Flexible Membrane Bioreactor Chamber for Multiaxial Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioreactor chambers are rigid and limited in the range of mechanical stimulation they can apply, restricting the production of functional grafts and requiring opening to conduct experiments, which is inconvenient and potentially contaminating.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor chamber with a flexible membrane between end blocks forming a cavity, allowing for various mechanical stimulations and enabling self-contained actuation without interfering with the substrate or biomaterial, facilitating a wider range of experiments without opening the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid bioreactor chambers with linear actuators are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the range of mechanical stimulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor chamber employs a flexible membrane to define the cavity, replacing rigid walls. This flexible membrane allows the chamber to accommodate various actuator systems (uniaxial, multiaxial, robotic) and transmit diverse mechanical stimulations (tension, compression, torsion, shear) to the substrate while maintaining structural integrity through the membrane's elastic properties
2Ease of operation
If linear actuators are integrated into the bioreactor chamber, then uniaxial actuation is achieved, but the chamber must be opened to conduct experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor chamber is designed as a separable component from the actuator system. The flexible membrane chamber can be detached from actuators and transferred to inspection equipment (microscopes, imaging systems) without opening the chamber, allowing experiments to continue uninterrupted while maintaining sterility through sealed connections
3Ease of operation
If the bioreactor chamber is opened to conduct tests, then direct access to substrate is achieved, but sterility is compromised and experiments must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary that allows mechanical forces to be transmitted from actuators to the substrate without direct physical connection. This enables the chamber to be manipulated and inspected externally through the membrane while the substrate remains sealed and undisturbed, eliminating the need to open the chamber for routine operations
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
Enables the application of multiaxial mechanical stimulations, maintaining sterility, and allowing for the inspection and manipulation of cultures or biomaterials without opening the chamber, enhancing the range and efficiency of tissue engineering and biomaterial testing.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane, extending between the first end block and the second end block, to define a cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A bioreactor chamber (1) including a first end block (4), a second end block (6) and a flexible membrane (2). The flexible membrane (2) extends between the first end block (4) and the second end block (6) and defines a cavity (10) bounded by at least the flexible membrane (2). The cavity (10) is arranged to receive a substrate, for growing a culture on the substrate or a biomaterial for testing the biomaterial.