Automated Epidermal Suspension Cartridge With Staged Tissue Disaggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing regenerative epidermal suspensions are labor-intensive and prone to user error, lacking effective automation for consistent production.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a base unit, cartridge, and pestle for automated preparation of regenerative epidermal suspensions, utilizing motors and heating elements to actuate the pestle for vertical, rotational, and grinding forces, with a mortar screen for particle separation, and a well plate for enzyme and buffer application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual preparation methods are used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but labor intensity increases and user error variability occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesimplicityVSAvoiduser error variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated preparation system performs tissue processing operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each step. The system self-regulates the preparation process, eliminating user error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising motors, actuators, and control mechanisms. This substitution eliminates human variability in manual preparation while maintaining the essential mechanical functions needed for tissue processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If automation is introduced, then user error is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser error reductionVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated preparation system is divided into modular functional components including separate modules for tissue processing, solution delivery, and control. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be independently optimized and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system is designed to perform multiple preparation functions within a single integrated platform. The system can handle different tissue types and preparation protocols, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If manual preparation is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and consistency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation system complexityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated preparation system enables continuous processing of tissue samples without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation through automated sample handling, solution delivery, and processing sequences, significantly improving productivity compared to discrete manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary preparation steps automatically before final suspension formation. Enzyme treatment, tissue digestion, and preliminary mixing are executed automatically in sequence, increasing overall productivity by eliminating manual setup time for each preparation stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates consistent and efficient production of regenerative epidermal suspensions, reducing user error and improving the quality of tissue regeneration processes.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element configured to heat the enzyme solution to a temperature effective for disaggregating the tissue sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a tissue disaggregator configured to separate the tissue sample to form a suspension of cells and cellular-derived biomolecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical disaggregation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4644527A1System for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension and related methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 AVITA MEDICAL AMERICAS LLC

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AI summary

One or more systems for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a base unit, a cartridge assembly containing a cup, and a tissue disaggregator. The system may also include related tools. The system executes one or more sequences wherein a first motor actuates the pestle against a tissue sample that is disposed along a screen within the cup while the tissue sample is in contact with, in sequence, an enzyme solution, a first buffer solution, and then a second buffer solution. To transition between fluidic contact stages or steps, the tissue disaggregator engages with and lifts the cup into a raised position within a processing area of the cartridge while a base plate motor rotates the appropriate well into alignment under the cup for each processing step. Once the sequence is complete, a user may draw up a regenerative epidermal suspension through an opening in the cartridge top cover.