Cell Culture Device with Actuating Membrane for Mechanical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin models in vitro are overly permeable, failing to accurately replicate skin functionality, which hampers their use in penetration and sensitization tests for medicinal and cosmetic products, and existing mechanical stimulation devices face issues like tissue detachment and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture device with a fluidic component featuring a deformable porous culture membrane and an actuation membrane, where the actuation membrane is elastically deformed to mechanically stimulate tissues, using a three-dimensional foam culture membrane and a non-porous actuation membrane to apply controlled mechanical stress, reducing the risk of tissue detachment and fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single porous culture membrane is used for tissue culture, then tissue perfusion is enabled, but mechanical stimulation causes tissue detachment and fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The single membrane system is segmented into two distinct membranes: a porous culture membrane for tissue support and perfusion, and a non-porous actuating membrane for mechanical stimulation. This segmentation allows each membrane to be optimized for its specific function, preventing tissue detachment while enabling controlled mechanical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-porous actuating membrane acts as an intermediary between the actuation system and the culture medium. It transmits mechanical forces to deform the porous culture membrane without direct contact between the actuation system and the culture medium, thereby preventing fluid leakage while enabling mechanical stimulation.
2Measurement precision
If current skin models are used for penetration tests, then testing can be performed, but permeability parameters are inaccurate due to excessive permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The permeability parameter of the culture membrane is precisely controlled and optimized to match physiological skin conditions. By adjusting the membrane's porosity, pore size, and material properties, the model achieves accurate permeability parameters that reflect real skin behavior, enabling reliable penetration and sensitization tests.
3Strength
If PDMS material is used for the culture membrane, then flexibility is achieved, but mechanical limitations prevent effective stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite membrane structure combining porous and non-porous materials with different mechanical properties. The porous culture membrane provides tissue compatibility and perfusion, while the non-porous actuating membrane provides superior mechanical strength and deformability for effective stimulation, creating a composite system that overcomes the limitations of single-material membranes.
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
The device provides controlled and reproducible mechanical deformation, enhancing tissue attachment and perfusion while minimizing detachment risks, allowing for more accurate simulation of skin-like conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A second non-porous membrane, called actuating membrane, elastically deformable, integrated into said component... configured to deform under the action of said actuating means towards a position in which it mechanically pushes said culture membrane to deform it
Implementation Method 2
A first elastically deformable porous membrane, called culture membrane... The culture membrane is a three-dimensional foam of constant thickness along the main direction
Implementation Method 3
A first fluidic circuit integrated into said component, comprising a first cavity made in said well under said culture membrane and intended to receive a culture medium suitable for the perfusion of said biological tissues
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a cell culture device having a function for the mechanical stimulation of biological tissues (T), comprising: - A fluidic component (1) in which a well (10) is formed, which is hollowed out along a principal direction (X), - A first elastically deformable porous membrane, referred to as the culture membrane (2_1, 2_2, 2_3), integrated into said component and extending transversely to said principal direction (X) to close said well, said culture membrane comprising an upper face intended to receive a cell culture and an opposite lower face, - A first fluidic circuit (11) integrated into said component, comprising a first cavity (110) formed in said well under said culture membrane (2_1, 2_2, 2_3) and intended to receive a culture medium (3) adapted to the perfusion of said biological tissues (T), - A second elastically deformable non-porous membrane, referred to as the actuation membrane (4),integrated to said component (1).