Macro-encapsulated Therapeutic Cells for Rapid Insulin Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current encapsulation barriers for therapeutic cells fail to support long-term survival and rapid hormone distribution in the body, are not retrievable, and cannot deliver a therapeutic dose effectively for conditions like diabetes.

Innovation Solution

Development of macro-capsules with a cylindrical shape and a diameter of at least 1.5 mm, composed of cellulose sulfate and glucomannan or sodium alginate, attached to a surgical mesh for easy retrieval and high-density cell encapsulation, facilitating rapid insulin distribution and immune protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microcapsules with diameter less than 1.5 mm are used, then immune protection is provided, but therapeutic dose delivery is insufficient and hormone distribution is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune protectionVSAvoidhormone distribution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the encapsulation system into multiple macrocapsules (each ≥1.5 mm diameter) that can be distributed throughout the body, with each capsule containing therapeutic cells capable of producing hormones. This segmentation allows both adequate immune protection at capsule level and sufficient total hormone production through multiple capsules working in parallel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from microcapsule (1D small scale) to macrocapsule (1D large scale) dimensionality change, enabling the capsules to contain sufficient therapeutic cells for effective hormone production while maintaining immune protection through the encapsulation barrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If encapsulation barriers are made impermeable to immunocytes, then immune protection is achieved, but oxygen diffusion and nutrient supply are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune protectionVSAvoidoxygen diffusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation barrier exhibits local quality differences with selective permeability: impermeable to immunocytes and large proteins providing immune protection, while permeable to oxygen, nutrients, and waste products enabling cellular metabolism. This localized permeability control resolves the contradiction between immune protection and metabolic support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of stationary object

If encapsulation devices are implanted permanently, then long-term therapy is provided, but retrieval and replacement are impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy durationVSAvoidretrievability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation device incorporates dynamic attachment mechanisms allowing it to be securely implanted for long-term therapy while remaining retrievable when needed. The device can be attached to anatomical structures via reversible fixation methods, enabling both prolonged therapeutic action and potential retrieval or replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If macrocapsules with diameter at least 1.5 mm are used, then therapeutic dose delivery and hormone distribution are improved, but manufacturing precision and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic dose deliveryVSAvoidcapsule fabrication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the size parameter from microcapsule scale to macrocapsule scale (≥1.5 mm diameter), which improves therapeutic dose delivery and hormone distribution efficiency. This parameter change is accompanied by adjusted manufacturing parameters and handling procedures appropriate for the larger scale

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

5Reliability

If multiple encapsulation barriers are used, then immune protection and fibrosis reduction are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune protectionVSAvoidbarrier structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation device employs composite barrier structures combining different materials with complementary properties: one barrier layer provides immune protection while another layer reduces fibrosis. This composite approach enhances protective functions while the systematic integration keeps overall device complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 macro-capsules enable long-term survival of therapeutic cells, rapid systemic distribution of insulin, and retrievability, effectively managing diabetes by delivering a therapeutic dose of cells in a practical volume.

Implementation Method 1

the encapsulating barrier must allow passage of gases, nutrients, and waste, but the barrier must also be impermeable to immunocytes and their effector molecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSemipermeable membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

enable rapid distribution of secreted hormones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11141508B2Macro-encapsulated therapeutic cells, devices, and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SERAXIS INC

AI summary

Described are macro-capsules, barriers, and devices that can be used to prepare therapeutic cell implants, methods of encapsulating therapeutic cells, and methods of using the encapsulated cells in the treatment of disease.