Capillary assisted vitrification processes and devices
Inventors
MOHANTY, PRAVANSU S. • Chakraborty, Nilay
Assignees
Somnio Global Holdings LLC • Ambient Biosciences Inc
Publication Number
US-10433540-B2
Publication Date
2019-10-08
Expiration Date
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Disclosed are devices and methods for non-cryogenic vitrification of biological materials that include the steps of providing one or more capillary channels of which a first opening is operably in contact with a moisture containing vitrification mixture made of a biological material and a vitrification agent. The capillary absorbs and transports the moisture to the second opening through capillary action, and the moisture is subsequently evaporated into a surrounding low humidity atmosphere until the vitrification mixture enters into a vitrified state.
Core Innovation
Disclosed are devices and methods for non-cryogenic vitrification of biological materials that include providing one or more capillary channels of which a first opening is operably in contact with a moisture containing vitrification mixture made of a biological material and a vitrification agent, wherein the capillary absorbs and transports the moisture to the second opening through capillary action and the moisture is subsequently evaporated into a surrounding low humidity atmosphere until the vitrification mixture enters into a vitrified state. The method provides fast and uniform moisture removal during non-cryogenic vitrification by exploiting capillary assisted fast drying and controlling the chemistry, humidity, pressure and temperature inside an enclosure.
Embodiments include a preferred vitrification composition comprising trehalose, glycerol and ionic buffer containing one or more large organic ions such as choline and betine to preserve the structural integrity of the biological material during fast drying. Further embodiments include a non-cryogenic vitrification device comprising a receptacle with walls containing a plurality of capillary channels with first openings in contact with the vitrification medium and an enclosure in communication with the second openings where pressure, temperature and humidity within the enclosure can be controlled, and a protocol for packaging and storing the vitrified biological materials between −196° C. to 60° C.
Claims Coverage
One independent claim is identified and two main inventive features are extracted from the independent claim.
Receptacle with membranes containing contiguous capillary channels
A receptacle comprising a first membrane and a second membrane, the first membrane, the second membrane, or both comprising a plurality of contiguous capillary channels each having a first opening and a second opening, the first membrane and said second membrane arranged so as to be able to contact a vitrification mixture when placed in the receptacle such that the first membrane contacts a first surface of the vitrification mixture and the second membrane contacts a second surface of the vitrification mixture such that the first opening of said capillary channels is operably in contact with said vitrification mixture.
Enclosure in fluidic communication with controllable environment
An enclosure operably in fluidic communication with said second openings of the capillary channels to form an enclosure environment, said enclosure in fluidic communication with an external environment wherein a pressure, temperature, humidity, or combinations thereof within said enclosure environment can operably be controlled.
The independent claim covers a device combining a receptacle formed by membranes with contiguous capillary channels contacting a vitrification mixture and an enclosure that is in fluidic communication with the capillary second openings with controllable pressure, temperature and/or humidity.
Stated Advantages
Fast and uniform moisture removal during non-cryogenic vitrification by capillary assisted fast drying.
A preferred vitrification composition comprising trehalose, glycerol and ionic buffer containing large organic ions such as choline and betine preserves structural integrity during fast drying.
A device architecture that places capillary channel openings in contact with the vitrification mixture and an enclosure with controllable environment to enhance desiccation action.
Ability to achieve extremely low and uniform final moisture levels and retain cell membrane integrity and protein activity following vitrification.
Enables vitrification above cryogenic temperatures and subsequent storage or packaging of vitrified biological materials between −196° C. to 60° C.
Permits vitrification of larger volumes and configurations including multiple cavities, capillary pipes/wicks, and potential wearable device configurations.
Documented Applications
Preservation and long-term storage of biological materials such as proteins, cells, tissues, organs, and cell-based constructs.
Vitrification and storage of mammalian cells, including examples listed such as human mesenchymal stem cells and murine fibroblast cells.
Stabilization and desiccation of reproductive cells including sperm cells, spermatocytes, oocytes, ovum, embryos, and germinal vesicles.
Stabilization of blood components and microorganisms including whole blood, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bacteria, and viruses.
Stabilization of membranes, liposomes, enzymes and other proteinous materials including insulin.
Preservation of immunological products specifically exemplified by tetanus and hepatitis vaccines and cytokines such as interleukin 1 and interleukin 2.
Use in devices and formats including receptacles with multiple cavities, capillary pipes/wicks, and wearable device configurations for desiccation and storage.
Interested in licensing this patent?