Corneal Endothelial Cell Isolation Device Using Fluid Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating corneal endothelial cells (CECs) often result in contamination with keratocytes, limiting the availability of pure CEC populations for transplantation and research due to the invasive nature of existing procedures like Descemet's stripping.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus and method involving a 3D-printable device with a fluid chamber and O-ring configuration that allows for the isolation of CECs by forming a fluid seal with the endothelial surface of the cornea, using enzymatic solutions to release cells, and automated systems for precise fluid delivery and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Descemet's stripping is used to isolate CECs, then CECs can be obtained, but keratocytes are co-isolated causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cornea is segmented into distinct layers (epithelium, stroma, Descemet's membrane, endothelium) and the device isolates only the endothelial layer by creating a fluid seal that exposes solely the endothelial surface to the enzymatic solution, physically separating it from other corneal layers that contain keratocytes
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts only the endothelial layer by inverting the cornea and positioning it so that the endothelial surface faces the fluid chamber, allowing enzymatic solutions to act exclusively on this layer and release CECs without affecting other corneal layers
2Quantity of substance
If invasive procedures like Descemet's stripping are used, then CECs can be isolated, but the procedure is invasive and limits availability
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile fluid chamber acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the corneal endothelium, allowing enzymatic solutions to be delivered without direct invasive contact. The fluid seal created by the inverted cornea provides a barrier that maintains sterility while enabling controlled delivery of isolation agents
Solution Approach 2:
The invasive mechanical scraping action of the trephine is replaced with a non-invasive fluid-based system where enzymatic solutions chemically digest and release CECs from the endothelial surface, eliminating the need for physical scraping and reducing invasiveness
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
Enables the isolation of pure CEC populations with enhanced efficiency and reduced contamination, facilitating their expansion for transplantation and research while maintaining sterility and immunologic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The inverted cornea forms a fluid seal between the fluid chamber of the top portion and the interior recessed opening of the base portion
Implementation Method 2
using enzymatic solutions to release cells
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (8) for isolating corneal endothelial cells (34) (CECs) includes a base portion (10) having an interior recessed opening (14) with a bottom surface (16). A convex projection (18) is centrally located on the bottom surface (16) and is configured to receive an inverted cornea (32). A top portion (12) is configured to mate with the base portion (10). The top portion (12) includes a fluid chamber (24) with a lower surface (20). The lower surface (20) has an opening (22) therein in which the convex projection (18) projects when the top portion (12) is mated with the base portion (10).