Nanofiber Collection Device for Gastrointestinal Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell and tissue sampling devices, such as Cytosponge™, face challenges including detachment issues during retrieval and limited ability to collect samples from areas like the stomach and duodenum due to their rigid and porous structures.

Innovation Solution

Development of sample collection devices featuring an expanded nanofiber structure attached to a string, which can be produced by fixing a nanofiber mat, expanding it using gas bubbles, and attaching it to the string. The nanofiber structure can be shaped into cuboid or sphere forms and coated with substances like gelatin for enhanced properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid porous structure like Cytosponge is used, then sample collection from esophagus is possible, but the device detaches during retrieval and cannot collect samples from stomach and duodenum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection capabilityVSAvoiddevice retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nanofiber structure transitions from a compressed state (for ingestion) to an expanded state (for sampling), allowing the device to adapt its shape and size dynamically. This dynamic transformation enables the device to remain retained in the gastrointestinal tract and effectively sample from multiple locations including esophagus, stomach, and duodenum without detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its physical parameters (volume, surface area, porosity) through expansion from a compressed to an expanded state. This parameter transformation increases the sampling surface area and porosity while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a compressed sponge structure is used, then the device can be ingested, but it lacks the surface area and porosity for efficient sample collection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingestion capabilityVSAvoidsample collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains a compressed configuration during ingestion for ease of operation, then dynamically expands to a larger configuration with increased surface area and porosity for efficient sample collection. This dynamic state change allows the device to satisfy both ingestion requirements and sampling efficiency requirements at different operational stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is prepared in a compressed state before ingestion to facilitate easy swallowing, then undergoes expansion after ingestion to achieve the necessary surface area and porosity for productive sample collection. The preliminary compressed state enables ingestion while the subsequent expansion enables efficient sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If polyurethane sponge material is used, then the device structure is maintained, but the device causes pharyngeal bleeds and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidpharyngeal injury

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device transforms from a rigid polyurethane sponge to a soft, compliant nanofiber structure through changes in material parameters including fiber diameter, porosity, and mechanical properties. This parameter transformation maintains structural integrity while reducing harmful effects on pharyngeal tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses nanofiber materials with specific mechanical and physical properties that combine structural integrity with tissue compatibility. The nanofiber composite structure provides the necessary strength for device maintenance while the soft, compliant nature reduces pharyngeal injury and detachment risks

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 nanofiber collection devices demonstrate improved sample collection efficiency, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, allowing for the collection of biological samples from various sites including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while also being re-expandable and easily retrievable.

Implementation Method 1

expanding the nanofiber mat by exposing the nanofiber mat to gas bubbles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas bubble expansion: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

The nanofiber mat is frozen (e.g., with liquid nitrogen) prior to cutting and/or trimming

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Implementation Method 3

The expanded nanofiber structure can be coated with gelatin or other substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Data Source

PatentUS20250099086A2Nanofiber collection devices

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 BOARD OF RGT UNIV OF NEBRASKA

AI summary

Sample collection devices are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.