Devitalized Cartilage Matrix Recellularization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing cartilage defects, particularly in articular cartilage, are limited due to the avascular nature of the tissue, leading to inadequate healing and temporary relief from pain, with existing surgical procedures failing to promote long-term matrix synthesis and tissue regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A devitalized cartilage graft is recellularized with viable cells in vitro, in vivo, or in situ by seeding cells onto a shaped cartilage matrix, applying mechanical and chemical stimuli, and incorporating the graft into a defect site, allowing for integration with recipient tissue and potential long-term repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to repair cartilage defects, then temporary pain relief is achieved, but long-term matrix synthesis and tissue regeneration are not promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-seeding the cartilage matrix with viable cells before implantation. This preparatory step ensures that the graft is already populated with functional chondrocytes capable of immediate matrix synthesis and tissue regeneration, rather than relying on the limited capacity of native cartilage cells after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an acellular cartilage matrix as an intermediary carrier that temporarily supports and delivers viable chondrocytes to the defect site. This matrix acts as a scaffold that maintains structural integrity while facilitating cell attachment, proliferation, and long-term tissue regeneration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cartilage grafts are devitalized to remove disease and improve shaping, then disease transmission risk is reduced, but recellularization capability must be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-seeding the devitalized cartilage matrix with viable cells in a controlled laboratory setting before implantation. This ensures complete recellularization of the disease-free matrix, eliminating the need for complex post-implantation recellularization procedures and reducing surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model by using acellular cartilage matrix that replicates the structural properties of native cartilage without the biological hazards. This matrix copy can be manufactured, sterilized, and stored without disease transmission risk, then recellularized in a controlled environment.
3Reliability
If mechanical and chemical stimuli are applied to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation, then matrix synthesis is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating biochemical cues directly into the cartilage matrix structure itself. The matrix contains endogenous growth factors and signaling molecules that automatically guide cell adhesion, proliferation, and matrix synthesis without requiring external mechanical or chemical stimulus systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the biochemical composition of the cartilage matrix during processing, such as adjusting pH, ionic strength, or incorporating specific growth factors. These parameter modifications enhance cell-matrix interactions and promote matrix synthesis without adding complex external stimulation devices.
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 approach enables the regeneration of vital cartilage tissue, potentially providing long-term relief and functional repair of cartilage defects by facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and matrix synthesis, addressing the limitations of existing surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and matrix synthesis
Implementation Method 2
facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and matrix synthesis
Implementation Method 3
cartilage is a highly hydrated connective tissue with chondrocytes embedded in a dense extracellular matrix made of, for example, collagen, proteoglycan and water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward recellularizing a devitalized cartilage graft with viable recellularizable cells in vivo, in situ, or in vitro to render the tissue vital. The present invention is also directed toward repairing a cartilage defect and implanting a cartilage graft into a human or animal by crafting a cartilage matrix into individual grafts, disinfecting and cleaning the cartilage graft, applying a pretreatment solution to the cartilage graft, removing cellular debris using an extracting solution to produce a devitalized cartilage graft, recellularizing the devitalized cartilage graft, implanting the cartilage graft into the cartilage defect with or without an insertion device, and sealing the implanted cartilage graft with recipient tissue. The devitalized cartilage graft is optionally stored between the removing cellular debris and the recellularizing steps. The present invention is directed to both recellularized cartilage grafts as well as a process for recellularizing cartilage grafts.