3D Electronic Scaffold with Embedded Strain Gauges for Cardiac Force Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D scaffolds for in vitro cell culture lack the ability to monitor cellular functions in real time, relying on laborious downstream assays that often result in cell death, and are unable to accurately record physiological functions such as cardiac contraction force.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional electronic scaffold (3DES) with spatially distributed micro-strain gauges made of conductive ink or silicone composite, capable of detecting contraction force and tailored to match the mechanical properties of natural cardiac tissues, allowing for real-time monitoring of cardiac contraction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 2D culture is used, then cells can be easily monitored and assayed, but cellular physiology and functions do not resemble in vivo cells and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the 3D tissue culture scaffold with integrated electronic sensing elements (strain gauges, electrodes) to simultaneously achieve in vivo-like tissue generation and real-time physiological monitoring. The sensing elements are embedded within the scaffold structure, merging the structural support function with the monitoring function in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold serves multiple functions: providing structural support for 3D tissue growth, enabling in vivo-like physiological conditions, and simultaneously functioning as a sensing platform for real-time monitoring of cellular functions through integrated electronic elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between tissue realism and monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If downstream assays are used to characterize 3D-cultured cells, then cellular functions can be analyzed, but the process is laborious and often leads to cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are pre-integrated into the scaffold structure before cell culture, enabling continuous real-time monitoring of cellular functions throughout the culture process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming downstream assays and allows for longitudinal studies without cell disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring through embedded sensors that continuously detect and record physiological parameters (strain, electrical activity) directly from the living tissue. This eliminates the need for external intervention and laborious downstream processing, allowing the tissue to be monitored in its native state.
3Measurement precision
If digestion of cultured cells is performed for biochemical assays, then cellular functions can be characterized, but cell death occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded sensors enable the living tissue to monitor its own physiological functions in real-time without requiring cell disruption or digestion. This continuous in-situ monitoring maintains cell viability while providing comprehensive biochemical and biophysical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical disruption methods (cell digestion and lysis required for traditional biochemical assays) with electronic sensing methods that non-invasively measure physiological parameters. This substitution maintains cell integrity and viability throughout the measurement process.
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 the generation of in vivo-like tissues and real-time recording of physiological functions, facilitating mechanistic studies, pharmaceutical development, and regenerative medicine by accurately mapping intra-tissue cardiac contraction force and contractile patterns in three dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of micro-strain gauges distributed spatially inside the porous scaffold, wherein the micro-strain gauges are adapted to detect contraction force
Implementation Method 2
the micro-strain gauges are composed of a conductive ink... the micro-strain gauges comprise a conductive silicone composite
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here is a three-dimensional electronic scaffold, comprising a porous scaffold and a plurality of micro-strain gauges distributed spatially inside the porous scaffold, wherein the micro-strain gauges are adapted to detect contraction force. Also disclosed is a method comprising detecting and mapping intra-tissue cardiac contraction force of one or more cardiac cells or tissues disposed in a three-dimensional electronic scaffold, wherein the three-dimensional electronic scaffold comprises a porous scaffold and a plurality of micro-strain gauges distributed spatially inside the porous scaffold and in contact with the cardiac cells or tissues, and wherein the micro-strain gauges are adapted to detect contraction force of the cardiac cells or tissues.