Photosynthetic Cell Preservation Solutions for Organ Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for organ preservation during transplantation face challenges with hypoxia due to the lack of oxygen production by animal cells, leading to limited preservation time and potential tissue damage during transplantation.
Innovation Solution
Development of perfusable photosynthetic solutions containing viable photosynthetic cells, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, in a biocompatible solution that can circulate through organs to provide oxygen, compatible with isotonic solutions like Ringer's lactate, and potentially genetically engineered for improved survival and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional animal cell-based preservation solutions are used, then the solution is biocompatible and maintains osmotic balance, but the solution cannot produce oxygen leading to hypoxia and limited preservation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photosynthetic cells (algae or cyanobacteria) with conventional preservation solutions to create a hybrid system. The photosynthetic cells are suspended in biocompatible preservation solutions containing salts, buffers, and energy sources, enabling the solution to both maintain cellular compatibility and produce oxygen through photosynthesis, thereby extending preservation time without compromising biocompatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The photosynthetic cells serve as self-contained oxygen production units within the preservation solution. Through photosynthesis, they autonomously generate oxygen from light energy, eliminating the need for external oxygen supplementation systems and continuously maintaining adequate oxygen levels throughout the preservation period
2Duration of action of moving object
If photosynthetic cells are added to preservation solution, then oxygen production capability is improved, but the complexity of the solution composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photosynthetic cells perform multiple functions simultaneously: they produce oxygen through photosynthesis, serve as a source of organic carbon through cellular respiration, and can potentially provide nitrogen and other nutrients. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additive systems, simplifying the overall solution composition despite the added biological component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key parameters including photosynthetic cell concentration (balancing oxygen production with solution viscosity and light penetration), light intensity and spectrum for maximum photosynthetic efficiency, and nutritional composition of the solution to support both photosynthetic and heterotrophic metabolism, thereby achieving effective oxygen production with manageable solution complexity
3Quantity of substance
If photosynthetic cells are used in preservation solution, then oxygen availability is improved, but the metabolic requirements and light dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic metabolic system where photosynthetic cells switch between photosynthetic oxygen production during light periods and heterotrophic respiration during darkness. The solution composition is designed to support both metabolic modes, with carbon sources available for respiration when light is unavailable, thereby maintaining oxygen availability and reducing overall metabolic requirements through flexible metabolic adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes periodic light exposure to drive photosynthetic oxygen production, with dark periods allowing for heterotrophic metabolism. This periodic cycling of metabolic modes optimizes oxygen availability while managing energy requirements, as photosynthesis occurs during illuminated periods and maintenance metabolism occurs during darkness
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 photosynthetic solutions maintain cell viability and oxygen production, supporting metabolic requirements of organs, reducing hypoxia and extending preservation time without the need for external oxygen carriers, and can be used for both ex vivo and in situ organ perfusion.
Implementation Method 1
photosynthetic compositions and methods of preparing and using photosynthetic compositions... photosynthetic cells in a biocompatible solution... capable of circulating through a tissue or an organ... maintain cell viability and oxygen production
Data Source
AI summary
Photosynthetic compositions, methods of preparing photosynthetic compositions, and methods of using photosynthetic compositions are provided herein. Some photosynthetic compositions can be perfusable and comprise photosynthetic cells suspended in a biocompatible solution. In some aspects, the photosynthetic cells are present in the composition at a density of between 106-109 cells/ml.