Decellularization Reactor with Segmented Chambers and Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decellularization methods for producing decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) are inefficient, non-standardized, and lack scalability, leading to inconsistent results and underutilization of resources, particularly for smaller tissue samples from various sources like animals, humans, plants, fungi, and algae, which are crucial for 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for decellularizing tissue samples using a decellularization reactor with a tissue chamber and reactor chamber in fluid communication, employing wash cycles with reagents and agitation, monitored by sensors to adjust parameters such as pH and optical properties, ensuring uniform decellularization and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If improvised lab-ware and commercial devices are used for decellularization, then the process can be performed with available equipment, but production scale is limited and resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the decellularization process into distinct functional modules: a tissue chamber for sample containment, a reactor chamber for reagent processing, and a filtration system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system scalability and resource efficiency.
2Device complexity
If non-standardized steps and crude equipment are used, then the setup is simple, but decellularization results are inconsistent and shapes are non-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables precise control of decellularization parameters including reagent flow rates, agitation speed, temperature, and pH levels. By standardizing these parameters through the controlled environment, consistent decellularization results and uniform tissue shapes are achieved while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring capabilities that track decellularization progress in real-time, allowing for automated adjustments to maintain optimal conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent results without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If immersion and agitation techniques are used without standardization, then the method is easy to implement, but uniform decellularization throughout samples cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a controlled agitation mechanism that dynamically adjusts mixing intensity and patterns throughout the tissue chamber. This ensures uniform distribution of reagents and consistent exposure of all tissue portions to decellularization conditions, while the automated control maintains ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If lab-scale processes are used, then the equipment is simple, but the process is costly and resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functional components that can handle various tissue types and scales. The reactor chamber, filtration system, and control mechanisms are configured to accommodate different sample sizes and reagent volumes, maximizing resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity and reducing waste.
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 method enables consistent and scalable production of dECM, optimizing decellularization processes through adaptive control, improving the quality and consistency of dECM for diverse tissue samples, and facilitating their use in bioprinting and tissue engineering.
Implementation Method 1
agitating the tissue sample and/or the reagent such that the tissue sample circulates in the reagent
Implementation Method 2
Decellularization removes cellular and nuclear components from tissues while preserving the ultrastructure of ECM components
Implementation Method 3
monitoring at least one parameter of the reagent and/or at least one parameter of the tissue sample
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for decellularization of tissue samples to produce decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) by performing one or more wash cycles in a reactor using a reagent after at least partially submerging the tissue sample in the reagent, wherein the reactor comprising a tissue chamber in fluid communication with a reactor chamber. The method further comprising the steps of agitating the tissue sample and/or the reagent such that the tissue sample circulates in the reagent while retaining the tissue sample in a tissue chamber or a decellularization reactor, monitoring at least one parameter of the reagent and/or at least one parameter of the tissue sample, and adjusting one or more wash cycles based on said monitoring. The invention further relates to a decellularization reactor and a decellularization system for decellularizing a tissue sample.