Electronic Scaffold With Selective Electrode Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac tissue engineering methodologies are limited by the inability to monitor and control the performance of engineered tissues after transplantation, which hinders effective healing and regeneration post-myocardial infarction.
Innovation Solution
A scaffold device integrating a three-dimensional polymeric element with an electronic element, featuring electrodes with an electrically-isolating layer, allows for monitoring and stimulation of cardiac tissue, as well as controlled drug release, by connecting to a measuring device and controller, enabling real-time feedback and therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tissue engineering methodologies are used, then engineered cardiac tissue can be produced, but the ability to monitor and control tissue performance after transplantation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scaffold structure with electronic monitoring and control elements into a single integrated device. The scaffold incorporates electrodes, sensors, and drug delivery mechanisms directly within its matrix, allowing simultaneous structural support and active monitoring/control of tissue performance post-transplantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold device performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for tissue growth, monitoring electrical activity through integrated electrodes, controlling drug release, and enabling real-time feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring and control systems.
2Reliability
If electrodes are fully coated with electrically-isolating layer, then electrical isolation is improved, but electrical contact with tissue for monitoring and stimulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically-isolating coating is applied selectively to specific portions of the electrodes rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This allows different regions of the electrode to have different properties: some regions remain coated for electrical isolation, while other regions stay exposed for direct electrical contact with the tissue, enabling both monitoring and stimulation functions.
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 the monitoring and stimulation of cardiac tissue, facilitating controlled drug release and improving tissue performance, thereby enhancing healing and regeneration post-myocardial infarction.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-isolating layer deposited thereon such that a portion of the electrode remains partially uncoated
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a three-dimensional polymeric element and an electronic element integrated with the polymeric element is disclosed. The electronic element is made up of one or more electrode(s) each individually connectable to a measuring device and/or a controller, and each independently having a thin electrically-isolating layer deposited thereon such that the electrode is exposed to an environment surrounding the electrode at one or more pre-determined locations over the electrode. The device can include cells and/or tissue and/or a therapeutically active agent incorporated within the polymeric material. Processes of fabricating the device, systems for operating the device and methods utilizing same are also disclosed.