Kirigami Tissue Platform With Adjustable Pillars for High-Throughput Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in vitro cardiomyocyte testing platforms face challenges in providing mechanical and electrical stimulation for maturation, are complex to manufacture, and limited in scalability for high-throughput testing.
Innovation Solution
A kirigami tissue fabrication and testing platform using laser-cut, bendable pillars in a well plate configuration, allowing for adjustable width and electrical stimulation, promoting tissue maturation and growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional structures with multiple separate molds are used for fabrication, then physical stimulation can be provided to cardiomyocytes, but the manufacturing process becomes highly complicated and not viable for high throughput testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate molds (pillar mold and support structure mold) into a single integrated kirigami structure made from one substrate. The laser-cut kirigami pattern creates both the pillars and support structures in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple molds and assembly steps while maintaining the physical stimulation capability through the integrated spring-like support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single kirigami substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the pillars for tissue attachment, creates the support structures for mechanical stimulation, and enables electrical stimulation through integrated electrodes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
2Reliability
If conventional testing structures are used, then cardiomyocyte testing can be performed, but the structures are limited in scalability and cannot support high throughput testing
Solution Approach 1:
The kirigami structure is divided into multiple identical units or patterns that can be replicated across the substrate. Each kirigami pattern creates discrete pillars and support structures that can be independently configured, allowing the same design to be scaled across multiple wells or substrates for high-throughput testing while maintaining consistent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy adjustment of key parameters such as pillar width, spacing, and height by modifying the laser cutting parameters and kirigami pattern design, without changing the fundamental manufacturing process. This allows rapid optimization and scaling for different throughput requirements while maintaining the same fabrication approach.
3Reliability
If conventional structures are used for cardiomyocyte maturation, then some physical stimulation is provided, but integration with electrical stimulation components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electrical stimulation electrodes directly into the kirigami substrate structure. The electrodes are patterned onto the same substrate that forms the pillars and support structures, creating a unified platform where mechanical and electrical stimulation components work together seamlessly without requiring separate assembly or complex interfacing.
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 high-throughput, cost-effective generation of 3D microtissues for drug testing with integrated mechanical and electrical stimulation, improving drug development and compound screening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
forming, by a laser cutting device, at least two kirigami structure substrates that include a plurality of bendable pillars
Implementation Method 2
bending each of the plurality of bendable pillars to an erected position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for fabricating an adjustable width kirigami structure for tissue fabrication and testing are disclosed. An example method includes forming, by a laser cutting device, at least two kirigami structure substrates that include a plurality of bendable pillars. The example method further includes bending each of the plurality of bendable pillars to an erected position for each of the at least two kirigami structure substrates. The example method further includes layering a first kirigami structure substrate of the at least two kirigami structure substrates over a second kirigami structure substrate of the at least two kirigami structure substrates, such that the first kirigami structure substrate is antiparallel relative to the second kirigami structure substrate, to generate an adjustable width kirigami structure.