Rotational Molding of Bioartificial Vascular Constructs for Wall Homogeneity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing bioartificial vascular prostheses, particularly those based on collagen and fibrin, fail to achieve the necessary stability, homogeneity, and mechanical properties required for clinical use, especially in large vessels like the aorta, due to issues with manufacturing processes and facilities.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an outer shell with bores and a two-part inner mold, combined with a rotational process, allows for controlled drainage of fluids through capillary gaps and bores, ensuring homogeneous distribution and high stability of protein-based constructs like collagen and fibrin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotational molding with pressurization is used to produce bioartificial constructs, then production efficiency is improved, but homogeneity and stability of the constructs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner mold is divided into multiple detachable parts (e.g., two half-cylinders) that can be assembled around the outer shell. This segmentation allows for controlled fluid drainage through gaps between the parts while maintaining rotational molding efficiency, thereby achieving both high productivity and construct homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The inner mold is designed with through-slits and the outer shell with bores, creating a controlled porous structure that allows fluid drainage during rotation. This enables efficient fluid removal while maintaining homogeneous distribution of the protein-based construct material throughout the rotating mold
2Reliability
If fluids are drained during fabrication to improve construct stability, then mechanical stability is improved, but fluid loss and potential defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gaps between the segmented inner mold parts act as intermediaries for controlled fluid drainage. These gaps allow fluid to escape gradually during rotation without causing sudden losses or defects, mediating between the need for stability and the risk of fluid loss
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled porous structure created by through-slits in the inner mold and bores in the outer shell enables regulated fluid drainage. This porous design allows systematic fluid removal that improves stability while minimizing unnecessary fluid loss and preventing construction defects
3Device complexity
If a single-part inner mold is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and homogeneity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner mold is segmented into multiple detachable parts that can be assembled around the outer shell. This segmentation enables controlled fluid drainage through gaps between parts and allows for better homogeneity in the constructed bioartificial construct, overcoming the limitations of a single-part mold
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 solution enables the production of bioartificial constructs with consistent wall thickness and mechanical resilience, suitable for high-pressure applications such as aortic prostheses, with improved reproducibility and biomechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational process using an outer shell and an inner mold
Implementation Method 2
fluids can flow from the interior of the inner form into the space between the inner form and the outer shell through the gaps formed in the at least two shell-shaped parts of the inner form
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a device for producing protein-based bioartificial constructs, such as collagen-based and/or fibrin-based bioartificial constructs, by a rotational process using an outer shell and an inner mold, wherein the outer shell has bores and the inner mold is formed in at least two parts. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing protein-based bioartificial constructs, in particular collagen-based and/or fibrin-based bioartificial constructs, using the device according to the invention, and to such bioartificial constructs obtainable by the method according to the invention. Furthermore, an apparatus for producing the bioartificial constructs using the device according to the invention is provided.Finally, the present application relates to a fibrinogen solution which is particularly suitable for the production of the bioartificial constructs according to the invention.