Apparatus and kit for encapsulating at least one compound for therapeutic and/or diagnostic use in erythrocytes

摘要

A portable and highly automated apparatus and method for introducing at least one compound within erythrocytes; the apparatus comprises a reusable part provided with mechanical elements such as pumps and valves and electronic units such as a control unit; the apparatus also comprises a disposable part, which is adapted to come into contact with the sample containing the erythrocytes and is provided with a system of tubes made of deformable material, a plurality of reservoirs and one or more filters; the apparatus allows a further concentration of the erythrocytes after they have been treated; the apparatus allows to introduce the compound in the erythrocytes in a virtually totally automated manner.

主权项

1. An apparatus for introducing at least one compound within erythrocytes; the apparatus (1) comprises a system (2) of connection channels, which includes a first and a second channel (9, 10); an introducing unit (3) for inserting a sample containing the erythrocytes within the apparatus (1); a separating unit (4) for separating the different components of the sample from one another; a combining unit (5), which comprises a first reservoir (6) and in the area of which the erythrocytes and the compound are combined together so as to obtain treated erythrocytes; an inlet (7) for inserting the compound in the first reservoir (6); a feeding unit (8), for feeding a first solution through the first channel (9) and feeding a second solution through the second channel (10); a concentrating unit (11) for concentrating the content of the first reservoir (6); and a collecting unit (12), which comprises a second reservoir (13) for collecting treated erythrocytes;
the concentrating unit (11) comprising a filter (37) for at least partially separating the erythrocytes from a liquid so as to increase the concentration of the erythrocytes; an aspirator (38), which is controlled by a control unit (15) and is adapted to suck at least part of the liquid through the filter (37); the system (2) of channels connecting the introducing unit (3), the separating unit (4), the combining unit (5), the feeding unit (8), the concentrating unit (11) and the collecting unit (12); the apparatus (1) further comprising the control unit (15); and first pumping means (49), which are actuatable by the control unit (15) and are designed to move fluids at least between the introducing unit (3), the separating unit (4), the combining unit (5) and the collecting unit (12); the feeding unit (8) comprises a first adjusting device (29), which is actuatable by the control unit (15) and is arranged along the first channel (9) to regulate the flow along the first channel (9); and a second adjusting device (30), which is actuatable by the control unit (15) and is arranged along the second channel (10) to regulate the flow along the second channel (10); the collecting unit (12) comprises a third adjusting device (33), which is actuatable by the control unit (15) and is adapted to adjust the flow towards the second reservoir (13); the apparatus comprises an air sensor (26) for identifying the presence of air in the system (2) of channels between the introducing unit (3) and the separating unit (4).