cell. This intermediary allows optical measurements to be conducted on bioreactor contents without compromising the sterility of either component and enables the flow cell to be sterilized independently.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a sterilizable flow cell system is used, then reusability is improved, but the complexity of sterilization procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is extracted as a separate sterilizable component from the disposable bioreactor system. This allows the flow cell to be designed specifically for sterilization compatibility while the bioreactor remains simple and disposable, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell system is designed with universal sterilization capability, allowing it to be sterilized by steam like traditional stainless steel systems. This multi-functionality enables the same sterilization protocol to be used across different applications, simplifying procedures despite the disposable bioreactor component.
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 reduces the effort required for sterile flow cell preparation, allows for flexible and cost-effective optical fluid analysis, and supports various measurement techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy, while maintaining sterility and biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of opposed light transmitting windows arranged along the fluid pathway
Implementation Method 2
an external detection device couplable with at least one of the flow cell holder and the flow cell for bringing the external detection device in optical communication with the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell system for an optical fluid analysis comprises a disposable flow cell having at least one flow chamber comprising a fluid pathway, and at least one pair of opposed light transmitting windows along the fluid pathway, an external flow cell holder for holding the flow cell, at least one light source, and an external detection device couplable with at least one of the flow cell holder and the flow cell for bringing the external detection device in optical communication with the flow cell, the device having at least one optical detection unit. The external detection device is configured to conduct optical measurements of the fluid that flows in the flow cell through at least one pair of windows from externally under illumination by the at least one light source.