Microfluidic Chip for Tissue Culture Under Microgravity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack the capability to effectively study tissue under microgravity conditions while providing electric stimulation and fluid supply for tissue growth, regeneration, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with anchor pins, media channels, and electrodes that allow for controlled fluid exchange and electric stimulation of tissue within its inner cavity, enabling the study of tissue behavior under microgravity conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microfluidic chip is designed to provide fluid supply and electric stimulation to tissue, then the capability to study tissue growth and regeneration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fluid supply, electric stimulation, tissue anchoring, and waste removal) into a single integrated microfluidic chip structure. The body simultaneously houses media channels for fluid delivery, electrodes for electrical stimulation, and anchor pin mechanisms for tissue securing, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform fluid delivery, electrical stimulation, tissue anchoring, and environmental control all within one device. This universal design allows the same chip to support various tissue types and experimental conditions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If anchor pins are used to restrict complete fluid transfer, then molecular migration control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor pins are designed with porous structures that allow selective molecular migration while restricting complete fluid transfer. The porous material enables small molecules and nutrients to pass through while preventing larger cells and debris from moving freely, providing reliable molecular filtration without requiring complex mechanical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor pins serve as intermediary structures between the media channel and the central cavity. They mediate fluid transfer by allowing controlled molecular passage while preventing complete mixing, thus maintaining distinct zones for tissue culture and media circulation without requiring direct open communication between chambers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports and channels are added for fluid injection and tissue positioning, then the capability for cellular health maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones with dedicated ports and channels: a first port for tissue insertion, a second port for electrode access, a third port for media injection, and a fourth port for waste removal. Each port serves a specific function, allowing independent control and optimization of each operational aspect without interfering with other functions.
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
Facilitates the study of tissue growth and regeneration by providing controlled fluid exchange and electric stimulation, addressing the limitations of existing devices in simulating microgravity environments.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor pins restrict complete fluid transfer and allow molecular migration between the media channel and the central cavity
Implementation Method 2
fluid may be injected into the central cavity via the media channel to provide nutrients to tissue positioned within the central cavity
Implementation Method 3
Tissue may be stimulated via the first electrode and via the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a body having an inner cavity. First and second pluralities of anchor pins are positioned within in the inner cavity. The inner cavity includes a central cavity between the anchor pins. The inner cavity includes a media channel outside of the anchor pins. The media channel is in fluid communication with the central cavity through openings between the anchor pins. The anchor pins restrict complete fluid transfer while allowing molecular migration between the media channel and the central cavity. Posts are positioned in the central cavity and tissue may be connected between the posts. First and second ports are positioned in the central cavity and enable tissue to be positioned within the inner cavity. Third and fourth ports are located in the exterior of the body. The third and fourth ports are in fluid communication with the media channel.