Acoustic Particle Patterning for Reproducible 3D Tissue Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing three-dimensional biological structures using Faraday waves are limited by material diversity, reproducibility, complexity, and suitability for point-of-care applications, with existing devices requiring multiple components and leading to variations in samples.
Innovation Solution
A patterning device that utilizes sound waves to manipulate particles within a matrix, allowing for the creation of non-homogeneous patterns and immobilization of particles, combined with additive manufacturing elements to produce three-dimensional structures with diverse and complex compositions, suitable for point-of-care settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for producing three-dimensional structures, then material diversity can be achieved, but device complexity and reproducibility worsen due to variations between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices into a single integrated device that can handle diverse materials and produce three-dimensional structures. The integrated device includes a vibration unit for creating Faraday waves, a heating unit for controlling matrix properties, and an additive manufacturing unit, all within one system. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining material diversity while reducing device complexity and improving reproducibility through a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various materials and production requirements. The vibration unit can generate different wave patterns, the heating unit can control temperature for different matrix types, and the additive manufacturing unit can create diverse structures. This universality allows the single device to replace multiple specialized devices, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for producing three-dimensional structures, then different materials can be processed, but manufacturing precision worsens due to sample variations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functional units into one device, the patent eliminates variations that occur when using separate devices. The unified system ensures consistent processing conditions across different materials, improving reproducibility while maintaining the ability to handle diverse materials through the multi-functional design.
3Reliability
If known methods are used for producing three-dimensional structures, then structures can be created, but productivity worsens due to lengthy production time
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device enables continuous operation where the vibration unit, heating unit, and additive manufacturing unit can work in coordinated sequence without interrupting the production flow. This continuity eliminates the lengthy waiting periods between steps that characterize known methods, significantly improving productivity while maintaining reliable structure production.
4Reliability
If known methods are used for producing three-dimensional structures, then biological tissues can be created, but ease of operation worsens due to complexity of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functional units into one device simplifies the operational process by eliminating the need to manually transfer samples between separate devices. The unified system allows operators to produce biological tissues through a single, streamlined workflow, improving ease of operation while maintaining the capability to create complex biological structures.
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 fast, straightforward, and highly reproducible production of three-dimensional structures with improved material diversity and viability, suitable for point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention concerns an integrated device for the preparation of three-dimensional structures, and in particular three-dimensional structures of biological material, such as artificial biological tissues. The preparation of such three-dimensional structures is based on Faraday waves (FW)
Implementation Method 2
specific patterns are generated in a layer of particles spread in a hydrogel matrix, using sound vibrations
Implementation Method 3
the viscosity or the rheological properties, and any other physical and chemical properties of the matrix can be modified from a state where the particles immersed in the matrix are free to migrate under exposure to vibrational waves to a state where the particles are immobilized in the matrix
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention presents a patterning device (1) for the preparation of three-dimensional structures of a sample (S) comprising particles (P) free to migrate in a matrix (M). The device comprises a pattern generator (3) and a holder (2) connected to the pattern generator (3) on which is placed a sample (S). The patterning device (1) further comprises at least one transformation device (D) adapted for the transformation of the matrix (M) into a modified matrix (M') wherein the particles (P) are no longer free to migrate. The invention is also directed to a process for the production of a three-dimensional structure.