Cell Separation System for Endothelial Graft Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for establishing a non-thrombogenic endothelial cell lining on synthetic grafts are inefficient and lack clinical applicability due to thrombogenicity and mechanical failure, with existing endothelial cell seeding techniques failing to maintain patency in vascular grafts.
Innovation Solution
A cell separation system utilizing a single-walled bowl and cradle assembly for centrifugation and agitation, enabling the rapid isolation and adhesion of endothelial cells onto synthetic grafts in an operating room setting, maintaining sterility and producing consistent results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressure gradients are used to deposit cells onto a permeable scaffold, then cell capture is achieved, but biocompatibility and mechanical strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is pre-coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) material before cell deposition. This preliminary action creates a biocompatible surface that promotes cell adhesion and reduces thrombogenicity, addressing the biocompatibility issue while maintaining the cell capture capability of the pressure gradient method.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining synthetic permeable scaffold material with natural ECM coating. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength of the synthetic scaffold and the biocompatibility of the natural ECM, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and biological compatibility.
2Strength
If synthetic materials are used for vascular grafts, then mechanical strength is achieved, but thrombogenicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic scaffold is selectively coated with ECM material at the surface regions that contact blood flow. This local modification provides anti-thrombogenic properties where needed (blood-contacting surfaces) while maintaining the mechanical strength of the bulk synthetic material, resolving the contradiction between strength and thrombogenicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If endothelial cells are seeded onto grafts, then non-thrombogenic properties are improved, but patency is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is pre-coated with ECM material to create an optimized substrate for endothelial cell seeding. This preliminary preparation enhances cell adhesion, survival, and function, leading to better long-term patency outcomes compared to direct seeding on uncoated synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECM coating acts as an intermediary between the synthetic scaffold and endothelial cells. It provides biochemical cues that promote cell attachment and function, mediating the interaction between the artificial material and biological cells to achieve both non-thrombogenicity and sustained patency.
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 system effectively separates and adheres endothelial cells to synthetic grafts, enhancing their non-thrombogenic properties and mechanical strength, potentially improving graft patency rates by establishing a functional endothelial layer.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugation and agitation, enabling the rapid isolation and adhesion of endothelial cells
Implementation Method 2
agitation, in a reservoir of a cell separation system, a volume of biologic material and a volume of digestion media to form a digested volume of biologic material
Data Source
AI summary
Cell separation systems and methods of separating cells are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cell separation system is described that comprises a non-transitory storage device that executes a centrifugation program to separate cell volume from biologic material volume; a heating mechanism; a containment mechanism; and an assembly comprised of a single-walled centrifugation bowl. In an embodiment, methods of separating cells are disclosed whereby cells are separated by agitating a volume of biologic material and a volume digestion media to form a digested volume of biologic material; centrifuging the digested volume of biologic material; removing a portion of a resulting waste via at least one fluid outlet; isolating a different portion of the waste, and removing the concentrated cell volumes from the reservoir.