Automated Tissue Engineering System with Modular Bioreactor Chambers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue engineering devices are limited in functional capabilities, complex, bulky, and require user intervention, making them unsuitable for autologous tissue implant production and difficult to use in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated tissue engineering system with a central microprocessor-controlled housing that includes tissue digestion, proliferation, and product chamber assemblies, equipped with biosensors for monitoring conditions and fluid reservoirs for ease of use and aseptic operation, allowing for the production of autologous cell therapy and tissue implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing tissue engineering devices are used, then cell culture and expansion can be performed, but the devices are limited in functional capabilities and cannot produce autologous tissue implants
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue engineering device is designed to perform multiple functions including tissue digestion, cell proliferation, and product formation within a single integrated system. The device can process different tissue types (cartilage, bone, skin, etc.) and produce various cell products (chondrocytes, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, etc.), making it universally applicable for autologous tissue implant production across different clinical applications.
2Productivity
If existing tissue engineering devices are used, then cell processing can be performed, but the devices are complex and bulky making them difficult to use in clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a tissue digestion chamber, a cell proliferation chamber, and a product chamber. Each module can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing for simplified operation and cleaning. The modular design enables the device to be configured for different processing needs while maintaining ease of use in clinical environments.
3Productivity
If existing tissue engineering devices are used, then cell culture can be performed, but user intervention is required in many aspects of the cell culturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated control systems that monitor and regulate critical parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels within the chambers. The system automatically performs tasks including medium exchange, agitation control, and process timing, minimizing the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining high productivity in cell culture and tissue engineering operations.
4Reliability
If centralized processing of human cells is used, then cell therapy can be provided, but transportation and processing costs and hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables tissue digestion and cell processing to be performed immediately after tissue harvest in the clinical setting, before any transportation is required. By completing the critical processing steps on-site, the system eliminates the need to transport fresh tissue samples to centralized facilities, thereby reducing transportation hazards and associated costs while maintaining cell therapy quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an automated advanced tissue engineering system that comprises a housing in which one or more tissue engineering modules are accommodated together with a central microprocessor that controls functioning of the tissue engineering modules. In one embodiment, the tissue engineering module comprises a housing supporting one or more bioreactor chamber assemblies and a fluid reservoir operationally engageable with the housing. The bioreactor chamber assemblies may be selected depending on the end product option desired and may include, for example, a cell therapy bioreactor chamber, a single implant bioreactor chamber and a multiple (mosaic) implant bioreactor chamber.