Integrated EIS for Cell-Containing Material Extrusion and Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprinting technologies struggle to monitor critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as cell live/dead counts, cell volume fraction, and cell distribution within constructs, which are crucial for the functional efficacy of tissue analogs, due to the inherent dynamism of biological systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) device into an extrusion/collection device, such as a syringe, to monitor biologically relevant attributes of cell-containing materials in real-time, enabling closed-loop control for precise cell delivery or deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical impedance spectroscopy is integrated into extrusion/collection devices for real-time monitoring of cell-containing materials, then measurement precision and reliability of CQA evaluation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EIS monitoring system directly with the extrusion/collection device by integrating electrodes into the device structure. The electrodes are positioned to measure impedance of materials as they pass through the device, merging the monitoring function with the delivery function in a single integrated system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion/collection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver or collect cell-containing materials while simultaneously monitoring CQAs through integrated EIS measurement. The device serves both as a delivery mechanism and a diagnostic tool, reducing the need for separate monitoring equipment.
2Ease of operation
If standard Luer fitting needles are used for material delivery, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the ability to integrate biosensing capabilities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates EIS electrodes directly into the Luer fitting needle structure. The electrodes are positioned within the needle body to measure impedance of materials as they pass through, combining the delivery function with biosensing capability in a single component rather than requiring separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified Luer fitting needle performs dual functions: it delivers or collects cell-containing materials while simultaneously monitoring CQAs through integrated EIS measurement. The needle serves both as a delivery mechanism and a diagnostic tool, maintaining compatibility with standard Luer connections while adding sensing capability.
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 real-time, quantitative evaluation of CQAs, facilitating precise control over cell delivery or collection, enhancing the connection between construct design and fabrication process in bioprinting.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance spectroscopy ('EIS') is an established measurement technique for quantifying cell viability that leverages the changes in the complex impedance of a device under test ('DUT') occurring due to the introduction of cells.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to a system for collecting or extruding a cell-containing biological material. The system includes an extrusion/collection device comprising: an orifice and a chamber operably connected to the orifice and an electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) device, operably connected to the extrusion/collection device. The EIS device monitors biologically relevant attributes of a cell-containing biological material as it is extruded from or collected into the extrusion/collection device. Also disclosed are methods of using the system disclosed herein.