Surface Tension Lyo-Processing for Biologic Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and transporting cells, such as cryopreservation, are costly and inefficient due to high energy requirements and non-uniform moisture distribution during lyo-preservation, which can lead to cellular degradation.
Innovation Solution
A surface tension-mediated lyo-processing method involving the generation of a biological material layer on a substrate, submersion in a lyo-processing solution with a lyoprotectant, and exposure to an inert gas, allowing for uniform desiccation and stabilization at ambient or cryogenic temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryopreservation is used to store and transport cells, then cellular viability is maintained, but energy consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the preservation system by transitioning from cryogenic temperatures to ambient temperature preservation using a specific chemical composition (lyoprotectant mixture of sugars, amino acids, and other compounds). This parameter change allows cells to be preserved without freezing while maintaining viability, thereby reducing energy consumption for temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance system - a complex mixture of lyoprotectants including sugars (trehalose, sucrose), amino acids (betaine, taurine), and other compounds that mediate between the cell and the ambient environment. These intermediaries protect cellular structures during desiccation and storage at ambient temperature, replacing the need for cryogenic conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lyo-processing is used to preserve biologics, then energy consumption is reduced, but non-uniform moisture distribution causes cellular degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform distribution of the lyoprotectant mixture throughout the cell suspension and creating a consistent protective environment around each cell. The method achieves uniform moisture removal and consistent lyoprotectant coverage at the cellular level, preventing localized degradation spots while maintaining overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by using a specific mixture of lyoprotectants with optimized concentrations (e.g., 0.1-1.0 M sugars, 0.01-0.1 M amino acids) and controls drying parameters to achieve uniform moisture distribution. This parameter optimization ensures reliable cell preservation while maintaining the energy efficiency of lyophilization.
3Device complexity
If passive drying environment is used for lyo-processing, then process simplicity is maintained, but microscale non-uniformity in moisture content persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the lyoprotectant mixture as an intermediary that facilitates uniform moisture removal during passive drying. The chemical composition of the lyoprotectant solution (including sugars, amino acids, and other compounds) creates a matrix that enables consistent water binding and release, achieving microscale moisture uniformity without requiring complex active drying equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equilibrating the cell suspension with the lyoprotectant mixture before drying. This pre-treatment ensures that the lyoprotectants are uniformly distributed and bound to cellular structures before the drying process begins, setting the stage for uniform moisture removal during subsequent passive drying without requiring complex equipment.
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
This method achieves uniform moisture distribution and stable preservation of biological materials at various temperatures, reducing costs and maintaining cellular viability, as demonstrated by improved Raman spectra and cell viability results compared to conventional spin-drying techniques.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the biological material with an inert gas as the substrate is withdrawn from the solution to generate a lyo-stabilized biological material on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
Surface tension mediated lyo-processing technique for preservation of biologics
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for lyo-processing biological materials are provided. The methods include submerging the biological molecules or cells in a buffer solution comprising trehalose, withdrawing the biological molecules or cells from the buffer solution in an environment that does not include oxygen to generate lyo-stabilized biological molecules or cells, and storing the lyo-stabilized biological molecules or cells. The devices include a motor that lowers a horizontal member having a clamp for receiving a substrate toward a solvent reservoir and raises the horizontal member having the clamp up and away from the solvent reservoir.