Loading Apparatus for Biological Material Cryopreservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) within avascular tissues, such as intervertebral discs, due to limited nutrient supply and slow diffusion rates, which can lead to tissue damage and incomplete preservation.
Innovation Solution
A loading apparatus and system that applies controlled tension or compression to biological materials, facilitating the uniform distribution of CPAs, therapeutic agents, or restoration agents within the tissue. The system includes an enclosure made of inert materials, measurement features for monitoring various parameters, and a controller system for regulating the loading cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cryopreservation methods are used on avascular tissues, then the tissues can be preserved at ultra-low temperatures, but the distribution of cryoprotectant agents remains non-uniform due to slow diffusion rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic mechanical loading (compression and tension cycles) to the biological material during cryopreservation. This dynamic approach transforms the static diffusion process into an active transport mechanism, where mechanical forces enhance CPA penetration and distribution throughout the tissue, resolving the contradiction between preservation reliability and distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by applying controlled mechanical stress (pressure and tension) to the tissue during CPA exposure. This parameter change accelerates CPA distribution by altering tissue permeability and enhancing convective transport, thereby achieving uniform distribution while maintaining effective preservation.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical loading is applied to enhance CPA distribution, then uniformity improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional loading mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it applies mechanical loading to enhance CPA distribution, maintains tissue structural integrity during processing, and provides controlled stress cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity while achieving uniform CPA distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The biological material itself serves as the medium for CPA delivery, and the mechanical loading leverages the tissue's own mechanical properties (elasticity, permeability) to facilitate CPA distribution. The tissue's natural response to loading enhances the process without requiring complex external delivery mechanisms, thus improving uniformity while controlling system complexity.
3Speed
If compression is applied to facilitate CPA penetration, then distribution speed increases, but tissue structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic compression and tension cycles rather than sustained compression. This periodic action allows the tissue to recover between loading phases, preventing permanent structural damage while maintaining enhanced CPA distribution rates. The cyclic nature of the loading enables repeated penetration events without compromising overall tissue integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading protocol is designed with pre-determined stress limits and recovery phases that cushion the tissue from excessive mechanical damage. By anticipating potential structural compromise, the system applies controlled loading that enhances CPA penetration while built-in recovery periods prevent irreversible damage, balancing speed and structural integrity.
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 method achieves efficient and uniform distribution of cryopreservation agents within biological materials, minimizing cell death and ensuring tissue viability and functionality for medical and research applications.
Implementation Method 1
a loading mechanism for applying tension or compression to a biological material
Implementation Method 2
one or more measurement features selected from a displacement sensor, a temperature sensor, a load sensor
Implementation Method 3
concentration of the cryopreservation agent, therapeutic agent, restoration agent, or the combination thereof
Implementation Method 4
the controller system regulates a loading cycle applied to the biological material
Implementation Method 5
the primary goal of cryopreservation is to maintain tissue viability, functionality, and structural integrity, enabling the tissues to be thawed and used effectively when needed
Implementation Method 6
By preserving tissues at extremely low temperatures, cryopreservation halts biochemical reactions and cellular deterioration
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a loading apparatus for restoration and/or cryopreservation of biological materials, a system comprising the same, as well as a method for using the loading apparatus and/or system to restore and/or cryopreserve biological materials. The disclosed loading apparatus and method for using the same focuses on utilizing cycles of applying and removing a load (e.g., tension and/or compression pressure) applied to the biological material that facilitate free-swelling of the biological material back to its natural state without the applied load, wherein the free-swelling promotes dispersion of a cryopreservation agent, therapeutic agent, restoration agent, or a combination thereof throughout the surface area of the biological material.