Vertical Porous Mesh Cell Separation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell separation devices face issues with blockages due to microcarriers or spheroids blocking the pores in horizontally oriented porous meshes, leading to inefficient fluid flow and complex operation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cell separation device with a vessel containing a porous mesh oriented vertically or inclined within the cavity, allowing the microcarriers or spheroids to be retained while allowing the liquid to pass through, preventing blockages and simplifying the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a horizontal porous mesh is used for cell separation, then the device structure is simple, but the pores get blocked by microcarriers or spheroids leading to inefficient fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal mesh orientation to a vertical configuration. This inversion changes the interaction between microcarriers and the mesh - instead of landing on and blocking the mesh surface, microcarriers pass through or flow alongside the vertical mesh, preventing pore blockage while maintaining separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal mesh to a three-dimensional vertical structure within the flow path. This dimensional change allows fluid to flow around and through the mesh in multiple directions, preventing the single-plane blockage issue inherent in horizontal configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard filtration units are used, then the device is commercially available, but the operation process is cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation stages and functions into a single integrated vertical mesh device. Instead of requiring multiple separate filtration units or complex multi-step processes, the vertical mesh configuration performs cell separation, microcarrier retention, and fluid flow in one unified structure, simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical mesh design allows the system to self-regulate flow and separation without requiring complex external controls or multiple operational steps. The gravity-assisted vertical configuration naturally directs fluid and particle flow, reducing the need for manual intervention or complex pump systems.
3Reliability
If a horizontal porous mesh is used, then the mesh can retain microcarriers, but the microcarriers block the pores reducing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mesh orientation to vertical, the patent allows microcarriers to be retained through gravitational settling and flow dynamics rather than direct pore blocking. The vertical configuration maintains retention capability while eliminating the pore blockage issue that reduces separation efficiency.
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 vertical or inclined orientation of the porous mesh prevents blockages, ensuring efficient fluid flow and simplifies the cell separation process, reducing operational complexity and improving cell harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of the liquid through the vertical or inclined porous mesh is no longer easily blocked because the microcarriers or spheroids will no longer block a majority of the pores within the vertical or inclined porous mesh due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A cell separation device configured for separating cells from microcarriers or spheroids in a liquid is provided. The cell separation device includes a vessel comprising a first port, a second port, and a cavity; and a porous mesh disposed within the cavity to divide the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first port is in communication with the first compartment of the cavity, the first port located to a first side of the porous mesh, wherein the second port is in communication with the second compartment of the cavity, the second port located to a second side of the porous mesh, and wherein the porous mesh is positioned within the cavity to have a substantially vertical orientation or an inclined orientation with respect to a flow of liquid through the porous mesh.