3D Oxygen Imaging for Non-Destructive Cell Viability and Functionality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing cell viability are destructive and inadequate for three-dimensional tissues, do not assess cell functionality, and may provide inaccurate results when used with biomaterials commonly used in artificial tissue grafts.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive oxygen imaging system using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Oxygen Imaging (EPROI) with a trityl OX071 contrast agent to create oxygen maps, allowing for the assessment of cell viability and functionality without destroying cells or scaffolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional viability assays are used, then cell viability can be measured, but the assessment is destructive and cells cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical destructive assays with optical imaging (confocal microscopy) to measure cell viability. The system uses fluorescent probes and optical detection instead of physical cell lysis or chemical fixation, allowing non-destructive measurement that preserves cell integrity for subsequent experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent probes as intermediaries to detect cell viability. These probes bind to specific cellular components (such as esterase enzymes in viable cells) and emit fluorescent signals that can be detected optically, enabling indirect measurement of viability without direct destruction of cells.
2Measurement precision
If conventional viability assays are used, then cell viability can be assessed, but cell functionality is not evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that simultaneously assesses multiple cell parameters in a single experiment. The system can detect viability (through metabolic activity probes), functionality (through specific enzymatic activity or protein expression probes), and spatial distribution of cells within 3D constructs, providing comprehensive information without requiring separate assays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional conventional assays to three-dimensional imaging within intact tissue constructs. By maintaining the 3D architecture and using optical sectioning, the system provides spatial information about cell viability and functionality at different depths and locations within the construct, preserving contextual information that would be lost in traditional 2D assays.
3Productivity
If conventional viability assays are used, then quick results can be obtained, but interference with biomaterials in artificial tissue grafts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical or chemical assays with non-contact optical imaging. This eliminates interference from biomaterials that might absorb chemicals, adhere to probes, or physically obstruct traditional assay reagents. The optical method can penetrate or image through many biomaterial scaffolds without direct interaction, providing reliable measurements in artificial tissue grafts.
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
Provides accurate, non-invasive assessment of cell viability and functionality in three-dimensional systems, maintaining a controlled environment and offering spatial information, suitable for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
EPROI uses the linear relationship between electron spin-lattice relaxation rate and partial oxygen pressure (pO2) of an injectable non-toxic soluble contrast agent, trityl OX071, for obtaining oxygen maps in tissues.
Implementation Method 2
Similar to nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), EPROI uses magnetic field gradients to generate the spatial distribution of electron spins.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes placing a sample of cells, tissue, or an organ into an oxygen imaging system, circulating a humidified gas mixture around the tissue or organ, circulating conditioned air through the oxygen imaging system to maintain a temperature around the sample, and acquiring a three-dimensional oxygen map of the sample. The oxygen map provides a quantitative measure of cell viability and functionality.