Modular Cell Culture Platform with Interconnected Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vitro models of human tissue are typically cultured in isolation, making it difficult to study systemic issues such as drug dosing, as they lack the interplay present in in vivo systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular device for culturing cells that includes a control plate, two cell culture vessels, and an actuator, allowing for reversible coupling and controlled fluid flow between them, enabling the simulation of interorgan interactions and precise delivery of agents like medications or toxins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tissue cultures are cultured in isolated environments, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to study systemic issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the culture platform into modular wells that can be independently cultured yet interconnected through fluid channels. Each well represents a separate tissue culture unit that maintains operational simplicity while the network of wells enables systemic studies through controlled fluid communication between them.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid channels act as intermediaries connecting isolated culture wells. These channels enable the transfer of nutrients, waste products, and signaling molecules between wells, allowing systemic interactions to be studied while maintaining the operational simplicity of individual culture units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cell culture vessels are interconnected, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for multiple culture wells, integrates fluid distribution channels to all wells, houses actuators for dynamic flow control, and incorporates sensors for monitoring. This multi-functionality enables interconnection of multiple vessels without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically monitor culture conditions and actuators that respond autonomously to maintain optimal fluid flow and environmental parameters. This self-regulating capability reduces the operational complexity of managing interconnected vessels by automating control functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid flow is controlled between vessels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with electrically or pneumatically actuated valves and pumps integrated into the control plate. This substitution enables precise control of fluid flow rates and directions between vessels while reducing mechanical complexity and improving manufacturability through standardized actuator components.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.