Actuator Holder Apparatus for Biopsy Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro and in vivo models, including organ-on-chips, face challenges in replicating human tissue physiology and mechanical stimulation, particularly in applying compressive forces to biopsies and requiring complex handling and specialized personnel.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid system comprising an actuator and holder with independently addressable chambers, allowing for the application of compressive forces to human tissue or cell samples using fluid or gas expansion, enabling real-time visualization and ease of use with biopsies and hydrogels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydrogel/membrane constructs or well plate constructs are used to mimic mechanical stimulation in organ-on-chips models, then the ability to apply mechanical loading is improved, but the complexity of handling increases and requires highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component that simplifies the handling of complex hydrogel/membrane constructs. The holder provides a standardized interface between the actuator and the tissue sample, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the ability to apply mechanical loading. This resolves the contradiction by mediating between the complex force application mechanism and the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex handling requirements from the core mechanical stimulation function by separating the sample holding function into a distinct holder component. This allows the mechanical loading capability to be maintained while the handling complexity is isolated to a standardized, easily replaceable holder that does not require specialized training to manipulate.
2Reliability
If current organ-on-chips approaches are used to replicate human tissue physiology, then the physiological replication is improved, but the accessibility and ease of use deteriorates due to complex handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the organ-on-chip system into distinct modular components: an actuator for mechanical stimulation, a holder for sample containment, and standardized interfaces between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the actuator maintains physiological replication capabilities while the holder provides ease of use and accessibility. Users can handle the simple holder without needing to manipulate the complex actuator mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different types of tissue samples and work with various actuators through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality improves accessibility by providing a single, easy-to-use interface that maintains the sophisticated physiological replication capabilities across different experimental configurations.
3Stress or pressure
If compressive forces are applied to biopsies using current methods, then the mechanical stimulation capability is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a mediator that translates simple user actions into complex compressive force applications. The user interacts with the straightforward holder component, while the holder's design and interface with the actuator automatically generate the required compressive forces on the biopsy samples, thereby reducing perceived device complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator uses pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to generate compressive forces on the biopsies through the holder. This allows complex force application to be achieved through simple pressure control, reducing the mechanical complexity that the user must directly manage while maintaining effective stress application to the tissue samples.
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 system effectively replicates mechanical loading and biochemical stimuli, enhancing the complexity and accessibility of in vitro models for drug development studies while reducing the need for highly trained personnel and improving data gathering.
Implementation Method 1
The chambers can be filled with fluid (liquid or gas) via the inlet to cause expansion of the chamber, and thereby apply compression to a corresponding biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present apparatus is a hybrid system that can use human tissue and/or cells coupled with a hydrogel and can use tissue explants (biopsies). The system is implemented in an embodiment by use of an actuator and a holder. The actuator is implemented with a one or more of chambers of a plurality of shapes, with each chamber addressable by an associated single inlet. In one embodiment, the holder comprises one or more independent chambers where cells or biopsies can be placed. In one embodiment, the holder is coupled to the actuator via the use of guides, threads, and the like that allow one part to slide into the other.