Cell-Seeded Substrate Handling for Controlled Cryopreservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cellular therapy lack effective long-term storage and implantation techniques for cells, particularly for conditions like age-related macular degeneration, leading to poor clinical outcomes and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method of cryopreserving cells on a substrate with controlled temperature reduction and storage, using biocompatible polymers, and specialized tools for handling and preparation, including pedestals for cutting and washing, to enhance cell viability and simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cells are stored long-term without specialized substrates, then storage duration is extended, but cell viability and functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized substrate as an intermediary between the cells and the storage environment. This substrate provides structural support, metabolic cues, and protective functions that maintain cell viability during long-term cryopreservation, resolving the contradiction between extended storage duration and maintained cell reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-seeding cells onto substrates before cryopreservation and implementing controlled freezing protocols. These preliminary steps prepare the cells for long-term storage by establishing proper adhesion, reducing ice crystal formation, and maintaining cellular integrity throughout the storage period
2Quantity of substance
If conventional cryopreservation methods are used, then storage capacity is increased, but cell damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes critical parameters of the cryopreservation process, including cooling rates, storage temperatures, and substrate properties. These parameter optimizations reduce ice crystal formation and mechanical stress on cells, thereby minimizing cell damage while maintaining high storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled phase transitions during freezing and thawing processes. By managing the transition from liquid to solid state through controlled-rate freezing and controlled-rate thawing, the patent minimizes disruptive ice crystal formation while maximizing storage capacity
3Ease of operation
If manual cell handling and preparation methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell therapy process into distinct modular steps: cell seeding onto substrates, cryopreservation, storage, and implantation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining flexibility through standardized protocols that can be adapted to different clinical scenarios
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
Improves cell survival and viability during long-term storage and implantation, reducing damage and increasing the efficiency of cellular therapy products.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate, with the seeded cells, is controlled frozen at a rate of -1°C to -5°C per minute
Implementation Method 2
the substrate, with the seeded cells, is thawed in a controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides devices, instruments, and kits for handling certain implantable substrates, for example, cell-seeded membranes. The devices, instruments, and kits may be used for washing, cutting, and preparing the substrates for implantation into a patient. The devices, instruments, and kits may be particularly useful for handling implantable substrates that were cryopreserved.