3D Cell Culture Support Structure for Dynamic Force Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing experimental arrangements for examining cell cultures under dynamic force are limited, as they primarily apply forces to two-dimensional cell arrangements, making it difficult to simulate three-dimensional conditions and allowing only limited examination of the cell culture during force application.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional support structure with embedded cell cultures that can be deformed by a force application device with multiple actuators, enabling precise control and monitoring of mechanical stress while allowing high-resolution optical examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a force application device with movable clamps is used to apply mechanical stress to a cell culture carrier, then mechanical force can be applied to the cell culture, but optical examination and observation of the cells can only be carried out from a great distance with limited magnification (10 to 20 times)
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a force application system with actuators and clamps that can independently apply mechanical stress, and an optical examination system with microscopes that can independently observe the cell culture. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent support structure serves as an intermediary between the force application device and the cell culture. The support structure transmits mechanical force from the actuators to the cell culture while allowing optical penetration for high-resolution examination. This intermediary enables both mechanical stimulation and optical observation without compromise.
2Force
If a deflectable membrane is used to apply mechanical force to a two-dimensional cell arrangement, then force can be applied in one direction, but the equipment design becomes complex and simultaneous examination of the cell arrangement is impaired or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the cell culture, transmits force from the actuators, and allows optical penetration for examination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms for force application and observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The force application mechanism is extracted from the optical examination system. The actuators and clamps are designed as separate force application components that can be positioned away from the optical path, allowing high-resolution microscopy without interference from mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If cells are arranged in a two-dimensional arrangement on a support structure, then individual cells can be examined with optical microscopes in a simple manner, but the test results cannot be readily transferred to living organisms where three-dimensionally connected cells form natural tissue structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional cell cultures to three-dimensional cell cultures by embedding cells within a three-dimensional support structure. This dimensional change allows cells to form natural tissue-like structures while maintaining optical accessibility for examination through the transparent material.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is made from a transparent porous material that allows optical penetration for microscopy while providing a three-dimensional framework for cell embedding. The porous structure enables nutrient diffusion and cell-cell interactions in three dimensions while maintaining transparency for optical examination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables realistic examination of cell cultures by simulating complex mechanical stresses and allowing simultaneous mechanical stress and optical examination, providing detailed insights into cell behavior under dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a force application device (5, 6, 7, 8) with at least one actuator (5, 6, 7) arranged at a distance from the embedded cell culture (12) and oriented in such a way that the actuator (5, 6, 7) can exert a directed force effect on the support structure (4)
Implementation Method 2
it being possible for the embedded cell culture (12) to be examined with an optical examination device (19) during the force application
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a test arrangement (1) for examining a cell culture (12) under the effect of a dynamic force, having a three-dimensionally designed support structure (4) which is designed such that the cell culture (12) is embedded into the support structure (4). By applying a force, the support structure (4) is deformed, wherein a force application device has a first actuator (5) which acts on the support structure (4) at a distance from the cell culture (12) embedded in the support structure (4). The force application device has a second actuator (6) and a third actuator (7), each of which acts on the support structure (4) at a distance from the cell culture (12) embedded in the support structure (4). The third actuator (7) exerts a force onto the support structure (4), said force being oriented differently than the force exerted by the first actuator (5) and the force exerted the second actuator (6).