Bioreactor Chamber with Struts for Perpendicular Cyclic Stretch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactor devices are inadequate in systematically controlling multiple mechanical stimuli, such as fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure, which are essential for accurately mimicking the complex microenvironment in vitro, limiting their ability to independently vary these stimuli and study cellular responses effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bioreactor platform, referred to as the MechanoBioTester, featuring a deformable polydimethylsiloxane elastomer chamber with a cell culture region that allows independent control of fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure, enabling the application of all combinations of mechanical stimulation with open-source, affordable, and user-friendly automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current bioreactor devices are used to study mechanical stimuli, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to systematically control multiple mechanical stimuli independently is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor device is divided into separate functional modules: a flow control system for fluid shear stress, a stretching mechanism for cyclic strain, and a pressure control system for hydrostatic pressure. Each module can independently control one mechanical stimulus while the others remain operative, enabling systematic interrogation of all combinations of mechanical stimuli without requiring a completely complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor chamber is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate cell culture substrates and withstand multiple types of mechanical stimulation simultaneously. The chamber can serve as a universal platform for applying fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stretchable bioreactor chamber is used to apply strain perpendicular to fluid flow, then mechanical stimulation capability is improved, but lateral displacement of cells may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor chamber has an asymmetric design where the cell culture substrate is positioned within a rigid frame structure that provides lateral support. The stretching struts are positioned at specific locations that apply strain perpendicular to the fluid flow direction while the rigid frame prevents lateral displacement of the cells, creating an asymmetric support system that allows controlled deformation without compromising cell position stability
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
This platform allows for systematic testing of mechanical stimuli in both 2D and 3D co-culture settings, reducing experimental variability and providing a more physiologically relevant model for mechanobiology studies, biomaterial design, and drug discovery by decoupling the effects of fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the bioreactor chamber is composed of a stretchable material... configured to provide a strain perpendicular to a fluid flow through the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a flow channel extending along a first axis, wherein the flow channel comprises an inlet and an outlet at opposing ends of the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
capable of systematically interrogating all combinations of mechanical stimuli with independent control... decoupling the effects of fluid flow, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are bioreactor chambers and systems thereof. In an embodiment, a single-plate symmetrical bioreactor chamber is described, comprising: a flow channel extending along a first axis, wherein the flow channel comprises an inlet and an outlet at opposing ends of 5 the flow channel; a pair of struts on opposing ends of a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, wherein each strut of the pair of struts are placed on opposing sides of the flow channel, wherein the struts are configured to be coupled to a bidirectional linear actuator and configured to provide a strain perpendicular to a fluid flow through the flow channel, wherein the strain does not laterally displace cells present in the flow channel.