Epithelial Tissue Model Horizontal Mounting Vial
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for studying absorption, transport, and secretion across epithelial tissues are limited by low throughput, difficulty in mounting tissues, and leakage issues, particularly with thick tissues, and do not allow for simultaneous analysis of multiple segments, which hampers the understanding of epithelial function and drug absorption.
Innovation Solution
A device for horizontal mounting of epithelial tissue segments with varying thickness, using a vial assembly with a crimp cap and inert material ring for secure sealing, allowing for medium throughput analysis and simultaneous preparation of multiple samples, reducing contamination risks and tissue stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertical mounting of epithelial tissue segments is used in traditional chambers, then tissue can be held in place, but the experimental conditions differ substantially from in vivo situation and thick tissues cannot be properly mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional vertical mounting approach by implementing horizontal mounting of epithelial tissue segments. The vial assembly with crimp cap and inert material ring creates a horizontal configuration that allows thick tissues to be mounted properly while maintaining physiological relevance, directly addressing the limitation of vertical mounting systems
2Productivity
If traditional transwell plates are used, then medium throughput studies can be performed, but tissue samples do not sufficiently adhere to membranes causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the mounting system into distinct functional components: the vial body, the crimp cap, and the inert material ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the crimp cap provides secure closure while the inert material ring ensures proper tissue positioning and adhesion, eliminating leakage issues while maintaining throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inert material ring acts as an intermediary element between the tissue sample and the vial assembly. This intermediate component facilitates proper tissue adhesion and positioning without directly contacting the tissue in a way that would cause leakage, solving the adherence problem while preserving throughput
3Productivity
If multiple tissue segments are analyzed simultaneously, then throughput increases, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vial assembly design provides universal functionality that can be scaled from single vial to multiwell formats. The standardized crimp cap and inert material ring configuration works identically whether one or multiple vials are used, allowing easy expansion to simultaneous analysis of multiple segments without proportionally increasing assembly complexity
4Reliability
If thick epithelial tissues are mounted in traditional vertical chambers, then tissue can be held, but leakage occurs and mounting is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable vial assembly with a crimp cap and inert material ring that is optimized for single-use mounting of thick epithelial tissues. This disposable design ensures consistent sealing effectiveness without the need for complex reusable components, making mounting of thick tissues both reliable and easy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a novel vial for holding a segment of epithelial tissue. More specifically, the invention relates to a vial which is easy to assemble and allows horizontal alignment of the tissue sample. The invention further relates a device comprising the vial, to methods for generating the device, and to a multitude of said devices which allow medium throughput measurements of absorption, transport and/or secretion across an epithelial tissue.