Inflated Decellularized ECM via Gas Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decellularized extracellular matrices (ECMs) often collapse and lose their original shape due to the removal of cells, making it difficult to maintain their structure and size for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a gas, such as air, CO2, or aerosolized drugs, into the decellularized ECM via its natural vasculature to inflate and retain its original shape, allowing for easier cutting and processing while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells are removed from the extracellular matrix to create decellularized ECM, then immunogenicity is reduced and biocompatibility is improved, but the ECM collapses and loses its original shape and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic inflation by introducing gas into the decellularized ECM through its vasculature to maintain and restore the original three-dimensional shape and structural integrity of the matrix, resolving the collapse issue while preserving biocompatibility
2Ease of manufacture
If the decellularized ECM is kept in its collapsed state, then storage and transport are simplified, but cutting and processing becomes difficult due to loss of rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic state control by allowing the ECM to be inflated with gas to provide rigidity during cutting and processing operations, then deflated for storage and transport, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and manageable storage conditions
3Shape
If the ECM is inflated to maintain its original shape, then structural integrity and ease of manipulation are improved, but the volume and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas inflation to achieve the desired shape and structural integrity without the weight and volume penalties of solid materials, as gas provides structural support with minimal mass, thus improving structural integrity while keeping volume increases manageable
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 inflated decellularized ECM maintains a shape that is 25% to 1000% larger than its uninflated form, facilitating its use as a surgical mesh, filler, or in tissue engineering by maintaining structural integrity and ease of manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
The active introduction of a gas, instance of a vapor (a gas having particles or droplets), into a decellularized extracellular matrix of an organ or tissue via its natural vasculature or any other conduit, e.g., duct or cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method to provide an inflated decellularized extracellular matrix of a mammalian organ or a vascularized portion thereof, or a mammalian vascularized tissue or a vascularized portion thereof, an inflated decellularized extracellular matrix of a mammalian organ or a vascularized portion thereof, or a mammalian vascularized tissue or a vascularized portion thereof, and uses thereof, are provided.