Bioreactor System for Corneal Tissue Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing corneal implants are limited to short-term storage, leading to loss of functionality and availability, as they fail to maintain physiological conditions effectively, resulting in a shortage of usable donor corneas.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor system with a culture chamber, liquid circuits, and a fixing device that simulates in-vivo conditions by separating the cornea into two fluid compartments, allowing for independent control of pressure and flow to maintain corneal functionality and extend storage duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple storage containers with static conditions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but storage duration and functionality are limited to short periods
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for corneal storage, second chamber for fluid storage) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows independent control of storage conditions in each chamber, enabling long-term storage while maintaining corneal functionality through controlled fluid exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system transitions from static conditions to dynamic conditions by introducing a peristaltic pump that continuously circulates culture medium through the cornea. The cornea is rotated periodically to change its position, creating dynamic fluid flow and pressure conditions that simulate in-vivo environment and extend storage duration.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple storage containers are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of corneal functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the storage container to monitor temperature, humidity, and culture medium quality in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows automatic adjustment of storage conditions and alerts when medium replacement is needed, ensuring consistent corneal functionality and reliability throughout the storage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump continuously circulates fresh culture medium through the cornea, ensuring uninterrupted supply of nutrients and removal of waste products. This continuous action maintains corneal viability and functionality reliably over extended storage periods, unlike batch-wise medium replacement in simple containers.
3Device complexity
If corneas are stored without fluid circulation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time for maintaining functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
A peristaltic pump creates hydraulic flow to circulate culture medium through the cornea continuously. This hydraulic system delivers fresh medium at controlled rates, maintaining corneal metabolism and preventing degradation, thereby reducing the time loss associated with functionality deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cornea is rotated periodically at intervals (e.g., every few hours) to change its orientation and position within the first chamber. This periodic action prevents localized fluid stagnation, ensures uniform nutrient distribution, and maintains corneal structure, extending the time during which functionality is preserved.
4Device complexity
If single-chamber storage containers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different storage conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber for cornea, second chamber for fluid reservoir) with separate control mechanisms. This segmentation allows different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, fluid composition) to be optimized independently for each chamber, enhancing adaptability to specific storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber design with integrated pump and sensor systems creates a versatile platform that can accommodate different corneal storage protocols, medium types, and monitoring requirements. The system can be adapted for various storage durations and conditions, making it universally applicable to different research and clinical needs.
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 bioreactor system enables long-term storage and preservation of corneal implants by simulating in-vivo conditions, maintaining corneal functionality and increasing the service life of explanted corneas, allowing for extended use and realistic testing of agents.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump for transporting a culture medium through the first and second chambers
Implementation Method 2
a rotating mechanism for changing the position of the cornea in the first chamber periodically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bioreactor system for the cultivation, in particular storage, and production of corneal implants, as well as methods for the cultivation, in particular storage, and production of corneal implants, and methods for testing agents on corneas.