Gel-Based Tension Measuring Device for Muscle Cell Contraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug discovery methods face challenges in accurately evaluating cardiac toxicity due to the difference between cell-based screening systems and human tissue, leading to high development costs and low success rates, as existing methods for constructing three-dimensional tissues are cumbersome and unsuitable for mass production, and cannot quantitatively measure muscle contraction.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for measuring the tension of cell structures containing muscle cells, which includes a tension measuring device with a first and second gel adaptor holder, a gel holding portion, and a connecting portion, allowing for the quantitative measurement of muscle contraction and mass production, using a gel between the holders to fix and measure the tension of cell structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cell-based screening systems are used, then the evaluation process is simple, but the measurement accuracy of muscle contraction is insufficient and cannot quantitatively measure contraction
Solution Approach 1:
A gel structure is introduced as an intermediary between the cell structure and the measuring mechanism. The gel adapts to the contour of the cell structure and transfers contraction forces to the measuring mechanism, enabling quantitative measurement while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simpler gel-based system that uses the gel's elastic properties and contour-adapting capability to transfer and measure contraction forces, reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision
2Reliability
If three-dimensional tissue structures are constructed using conventional methods, then the tissue model is more realistic, but the construction process is cumbersome and unsuitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of three-dimensional tissue modeling by using a gel structure that adapts to the cell structure's contour, eliminating the need for complex scaffold construction while maintaining tissue realism and enabling mass production
Solution Approach 2:
The gel's physical parameters (contour adaptation, elasticity) are optimized to provide realistic tissue modeling characteristics without requiring complex construction processes, allowing for scalable production
3Reliability
If cell sheets are stacked three-dimensionally to construct tissues, then the tissue structure is formed, but the construction process is very cumbersome and unsuitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cumbersome cell sheet stacking process by using a gel structure that naturally forms a three-dimensional contour-adapting framework, simplifying the construction process while maintaining tissue structure integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The gel structure self-adapts to the cell structure's contour and automatically forms the appropriate three-dimensional configuration, eliminating the need for manual stacking operations and enabling easy manufacturing
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 reproducible and stable measurement of muscle contraction in cell structures, facilitating the development of a more efficient drug discovery screening system by mimicking human tissue conditions and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gel (elastic body) and a cell structure containing muscle cells which are contracted
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
To provide a device, system, and kit for measuring a tension of a cell structure containing muscle cells, that can quantitatively measure muscle contraction, and that can be mass-produced. The device including a first gel adaptor holder, a second gel adaptor and a fixing portion. The first gel adaptor holder including a first gel holding portion for fixing one end of a gel. The second gel adaptor holder including a second gel holding portion that fixes another end of the gel, and that is disposed to be opposed to the first gel holding portion. The fixing portion to which connecting members for connecting the first gel adaptor holder and the second gel adaptor holder to each other are able to be fixed. The kit including the device, a substrate and a fixing portion. The substrate into which the first gel adaptor holder and the second gel adaptor holder that are connected to each other by the connecting members are to be fitted. The fixing portion to which the connecting members are able to be fixed.