Electric Field Applicator for Tissue Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nanotechnology methods are not adaptable to enhancing or suppressing spatio-temporal electric field distributions, which hinders efficient manipulation of nano-objects for bio-printing, bio-sensor fabrication, and tissue fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus is developed that applies and controls temporally and spatially controlled electric fields to enhance tissue construction on a substrate, using an electric field applicator that can be energized by an electrical bias, with a controller to manage the electric field characteristics, and can include additional features like irradiation sources and magnetic field generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanotechnology methods are used, then manufacturing processes are established, but spatio-temporal electric field distribution control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically controllable electric field distributions through independently addressable electrode elements that can be selectively activated or deactivated. This allows the system to adapt the electric field pattern in real-time to manipulate nano-objects with high spatial resolution, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability by making the field distribution dynamic rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or elements. Each segment can be addressed separately to create localized electric field regions, enabling precise spatial control of nano-object manipulation while maintaining overall system versatility through selective activation of different segments
2Manufacturing precision
If electric field applicators are added to control spatio-temporal fields, then manipulation precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field applicator system is designed to perform multiple functions including trapping, transporting, orienting, and manipulating nano-objects using the same basic electrode structure. By controlling different electrode combinations, the system achieves various manipulation tasks without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thus improving precision while limiting complexity growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulation systems with electric field-based control. Instead of physically moving components or using mechanical actuators to manipulate nano-objects, the system uses electric fields to achieve the same effects, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving manipulation precision
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 approach enables reliable and efficient manipulation of nano-objects, facilitating the construction of tissues with improved spatial resolution and intercellular interactions, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of bio-printing and tissue fabrication processes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field applicator that is operable to expose the substrate during construction of the tissue to the electric field, which may be a spatial-temporal electric field, that is capable of affecting the processing medium, objects suspended in the processing medium, for example cells
Implementation Method 2
when the electric field applicator is electrically energized by an electrical bias
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for constructing tissue from cells or other objects by application of temporally and spatially controlled electric fields. Electric field applicators expose a substrate (32) to the electric field controlled to affect the processing medium (28) to achieve a processing effect on the construction of tissue on the substrate (32). Electrical bias is selected to interact with dipole properties of the medium (28) to control the movement of suspended dielectrophoretic cells or other particles in the medium (28) or at the substrate (32). The motion of suspended particles may be affected to cause suspended particles of different properties to follow different paths in the processing medium (28), which may be used to cause the suspended particles to be sorted. The processing medium (28) and electrical bias may be selected to affect the structure, or orientation, of one or more layers on the substrate (32).