Composite Tissue Implant with Mixed Cell Populations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration, particularly in heart failure cases, face challenges with cell survival and integration, as well as the limitations of using non-biological matrices or invasive procedures, and often rely solely on stem cells without conclusive results.

Innovation Solution

A tissue regeneration implant comprising a biocompatible polymeric matrix embedded with a combination of mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, and functional cells specific to the tissue, which are embedded in a uniform or non-uniform manner, using a method that involves scattering the cells and allowing polymerization to form a supportive matrix for effective tissue repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biocompatible polymeric matrix is used to support cell implantation, then cell survival and integration are improved, but the complexity of the implant structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell survivalVSAvoidimplant structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant combines a biocompatible polymeric matrix with multiple cell types (mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, and functional cells) to create a composite structure that provides both mechanical support and biological functionality. This composite approach enhances cell survival and integration while managing structural complexity through the synergistic combination of materials and cellular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple cell types are combined in the implant, then tissue regeneration effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue regeneration effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: first, the biocompatible polymeric matrix is prepared; second, different cell types are cultured and prepared separately; third, the cells are integrated into the matrix in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows for standardized protocols for each cell type while maintaining the ability to combine them effectively, thus improving tissue regeneration without overwhelming manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cells are cultured and prepared in advance before being integrated into the polymeric matrix. Mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, and functional cells are each pre-cultured to appropriate densities and conditions, then incorporated into the matrix structure. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process and ensures optimal cell viability and distribution in the finished implant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If cells are embedded uniformly in the matrix, then structural consistency is improved, but cell integration and survival may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural consistencyVSAvoidcell integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The implant employs non-uniform cell distribution within the polymeric matrix, creating regions with different cell densities and compositions. Areas closer to the implant surface have different cellular characteristics compared to deeper regions, allowing for optimized cell-matrix interactions at each location. This local variation enhances cell integration and survival by providing appropriate microenvironments, while the overall matrix structure maintains sufficient consistency for mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 implant effectively promotes tissue regeneration by enhancing cell survival and integration, improving cardiac function by regenerating damaged tissue and preventing further cardiac function decline, as demonstrated by increased ejection fractions in experimental models.

Implementation Method 1

allowing the polymerization of the precursor to form a biocompatible polymeric matrix embedded with the mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells and functional cells specific to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11696973B2Flexible tissue regeneration implant
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 UNIV DEL VALLE
  • US11696973B2 patent drawing
  • US11696973B2 patent drawing
  • US11696973B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention discloses an implant for regeneration of tissue with lesions, comprising a mixture with different types of cells, particularly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), endothelial cells, and specific functional cells according to the nature and function of the tissue, included into the biocompatible polymeric matrix, where the cells may or may not be organized in a specific way. This innovation also discloses a method to manufacture the implant. The implant of the present invention is useful for replacement or regeneration of animal and human tissues.