ECM Scaffold Decellularization Using OGP Surfactant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decellularization methods for preparing extracellular matrix scaffolds often result in cytotoxicity and immunogenicity due to residual detergent residues, and cause structural degradation of the scaffolds, necessitating a novel, nontoxic, and biodegradable decellularization approach.

Innovation Solution

A method involving pretreatment of organic tissue with a hypotonic solution containing n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) to disrupt cell membranes, followed by a nuclease solution to degrade DNA and RNA, and subsequent rinsing to produce a decellularized ECM scaffold with desirable mechanical and biological properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional chemical decellularization methods (using detergents like sodium dodecyl sulfate or trypsin) are used, then cells are effectively removed from the tissue, but the resulting scaffold exhibits cytotoxicity and immunogenicity due to residual detergent, and structural degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecytotoxicity and immunogenicity from detergent residuesVSAvoiddecellellularization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the decellularization agent by using n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) with specific molecular weight and hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance, replacing conventional detergents. This parameter change enables effective cell removal while avoiding cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, as OGP is biodegradable and non-toxic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a biodegradable detergent (OGP) that breaks down completely after use, leaving no persistent harmful residues. This disposable approach eliminates the need for extensive detergent removal steps required by conventional methods, reducing both toxicity and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional chemical decellularization methods are used, then decellularization is achieved, but the ultramicrostructure and composition of the scaffold are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural degradation of scaffoldVSAvoiddecellellularization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical action parameters by using OGP, which has milder surfactant properties compared to conventional detergents. This enables cell membrane disruption and decellularization while preserving the collagen and elastin ultramicrostructure, avoiding the harsh structural degradation caused by strong detergents or enzymes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses OGP as an intermediary agent that facilitates cell removal through its surfactant properties without directly attacking the structural proteins. The detergent acts as a mediator between the cell membranes (target for removal) and the scaffold structure (to be preserved), enabling selective decellularization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If physical decellularization methods (freezing, thawing, ultrasonic waves) are used, then cell membranes are damaged and cells are removed, but the process requires extensive treatment time and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecellellularization speedVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical/mechanical decellularization methods (freezing, thawing, ultrasonic waves) with a chemical method using OGP. This substitution achieves faster and more complete cell removal in a single treatment step, avoiding the multi-step complex physical processes while maintaining scaffold integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method effectively removes cellular components while maintaining the ultramicrostructure and composition of the scaffold, reducing immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, and producing a scaffold suitable for tissue engineering with high biocompatibility.

Implementation Method 1

n-Octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (OGP), a new green surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

placing the organic tissue treated by step b in a nuclease solution to degrade DNA and/or RNA components in cells thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP2873429B1Decellularization method for preparing extracellular matrix support material
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 SHANGHAI MICROPORT CARDIOFLOW MEDTECH CO LTD
  • EP2873429B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2873429B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2873429B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A decellularization method for preparing an extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold and an ECM prepared by using same. The method includes performing decellularization processing on a target organic tissue by using a glucopyranoside solution and a nuclease solution.