Cell Seeding Device with Anchor for Uniform Membrane Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seeding cells on a membrane often results in nonuniform distribution and instability due to cells flowing around edges, settling unevenly, and the membrane shifting or twisting, which affects the uniformity of the cell layer.
Innovation Solution
A cell seeding device comprising a tray with a well and an anchor, where the anchor is placed in contact with the membrane and cells are added, ensuring uniform distribution by confining the cells within the well's dimensions, and the anchor is later removed to retrieve the membrane-cell matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cells are seeded on a membrane without confinement, then the membrane can be easily accessed, but cells flow around edges and settle unevenly causing nonuniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the well into a confinement zone (anchor) and an access zone (tray). The anchor is segmented with sidewalls that create boundaries to confine cells, while the tray provides open access. This segmentation allows cells to be confined during seeding for uniform distribution while maintaining ease of access for membrane retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor acts as an intermediary structure between the tray and the membrane. It provides a confined space that mediates the cell seeding process by preventing cells from flowing around edges, thereby ensuring uniform cell distribution on the membrane while allowing the membrane to remain accessible through the tray.
2Manufacturing precision
If the membrane is left unfixed during seeding, then the device structure remains simple, but the membrane shifts or twists affecting uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is preliminarily positioned and fixed within the anchor's confinement space before cell seeding occurs. This preliminary fixation prevents shifting or twisting during the seeding process, ensuring uniform cell distribution while maintaining ease of membrane handling through the tray opening.
3Manufacturing precision
If cells are allowed to flow freely, then the seeding process is simple, but cells become deposited on edges or opposite surface instead of uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor segments the well into a confined seeding zone with vertical sidewalls that prevent cells from flowing to edges or opposite surfaces. This segmentation ensures cells remain confined to the membrane surface for uniform distribution while maintaining efficient seeding through the confined space.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Described is a device comprising an anchor, a tray including a well adapted to receive the anchor, and a cover adapted to engage the tray and cover the well. The device may be used to form a membrane-cell matrix having a substantially uniform distribution of the cells on the membrane in at least two dimensions.