Additive manufacture of complex implantable living devices

Abstract

A cell-scaffold device includes at least one channel network including an inlet, a plurality of channels include a parent channel having an end portion communicating with the inlet and another end portion communicating with a first bifurcation, forming two child channels. Each child channel has an end portion communicating with a respective end portion of the first bifurcation and another end portion communicating with a second bifurcation, forming two grand-child channels from each child channel. Each grand-child channel has an end portion communicating with a respective end portion of the second bifurcation and another end portion. The other end portion of the grand-child channel either forms an outlet or a third child channel in communication with the grand-child channel. Each forming of grand-child channels defines a generation of the fractal structure. The devices are of use as scaffolds for seeding, growing, and maintaining cells implanted in and / or on the device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 676,602, filed on May 25, 2018, entitled “Additive Manufacture of Complex Implantable Living Devices,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure relates to implantable cell scaffold devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to implantable cell scaffold devices formed by additive manufacturing.Description of Related Art[0003]Generally, an implant is a device configured to restore, maintain, improve, or a combination thereof, a biological structure or mechanism. Typical implant devices are disposed in vivo. However, such devices can also be disposed in vitro for various uses including pharmaceutical testing and biological system analysis.[0004]According to the Organ Procurement and Transportation Network (accessed December 2017), from 2005 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a new type of cell-scaffold device that can be used to grow tissue. The device has a fractal structure with a network of channels that can be formed using various manufacturing methods such as binder jetting, material extrusion, or injection molding. The channels can be made from a resorbable or biodegradable material and can be designed to have a specific diameter and length. The device can be used to grow tissue in a 3D space and has been shown to improve the growth of tissue compared to previous devices.

Problems solved by technology

Despite these advances in the field of engineered tissues, whole organ fabrication has yet to be realized as there are fundamental limitations to overcome when scaling from engineered tissues to whole organ fabrication.

Implant and tissue manufacturing methods fail to recapitulate the geometry, complexity, and life span of human tissues.

A major limitation in engineering whole organs arises from various mass transport mechanisms and biological properties within an organ.

As time elapses, new blood vessels may grow into the implanted cells, however, cells that are far from existing blood vessels will not flourish without immediate blood supply.

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