Non-Thermal Electroporation Tissue Scaffolds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue engineering techniques face limitations in creating scaffolds that promote cell growth and function, particularly in achieving microcirculation and preserving native mechanical and biologic properties, due to harsh decellularization methods that destroy vasculature and neural structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to decellularize tissues, which applies electrical pulses to kill cells while preserving the extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and neural structures, enabling the creation of scaffolds with integrated circulation and neural infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If harsh decellularization methods are used to remove cells from tissue, then cell removal is effective, but vasculature and neural structures are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical field parameters (voltage, pulse duration, frequency) to achieve decellularization through electroporation. By controlling these electrical parameters, cells are selectively removed while preserving the structural integrity of vasculature and neural structures, resolving the contradiction between effective cell removal and structural preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces harsh mechanical and chemical decellularization methods with an electrical field-based approach. Instead of using physical force or chemicals that destroy structures, electrical pulses create pores in cell membranes leading to selective cell death while leaving the extracellular matrix and functional structures intact
2Productivity
If electrical field strength is increased to improve decellularization efficiency, then cell killing is more effective, but thermal damage to tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed electrical fields with specific duty cycles and pulse intervals. This periodic application allows decellularization to occur during pulse phases while cooling occurs during inter-pulse phases, maintaining productivity while preventing thermal accumulation and tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cooling measures and controls pulse parameters in advance to prevent thermal damage before it occurs. By anticipating the thermal effects of high-power electrical pulses, the system design incorporates preventive cooling and parameter optimization to eliminate harmful thermal effects
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
IRE provides a controlled and precise method for producing scaffolds that support cell growth and function, allowing for the creation of thicker engineered tissues with intact vascular and neural structures, addressing the limitations of existing methods by minimizing damage to the underlying tissue architecture.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electrical field to the tissue in vivo or ex vivo to irreversibly electroporate cells of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides engineered tissue scaffolds, engineered tissues, and methods of using them. The scaffolds and tissues are derived from natural tissues and are created using non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE). Use of IRE allows for ablation of cells of the tissue to be treated, but allows vascular and neural structures to remain essentially unharmed. Use of IRE thus permits preparation of thick tissue scaffolds and tissues due to the presence of vasculature within the scaffolds. The engineered tissues can be used in methods of treating subjects, such as those in need of tissue replacement or augmentation.