First Trimester Umbilical Cord Pluripotent Cell Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating and utilizing stem cells from umbilical cord tissue are limited by the need for full-term tissue, ethical concerns with embryonic stem cells, and the minimal quantities and restricted differentiation potential of adult stem cells derived from postnatal tissues.
Innovation Solution
A method for isolating and expanding pluripotent stem cells from first trimester umbilical cords, involving the collection, treatment, and incubation of umbilical cord cells, which can be maintained, stored, and differentiated to replace damaged cells in conditions such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and heart disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If embryonic stem cells are used, then differentiation potential is high, but ethical considerations hamper their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses first trimester umbilical cord tissue as an intermediary source that provides pluripotent cells with high differentiation potential while avoiding the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells. These cells serve as a mediator between the need for high differentiation capacity and ethical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of embryonic stem cell properties by isolating pluripotent cells from first trimester umbilical cord tissue. These cells replicate the high differentiation potential and self-renewal capabilities of embryonic stem cells without requiring embryo destruction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adult stem cells from postnatal tissues are used, then ethical issues are avoided, but cell quantities are minimal and differentiation potential is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of tissue gestation age from postnatal/adult to first trimester (less than 20 weeks). This parameter change transforms the cells from limited adult stem cells with restricted differentiation potential to pluripotent cells with high differentiation capacity, while still avoiding embryonic stem cell ethical issues.
3Quantity of substance
If full-term umbilical cord tissue is used, then tissue availability is good, but cell differentiation potential is limited compared to first trimester tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by collecting and banking first trimester umbilical cord tissue before the gestation period progresses to full-term. This early collection preserves the pluripotent state of the cells, which would be lost if waiting until full-term when differentiation potential is already reduced.
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 provides a large quantity of pluripotent cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types, offering a viable alternative for treating cellular damage and diseases by using readily available first trimester umbilical cord tissue, enhancing cell viability and therapeutic potential.
Implementation Method 1
treating the cut pieces with collagenase to obtain isolated umbilical cord cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method of isolating a pluripotent cell from human umbilical cord is described herein. The method involves collecting a sample of umbilical cord from fetal tissue obtained at less than 13 weeks of gestation, for example a first trimester umbilical cord. The sample is treated to obtain isolated umbilical cord cells, after which the isolated umbilical cord cells are incubated. Cells obtained in this way can be differentiated for use in treating conditions of cell damage, by supplanting the function of a damaged cell in a condition such as spinal cord injury, cardiovascular injury or heart disease.