METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CELL CULTURE TREATMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CELL CULTURE TREATMENT The present invention describes an apparatus (100) and a method (200) for cell culture treatment. A display module (104) connected to a control module (102), displays a plurality of predefined frequency options for a selection. A first switch module (106) selects one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module. A frequency synthesizing module (108) generates a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency. A power amplifying module (110) receives the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module and produces a high-power signal. One of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120-132) generates one of the plurality of predefined frequencies at a predefined pattern. A second switch module (114) selects a frequency channel related to one of the ultrasound transducers, corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer of the selected predefined frequency. (Fig. 1)

Specification

Description:[001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present invention relates to cell culture treatment, and particularly, to a method and apparatus for cell culture treatment.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[004] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention.
[005] The culturing of cells is a labor-intensive process that requires properly maintained internal environment and sterility. Further, given the requirement of the treatment of cells without bringing them out into aseptic areas, as such moving them out of the culture room for extraneous treatment risks contamination. Furthermore, much of the ultrasound instruments or actuators require the use of bulky signal generators and amplifiers which in turn requires the samples (cell cultures) to be brought to the table-top ultrasound setup. This need for the transport of incubating cells between experiment sites, sometimes several times in a day, would increase the logistical load as well as the risk of contamination of the cells. Moreover, dedicated ultrasonic facilities are uncommon so even if the sterility issue of moving the cells were worked out, the sheer lack of a facility nearby would still complicate the logistics of the experiment.
[006] Therefore, there is long desired need of a portable, low-cost, apparatus as well as a method to treat cells within the culture facility, thereby, obviating the need for the user to locate or invest in a table-top ultrasound setup.

[007] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are listed herein below.
[009] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a portable, lightweight, multi-frequency, and low-cost ultrasonic actuators suited for operating in a tissue culture bio safety cabinet to facilitate ultrasonic treatment of tissue-hydrogels.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a method and apparatus for cell culture treatment. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] In an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for cell culture treatment is described. The apparatus includes a control module, a display module, a first switch module, a frequency synthesizing module, a power amplifying module, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and a second switch module. The display module is connected to the control module and is configured to display a plurality of predefined frequency options for a selection. The first switch module is connected to the control module and is configured to select one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module. The frequency synthesizing module is connected to the control module and is configured to generate a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency. The power amplifying module is configured to receive the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module and to produce a high-power signal. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers correspond to the plurality of predefined frequency options. Each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers is configured to generate one of the plurality of predefined frequencies at a predefined pattern. Further, each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top. Further, the aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated. The second switch module is configured to select a frequency channel related to one of the ultrasound transducers, corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer of the selected predefined frequency.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module is configured to (i) control the display of the plurality of predefined frequency options, (ii) control the selection of one of the predefined frequencies options, and (iii) process the selected predefined frequency option and instruct the frequency synthesizing module to generate the respective independent ultrasound frequency.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch module is connected to the control module's digital pins while the display module is connected to an I-square C communication protocol, I2C, module which in turn is interfaced with the control module's I2C pins.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the transducer and the aluminum disc are connected using silver conductive adhesive while an outer edge is sealed with epoxy adhesive to secure the transducer as an attachment.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined pattern is continuous or pulsed at an interval of 100 ms.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of predefined frequency options are 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the aluminum disc is obtained by 3D printing from poly-lactic acid.
[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the control module is configured to modify the plurality of predefined frequency options.
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the control module, the display module, the frequency synthesizing module, and the power amplifying module receive power from a power source.
[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the produced high-power signal is of 25 V peak-peak power and the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module is of 1 V peak-peak power.
[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, the display module is a 4x row LCD with a backlight of 20 characters per row.
[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an apparatus for cell culture treatment is described. The method includes the step of displaying, by a display module of the apparatus, a plurality of predefined frequencies as options for a selection, upon boot of the apparatus. The method further includes the step of selecting, by a first switch module of the apparatus, one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module. The method further includes the step of generating, by a frequency synthesizing module of the apparatus, a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency. The method further includes the step of receiving, by a power amplifying module of the apparatus, the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module and producing a high-power signal. The method further includes the step of selecting, by a second switch module of the apparatus, a frequency channel related to one of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer of the selected predefined frequency. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers correspond to the plurality of predefined frequency options. The method further includes the step of generating, by one of the plurality of ultrasound transducers of the apparatus, the ultrasound of the selected frequency, at a predefined pattern, upon the delivery of the high power signal, to treat the cell culture. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top. The aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0027] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, apparatus, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a connection schematic for various modules in an apparatus for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIGs. 2a & 2b illustrate a block diagram depicting a method for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates various modules in an apparatus for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a 3D printed lid/aluminum disc covering various modules of an apparatus for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a developed apparatus for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0035] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0036] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0037] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, or assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by "comprises… a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0038] The present invention relates to cell culture treatment, and particularly, to a method and apparatus for cell culture treatment. The present invention fills the gap in the conventional solutions by providing the apparatus and method for tissue-engineers to treat cell cultures within their culture facilities while not having to invest in a dedicated tabletop ultrasound instrumentation.
[0039] The apparatus of present invention is a portable multifrequency ultrasonic actuator that may be used to program and generate desired high frequency ultrasonic signals/waves for treatment of samples, i.e. cell cultures, whose dimensions fall below a few centimeters. The actuation frequency may be chosen from seven available frequencies - 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz.
[0040] The actuation frequency or pattern may also be controlled by selecting a suitable program to either have continuous or pulsed with a switching rate of 100 ms. A user may interact with the apparatus through a display for an output and a rotary encoder with a built-in push button for an input. The output power may be adjusted by a potentiometer. The selection of a particular frequency also requires the operation of a mechanical rotary switch that may be set to the correct 'frequency' channel. The apparatus may be operated with a main power supply line or battery power supply.
[0041] The working and operation steps of present invention are described below:
[0042] Upon boot, the apparatus displays the frequency selection menu and waits for the user to use the rotary encoder to select a frequency option.
[0043] In the next step, the user needs to use the mechanical rotary switch to select the correct frequency channel. This step ensures that the generated signal is delivered to the ultrasonic actuator of the correct frequency.
[0044] In the next step, the user may select a program of choice - the specifics of which will have to be known in advance. The various programs may be modified using the serial data port to upload a new sketch into a microcontroller module. The rotary encoder will be used to scroll and select the desired program.
[0045] In the final step, a summary of the user's selection from the previous menus and the status of the apparatus may be displayed. This menu may also be used to toggle the apparatus on and off with the current settings or go back to the first (frequency selection menu).
[0046] For better understanding, one or more embodiments of the present invention shall be described with respect to the earlier-mentioned drawings.
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a connection schematic for various modules in an apparatus (100) for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] As illustrated, the apparatus (100) for cell culture treatment, includes a control module (102), a display module (104), a first switch module (106), a frequency synthesizing module (108), a power amplifying module (110), a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120-132), and a second switch module (114).
[0049] The control module (102) may be an Arduino Uno Rev3 board which is a standard board running the Atmega328P microcontroller. The control module (102) is the decision-making center of the apparatus and uses the inputs from the user to generate a high frequency ultrasonic signal.
[0050] The display module (104) is connected to the control module (102) and configured to display a plurality of predefined frequency options for a selection. In an example, the plurality of frequency options for selection are 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz. However, other frequency options may be provided without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0051] The display module (104) may be an LCD display with I2C board - LCD 2004 IIC which is a 4x row LCD display with backlight with 20 characters per row. The display module (104) is the output interface of the apparatus for frequency and/or program selection.
[0052] The first switch module (106) is connected to the control module (102) and configured to select one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module (104).
[0053] The first switch module (106) may be a rotary switch with 11 number of positions on it. For example, the first switch module is SR2512F. The first switch module (106) allows for the manual selection of the frequency channel before running the program for ultrasound generation. The first switch module (106) may include a push button which is a primary input interface of the apparatus. The rotary function of the first switch module (106) allows the user to scroll through the selection menus and the push button is for making the desired selection.
[0054] The frequency synthesizing module (108) is connected to the control module (102) and configured to generate a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency. The frequency synthesizing module (108) may be an Analog devices AD9850 (0 - 30 MHz, 50Ω) to generate the desired frequencies (e.g., 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz) using the direct digital synthesis process. The output voltage (peak-peak) may be ca. 1 V.
[0055] The power amplifying module (110) is configured to receive the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module (108) and produce a high-power signal. The power amplifying module may be an RF power amplifier (1MHz - 1GHz, 50Ω) which was originally designed for use in Ham radio. The power amplifying module (110) amplifies the RF input from the frequency synthesizing module (108) from 1 V (peak-peak) to 25 V (peak-peak).
[0056] The output gain can be adjusted by controlling the input voltage using a potentiometer on the LM2596 power supply board. The potentiometer may be a feed through shunt of 50 Ω which protects the power amplifier from the impedance mismatch with the Piezo-electric ultrasonic transducers.
[0057] The power amplifying module (110) may include one or more RF coaxial cables and jacks for transmission of RF signals at an impedance of 50 Ω with minimum loses. The RF coaxial cables and jacks may be SMA (M-M) cables and SMA(M) jacks of 50Ω. The power amplifying module (110) may also include insulated wires for interfacing with Piezo discs to conduct the high frequency signal to the discs where impedance mismatch is not significant. The insulated wires may be JST PH 2-pin cables.
[0058] The plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120-132) correspond to the plurality of predefined frequency options. Each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers (120-132) is configured to generate one of the plurality of predefined frequency options at a predefined pattern. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120-132) is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120-132) may be piezo-electric transducers which are thickness mode PZT discs of 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz. For example, the transducers (120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132) are configured to generate the signal of frequency 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz, respectively. The aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated.
[0059] The second switch module (114) is configured to select a frequency channel related to one of the ultrasound transducers (120-132), corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer (120-132) of the selected predefined frequency.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module (102) is configured to (i) control the display of the plurality of predefined frequency options, (ii) control the selection of one of the predefined frequencies options, and (iii) process the selected predefined frequency option and instruct the frequency synthesizing module to generate the respective independent ultrasound frequency.
[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch module (106) is connected to the control module's digital pins while the display module (104) is connected to an I-square C communication protocol, I2C, module which in turn is interfaced with the control module's I2C pins.
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the transducer and the aluminum disc are connected using silver conductive adhesive while an outer edge is sealed with epoxy adhesive to secure the transducer as an attachment.
[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined pattern is continuous or pulsed at an interval of 100 ms.
[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of predefined frequency options are 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz.
[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum disc is obtained by 3D printing from poly-lactic acid.
[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control module (102) is configured to modify the plurality of predefined frequency options or an actuation program of the apparatus. The actuation program may be selected using an I/O interface where a suitable port may be used to upload a new sketch into the control module to modify the various actuation programs of the apparatus.
[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control module (102), the display module (104), the frequency synthesizing module (108), and the power amplifying module (110) receive power from a power source (116).
[0068] The power source (116) may be a 5V multi-port power supply on 3x LM2596 board. The power source is the primary power supply for the apparatus. The power source may also be an adjustable and single port power supply on LM2596 board. The power source may include a DC power adapter of 230V - 15 V 2A. The power adapter is chosen for its rating to ensure that adequate current draw is possible while keeping the overall wattage of the adapter low.
[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the produced high-power signal is of 25 V peak-peak power and the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module is of 1 V peak-peak power.
[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, the display module (104) is a 4x row LCD with a backlight of 20 characters per row.
[0071] The apparatus (100) may include a polylactic acid (PLA) based 3D-printed case having a lower deck (e.g. 301 of Fig. 3) and a lid (e.g., 400 of Fig. 4), to house the various modules. The apparatus (100) may further include adhesive rubber feet for elevation and damping of vibrations and to prevent any complication to the cell culture treatment.
[0072] FIGs. 2a & 2b illustrate a block diagram depicting a method (200) of operating an apparatus (100) for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. a method (200) include the step of displaying (202) a plurality of predefined frequencies as options for a selection, upon boot of the apparatus (100). As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, a display module (104) of the apparatus (100) is configured to display a plurality of predefined frequency options for a selection.
[0073] The method (200) further include the step of selecting (204) one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module. As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, a first switch module (106) of the apparatus (100) is configured to select one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module.
[0074] The method (200) further includes the step of generating (206) a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency. As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, a frequency synthesizing module (108) of the apparatus (100) is configured to generate a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency.
[0075] The method (200) further includes the step of receiving (208) the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module and producing a high-power signal. As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, a power amplifying module (110) of the apparatus (100) is configured to receive the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module (108) and produce a high-power signal.
[0076] The method (200) further includes the step of selecting (210) a frequency channel related to one of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer of the selected predefined frequency. The plurality of ultrasonic transducer corresponds to the plurality of predefined frequency options.
[0077] The method (200) further includes the step of generating (212) the ultrasound of the selected frequency, at a predefined pattern, upon the delivery of the high power signal, to treat the cell culture. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top. The aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated.
[0078] As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, one of the plurality of ultrasound transducers (120-132) of the apparatus (100) is configured to generate one of the plurality of predefined frequency options at a predefined pattern.
[0079] As discussed earlier in conjunction with Fig. 1, a second switch module (114) of the apparatus (100) is configured to select a frequency channel related to one of the ultrasound transducers (120-132), corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer (120-132) of the selected predefined frequency.
[0080] A person skilled in the art can appreciate that when toggled on, the control module (102) communicates with the frequency synthesizing module (108) via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) to generate a signal of a specific frequency, which is then relayed to the power amplifying module (110). The signal then goes through a feedthrough shunt (118) for impedance matching before being fed into the appropriate piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (120-132) on the lid (400 as shown in Fig. 4).
[0081] The transducers (120-132) themselves are sandwiched between an aluminium disc at the base and an aluminium ring at the top wherein the aluminium ring is to open the most possible area on the transducer for the placement of the sample or the cell culture to be treated. The contact between the transducer (120-132) and the aluminium housing is achieved using a silver conductive adhesive while the outer edges were sealed with epoxy adhesive to secure the attachment.
[0082] The first switch module (106), a rotary encoder as an input interface, is connected to the control module's digital pins while the display module (104), a LCD display as an output interface, is connected to the I2C module (I-square C communication protocol), which in turn is interfaced with the control module's I2C pins.
[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates various modules in a apparatus (300) for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0084] As illustrated, the apparatus (300) for cell culture treatment, includes a control module (302), a display module (304), a first switch module (306), a frequency synthesizing module (308), a power amplifying module (310), a serial data port (312), a power source (314), a second switch module (316), and a power gain control module (318). The apparatus (300) further includes a lower deck (301) to house the various modules.
[0085] The modules of apparatus (300) correspond to the modules of apparatus (100). For example, the control module (302), the display module (304), the first switch module (306), the frequency synthesizing module (308), the power amplifying module (310), the power source (314), and the second switch module (316), correspond to the control module (102), the display module (104), the first switch module (106), the frequency synthesizing module (108), the power amplifying module (110), the power source (116), and the second switch module (114). The functionality and the connectivity of the modules of apparatus (300) are precluded for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure.
[0086] The serial data port (312) may be used to upload a new sketch into the control module (302) to modify the various programs of the apparatus (300). Further, the power gain control module (318) may refer to a potentiometer on the LM2596 power supply board to control the input voltage to adjust the output gain.
[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates a 3D printed lid (400) having the plurality of transducers (402-414), for covering various modules of an apparatus (100, 300) for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0088] As illustrated, the lid (400) includes the plurality of transducers (402-414). The lid (400) may be 3D printed and is configured to cover the various modules of the apparatus (100, 300). The plurality of transducers (402-412) correspond to the plurality of transducers (120-132).
[0089] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view (500) of a developed apparatus (100, 300) for cell culture treatment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0090] As illustrated, the transducers (502-512) are sandwiched between an aluminium disc at the base and an aluminium ring at the top wherein the aluminium ring is to open the most possible area on the transducer for the placement of the sample or the cell culture to be treated. The plurality of transducers (502-514) correspond to the plurality of transducers (120-132). The contact between the transducer (502-512) and the aluminium housing is achieved using a silver conductive adhesive while the outer edges were sealed with epoxy adhesive to secure the attachment.
[0091] A few of the major advantage of the present invention can be summarized as below.
[0092] Significantly reduced apparatus footprint when compared to table-top devices with dimensions comparable to a standard hot plate, it can easily fit within a bio-safety cabinet, thus ensuring aseptic conditions during the ultrasonic treatment.
[0093] Light weight - with a mass of < 500g, it can be ported quite easily while making it suitable for use on surfaces with low weight tolerance.
[0094] Multi-frequency actuation - most actuators while powerful and effective, have a restriction with the options with regards to number of available frequencies. The apparatus offers seven different frequencies to choose from that makes it more suitable for a research environment wherein an option to treat with multiple frequencies would allow for both characterization as well as optimization of the treatment parameters for a given tissue sample.
[0095] The present invention can be utilized in the following industries.
• As a stressor for cells in culture conditions to induce the expression of stress related Genes.
• Towards the assessment of the mechanical properties of cells.
• Treatment of phantom tissue cell alignment for tissue engineering applications to enhance performance of the tissue as well as reduce the time required for tissue maturation.
[0096] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. Any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. In one or more implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
[0097] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope.
[0098] Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to further the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0099] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
 
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for cell culture treatment, comprising:
• a control module (102);
• a display module (104) connected to the control module (102) and configured to display a plurality of predefined frequency options for a selection;
• a first switch module (106) connected to the control module (102) and configured to select one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module (104);
• a frequency synthesizing module (108) connected to the control module (102) and configured to generate a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency;
• a power amplifying module (110) configured to receive the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module (108) and produce a high-power signal;
• a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (112, 402-412, 502-512) corresponding to the plurality of predefined frequency options, wherein each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers (112, 402-412, 502-512) is configured to generate one of the plurality of predefined frequency options at a predefined pattern, wherein each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (112, 402-412, 502-512) is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top, and wherein the aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated; and
• a second switch module (114) configured to select a frequency channel related to one of the ultrasound transducers (112, 402-412, 502-512), corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer (112, 402-412, 502-512) of the selected predefined frequency.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module (102) is configured to (i) control the display of the plurality of predefined frequency options, (ii) control the selection of one of the predefined frequencies options, and (iii) process the selected predefined frequency option and instruct the frequency synthesizing module to generate the respective independent ultrasound frequency.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switch module (106) is connected to the control module's digital pins while the display module (104) is connected to an I-square C communication protocol, I2C, module which in turn is interfaced with the control module's I2C pins.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducer and the aluminum disc are connected using silver conductive adhesive while an outer edge is sealed with epoxy adhesive to secure the transducer as an attachment.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined pattern is continuous or pulsed at an interval of 100 ms.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of predefined frequency options are 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 10 MHz.
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the aluminum disc is obtained by 3D printing from poly-lactic acid.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control module (102) is configured to modify the plurality of predefined frequency options.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control module (102), the display module (104), the frequency synthesizing module (108), and the power amplifying module (110) receive power from a power source.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the produced high-power signal is of 25 V peak-peak power and the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module is of 1 V peak-peak power.
11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display module (104) is a 4x row LCD with a backlight of 20 characters per row.
12. A method (200) of operating an apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, for cell culture treatment, the method comprising:
• displaying (202), by a display module of the apparatus, a plurality of predefined frequencies as options for a selection, upon boot of the apparatus;
• selecting (204), by a first switch module of the apparatus, one of the predefined frequency options displayed by the display module;
• generating (206), by a frequency synthesizing module of the apparatus, a low power signal of the selected predefined frequency;
• receiving (208), by a power amplifying module of the apparatus, the low power signal generated by the frequency synthesizing module and producing a high-power signal;
• selecting (210), by a second switch module of the apparatus, a frequency channel related to one of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers corresponding to the selected predefined frequency, to deliver the produced high-power signal to the ultrasonic transducer of the selected predefined frequency, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducer corresponds to the plurality of predefined frequency options; and
• generating (212), by one of the plurality of ultrasound transducers of the apparatus, the ultrasound of the selected frequency, at a predefined pattern, upon the delivery of the high power signal, to treat the cell culture, wherein each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is sandwiched between an aluminum disc at base and an aluminum ring at top, and wherein the aluminum ring is adapted to open an area on a respective transducer for placing the cell culture to be treated.

Dated this 14th day of November, 2024
[SONAL MISHRA]
-DIGITALLY SIGNED-
IN/PA-3929
OF L.S. DAVAR & CO.
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

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