Device and Method for Cell Separation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a device and method for cell separation from a liquid medium, featuring a filter module with an integrated filter membrane (with customizable pore sizes) securely fixed above a support (called a fritte) within a housing. The modular design eliminates the need for manual removal of the filter after separation, reducing cell loss and contamination, and allowing the entire filter module with the trapped cells to be transferred for further analysis. The device is made from non-toxic materials and is suitable for automation and adaptation to varying sample volumes, making cell separation in biotechnological and analytical workflows more efficient, reliable, and safer for the user.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Separation of microbial, yeast, or fungal cells from culture media before omics or biochemical analysis in biotechnology and research laboratories.
• Preparation of cell samples for metabolomics, proteomics, or genomics studies requiring rapid and gentle isolation of intact cells.
• Clinical diagnostics where rapid and contamination-free separation of cells (e.g., blood or other biological fluids) is needed.
• Process monitoring and quality control in fermentation and bioprocessing industries, where intact cell isolation is critical for downstream analysis.
• Automated high-throughput sample preparation systems for analytical laboratories.
• Sample preparation in pharmaceutical research and development for analysis of intracellular compounds.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Faster and gentler cell separation that preserves cell integrity and minimizes loss of target components.
• Reduces manual steps and risk of operator-induced errors or contamination, improving reproducibility and accuracy of experimental results.
• Minimizes exposure of the user to potentially toxic reagents or solvents.
• Highly adaptable: pore size of the filter and device size can be adjusted for specific applications or sample types.
• Enables automation, supporting high-throughput and scalable laboratory workflows.
• Material selection (non-toxic, inert plastics and metals) prevents interference with cells or analyses.
• Reduces the risk of losing cells during transfer, as the entire module containing the cells can be further processed as a unit.
• Improves yield and quality of samples for downstream analytical techniques, especially crucial in metabolomics and omics studies.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The filter module (1) has a filter that is fixed above an aerator (3) through a clamping ring (4), adhesive bonding or welding. The filter has a membrane with pore size in a range of between 0.2 mu m and 200 mu m. The filter is made of nylon, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, cellulose, glass or glass fiber.A wall (2) and/or the aerator is made of metal or plastic comprising a component from the group of polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide. Multiple guide elements are provided to guide the clamping ring into the wall. An independent claim is included for a cell separation method.