Microfluidic Chip with 3D Porous Membrane for Urine Secretome Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell culture methods on 2D membranes are not optimal for biocompatibility and fail to accurately replicate the topography of organs, leading to differences in cell behavior and metabolic responses compared to 3D cultures, and existing devices cannot efficiently collect and analyze the secretome from cells for urological cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic cell culture chip with a 3D nanostructured porous membrane and protuberances that mimics the acinar/tubular structure of organs, allowing for the collection and analysis of secretions from cells cultured on its surface, and an in vitro method for diagnosing urological cancer by comparing the secretome from patient urine cells to reference secretomes from healthy individuals or cell lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 2D membrane cell culture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but biocompatibility and topographic accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from 2D planar cell culture to 3D microtissue structures by forming spheroids and organoids within the microfluidic device. This dimensional change enables cells to self-organize into three-dimensional architectures that better replicate in vivo tissue organization, improving biocompatibility and topographic accuracy while maintaining device simplicity through automated self-assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs porous hydrogel matrices as the culture substrate, which provide a three-dimensional porous network that mimics the extracellular matrix. This porous structure allows nutrient diffusion, cell migration, and tissue formation while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving biocompatibility without requiring complex device construction
2Reliability
If 3D nanostructured porous membrane is used, then topographic accuracy and biocompatibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device enables cells to self-organize into three-dimensional microtissues through automated processes driven by fluid flow and diffusion. The system provides self-service by allowing cells to spontaneously form spheroids and organoids without manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity despite the advanced 3D nanostructured membrane design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses microfluidic channels and controlled fluid flow to deliver nutrients, remove waste, and maintain the 3D microtissue structures. The hydraulic system integrates seamlessly with the porous membrane, using pressure gradients and flow dynamics to sustain tissue viability without requiring complex mechanical actuation or control mechanisms
3Shape
If solid 3D structures are used, then microarchitecture is replicated, but effluent collection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a porous membrane with microp protrusions that creates flexible, three-dimensional microtissue structures while maintaining permeability. The thin film structure allows effluents to pass through the membrane into collection channels, solving the effluent collection problem while preserving the benefits of 3D microarchitecture for cell culture
Data Source
AI summary
An in vitro method for diagnosing a urological cancer comprising the comparison of a secretome of isolated cells from a urine sample from a patient to be diagnosed with respect: either to a reference secretome obtained from secretions of healthy isolated cells from a urine sample from a healthy person, or to a reference secretome obtained from secretions of healthy cells which are derivatives of standard cell line cultures, characteristic of a determined urological organ, the secretome and the reference secretome being constituted of all the components forming the respective secretions thereof.