Acoustic Cell Assembly on Porous Membranes With Dual Radiation Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for assembling cells or micrometric particles are complex, expensive, and can result in cell death, with limited control over intercellular connections and requiring long assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing axial and transverse acoustic radiation forces to position and assemble objects, such as cells, on a contact structure, allowing precise control over intercellular interactions and assembly in acoustic levitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cell manipulation techniques within microfluidic devices or tissue formation by additive manufacturing are used, then cell assembly structuring is achieved, but the techniques are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly systems (microfluidic devices, additive manufacturing equipment) with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic radiation forces are used to manipulate and assemble cells without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby simplifying the device and reducing costs while maintaining assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic acoustic waves to create standing wave patterns that dynamically position cells at pressure nodes and antinodes. This periodic acoustic action enables automated cell assembly without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems, reducing device complexity and operational costs
2Reliability
If known assembly techniques are implemented in vitro, then cell assembly is achieved, but a large number of cells die
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic radiation forces that enable cells to self-assemble at specific locations defined by the acoustic field. Cells are passively guided to pressure nodes and antinodes without requiring external mechanical manipulation or harsh chemical treatments, thereby maintaining high cell survival rates while achieving efficient assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cellular environment by applying controlled acoustic fields. By adjusting acoustic frequency, amplitude, and wave patterns, cells are gently positioned and assembled without experiencing the mechanical stress or chemical harshness that causes cell death in conventional in vitro techniques
3Manufacturing precision
If acoustic levitation in hydrogels is used to structure cell sheets, then cell layer formation is achieved, but control over intercellular connections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic acoustic field control to precisely position cells and regulate their interactions. By modulating acoustic parameters in real-time, the system can control where cells accumulate and how they orient relative to each other, enabling precise control over intercellular connections while maintaining rapid assembly through the speed of acoustic wave propagation
4Productivity
If conventional assembly techniques are used, then cell assembly is achieved, but long assembly times are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes high-frequency acoustic vibrations to create standing wave patterns that rapidly organize cells into structured assemblies. The acoustic radiation forces act on cells at the speed of sound, enabling assembly in seconds rather than the extended periods required by conventional techniques, thus dramatically reducing assembly time and increasing productivity
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 rapid, efficient, and cost-effective assembly of cellular structures with controlled intercellular interactions, suitable for various applications including tissue reconstruction and modeling.
Implementation Method 1
a generating system configured to generate in the cavity, along an axial direction, a stationary acoustic wave so as to produce an axial acoustic radiation force suitable for positioning objects on pressure nodes and/or antinodes formed by the acoustic wave
Implementation Method 2
the generating system is configured to exert a transverse acoustic radiation force capable of displacing the objects towards the surface(s) of the contact structure
Implementation Method 3
The propagation of a standing acoustic wave in the cavity allows one or more pressure nodes, that is, places where the pressure of the fluid is zero, and one or more antinodes or pressure antinodes, that is, places where this pressure is maximum, to be formed in the cavity along the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for assembling objects by generating an axial acoustic radiation force in order to position the objects on pressure nodes and/or antinodes and generating a transverse acoustic radiation force in order to move the thus positioned objects on a porous membrane contact structure.