Nerve Bundle Production Using Feeder Cell Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transplanting nerves, such as injecting neural stem cells, face challenges in efficiently extending and enlarging axons to form a nerve bundle with sufficient length and diameter for effective neural tissue repair, particularly in damaged brain, spinal cord, and complex peripheral nerves.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the cultivation of neural cells in the presence of feeder cells like vascular component cells and perivascular cells, using growth factors and biocompatible materials to extend and enlarge axons, forming a nerve bundle with a myelin sheath and endothelial tube for transplantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If neural stem cells are injected into the affected part, then the method is simple and widely applicable, but the injected cells move inside the body and are less likely to be engrafted, making it difficult to efficiently repair the damaged site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a nerve bundle with extended axons in a controlled culture environment before transplantation. The nerve bundle is prepared in advance with feeder cells and growth factors to promote axon extension, so that when transplanted, the axons are already positioned and oriented correctly at the damaged site, preventing the cells from moving away and improving engraftment efficiency.
2Length of moving object
If methods are used to cultivate neural cells so that axons extend to form a nerve bundle, then transplantation is possible, but the axons cannot be efficiently extended and enlarged, making it difficult to obtain a nerve bundle with sufficient length and thickness for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different types of feeder cells (vascular component cells, perivascular cells, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes) in specific regions of the culture system. Each cell type provides localized support functions: vascular cells provide nutrition and oxygen, perivascular cells provide structural support, and Schwann cells promote axon extension. This localized functional differentiation enables efficient axon extension and enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing culture conditions including adding growth factors (NGF, BDNF, VEGF, FGF-2, EGF), controlling culture medium composition, and adjusting culture time to promote axon extension. These parameter changes transform the culture environment to favor axon growth, achieving efficient extension and enlargement of axons to sufficient lengths for implantation.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional cultivation methods are used, then the process is simple, but it is difficult to obtain a nerve bundle including axons having a length and diameter sufficient for transplantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feeder cells as intermediaries between the culture medium and the neural cells. The feeder cells (vascular component cells, perivascular cells, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes) mediate the interaction by providing growth factors, structural support, and nutritional factors that promote axon extension and enlargement. This intermediary system enables precise control over axon diameter and length without requiring complex direct manipulation of the neural cells themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
[Object]Provided is a method of producing a nerve bundle including efficiently extending axons of neural cells.[Solution]Neural cells are cultivated in the presence of feeder cells including at least one type of cells selected from vascular component cells and perivascular cells.