Handheld Bioprinter for In Situ Hydrogel Scaffold Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries are limited by low cell engraftment, factor bioavailability, and the need for secondary surgeries for scaffold implantation, leading to incomplete functional restoration and high failure rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of bioprinter devices and systems capable of in situ printing and crosslinking of photocrosslinkable hydrogels, such as GelMA, which adhere to body tissues and eliminate the need for additional surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional 3D bioprinters are used to print hydrogel-based scaffolds, then structural details can be achieved, but implantation time increases and adhesion to tissues is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bioprinter, hydrogel reservoir, and UV light source into a single integrated handheld device. This merging eliminates the need for separate implantation procedures, allowing the scaffold to be printed and crosslinked in one continuous action at the injury site, thereby resolving the time loss between printing and implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses UV light as an intermediary to rapidly crosslink the photocrosslinkable hydrogel immediately after deposition. This intermediary mechanism enables instantaneous scaffold formation and tissue adhesion, eliminating the delay associated with conventional hydrogel implantation methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional 3D bioprinters are used to print hydrogel-based scaffolds, then structural details can be achieved, but adhesion to body tissues is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hydrogel by using photocrosslinkable hydrogels (such as GelMA) that can be rapidly crosslinked upon UV exposure. This parameter change transforms the hydrogel from a non-adhesive state to an adhesive state that firmly bonds to body tissues, resolving the adhesion problem while maintaining structural precision.
Solution Approach 2:
UV light serves as an intermediary that triggers the crosslinking reaction, transforming the hydrogel properties in situ. This intermediary mechanism enables the hydrogel to achieve strong tissue adhesion immediately after printing, without compromising the structural details printed by the bioprinter.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple surgical procedures are performed for scaffold implantation, then treatment can be provided, but response time to traumatic injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device performs multiple functions in one instrument: it stores the hydrogel, prints the scaffold with precise structural control, and crosslinks it immediately using an integrated UV light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical procedures, thereby reducing response time while maintaining ease of treatment provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in advance with the photocrosslinkable hydrogel loaded in the reservoir, and the UV light source is integrated and ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be deployed rapidly at the injury site and perform all necessary functions in one continuous action, minimizing response time.
4Loss of time
If handheld bioprinter with integrated UV light source is used, then response time is reduced and tissue adhesion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (bioprinter, hydrogel reservoir, UV light source) into a single handheld device. While this integration increases functional capability, it consolidates complexity into one portable unit, making the device manageable and clinically feasible despite the increased complexity.
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
The in situ printing of adhesive scaffolds facilitates muscle hypertrophy and new muscle fiber formation, reducing the risk of scaffold slippage and minimizing response time to traumatic injuries, thereby improving functional recovery and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator disposed within the housing at a position sufficient to facilitate an operable coupling of the electric actuator to at least a portion of a plunger of the syringe assembly
Implementation Method 2
capable of in situ printing and crosslinking of photocrosslinkable hydrogels, such as GelMA
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described that utilize bioprinters to form scaffold structures in situ to facilitate treatment of the musculoskeletal or skin disorders in patients. A method for treating a musculoskeletal disorder of a patient includes positioning a bioprinter at a situs of the musculoskeletal disorder, or a situs of a skin injury, in the patient. The method includes extruding a hydrogel formulation from the bioprinter into the situs. The method includes curing the hydrogel formulation in the situs. The hydrogel formulation has a composition effective to generate, upon the curing, a scaffold structure in the situs to facilitate muscle hypertrophy and/or new muscle fibers, or skin wound healing, in the situs.