Microtissue Compartment Device Segmentation and Self-Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cultivating and testing microtissues in 3D tissue cultures face challenges such as microtissue merging, cumbersome loading and unloading processes, and difficulty in maintaining controlled flow conditions, which hinder efficient and automated deposition and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microtissue compartment device with a funnel-like structure for easy loading and unloading of microtissues, and conduits for controlled flow between compartments, allowing for synchronous cultivation and exposure to test compounds, with features like a self-sealing mechanism and minimized dead volume to prevent contamination and optimize media exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microtissues are cultured in large reservoirs, then they can be easily loaded, but they risk merging and forming larger tissue clumps over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the culture space into multiple small, defined compartments (wells) that physically separate microtissues. Each well acts as an independent containment unit with controlled volume, preventing tissue merging while maintaining ease of loading through standardized access points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device have specialized functions: loading ports for easy introduction, narrow connecting channels for controlled media flow and tissue isolation, and larger well areas for tissue cultivation. This local differentiation optimizes both loading ease and tissue separation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If specialized microfluidic structures are used to trap microtissues, then tissue merging is prevented, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses simple, discrete well structures rather than complex continuous microfluidic trapping mechanisms. Each well is a独立的 containment unit that naturally prevents tissue merging through physical separation, achieving tissue stability with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wells serve multiple functions: they contain and separate microtissues, provide defined culture volumes, enable automated loading through standard ports, and facilitate media exchange. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If loading channels are used to guide microtissues into compartments, then tissue separation is maintained, but dead volume increases and unloading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The loading channels are extracted and replaced with direct vertical access ports opening into the wells. Microtissues are deposited directly into the well center through these ports, eliminating the need for lateral guiding channels and their associated dead volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading approach transitions from horizontal channel guidance to vertical drop deposition. Microtissues fall vertically into the well center under gravity, eliminating the need for extended loading channels and minimizing dead volume in the stationary structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If manual pin insertion is used to close loading ports, then tissue separation is maintained, but the process is not automatable and may introduce bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The loading ports are designed to be self-sealing through their structural geometry. The port closure is integrated into the well structure itself, automatically sealing when not in use without requiring external pins or manual intervention, enabling full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pin closure mechanism is completely removed and replaced with an integrated self-sealing port design. The port structure itself provides the sealing function through its geometry and interaction with the culture medium, eliminating the need for separate closure components.
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 simple, error-free, and automated deposition and removal of microtissues, maintains controlled flow conditions, and minimizes contamination and oxygen exchange issues, enabling efficient and reproducible exposure to test compounds.
Implementation Method 1
at least one well has, in its upper section, a relief structure that prevents spreading or overflow of a liquid volume comprised in said well into said space above the well
Implementation Method 2
a relief structure that prevents spreading or overflow of a liquid volume
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microtissue compartment device, comprising a compartment structure (1) having an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3) essentially coplanar thereto, and at least two wells (4) suitable for accommodating one or more microtissues (5) in a liquid volume, each well having a lower section (4a) with a given diameter, coaxially oriented thereto an upper section (4b) with an extended diameter, and at least one conduit (6) fluidically connecting at least two wells to one another, and at least one space (13) arranged above a well. At least one well has, in its upper section, a relief structure (9) that prevents spreading or overflow of a liquid volume comprised in said well into space (13).