Open Implantable Cell Delivery Device with Microwell Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current open type implantable cell delivery devices face challenges such as cell aggregation leading to necrosis due to nutrient and oxygen deprivation, and the use of materials like PolyActive™ that may induce cell necrosis, along with mechanical instability and surgical complexity in implantation.
Innovation Solution
An open type implantable cell delivery device constructed from biocompatible biomaterials like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a microwell-array structure, featuring a bottom film with microwells and a top film that allows vascularization and cell entry, and a supporting structure for mechanical stability, preventing cell aggregation and enhancing oxygen and nutrient diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cells are transplanted in open type implantable cell delivery devices, then revascularization and oxygen supply are improved, but cell aggregation occurs leading to necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cell transplantation space into multiple microwells, each capable of holding individual cells or small clusters. This segmentation prevents large-scale cell aggregation while maintaining adequate cell distribution and access to nutrients and oxygen through the porous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwell structure creates localized microenvironments within the device, where each well provides a controlled space for cell accommodation. This local structuring ensures that cells in different positions within the device experience similar favorable conditions, preventing necrotic cores that would form in large aggregates.
2Reliability
If cells are embedded in hydrogel to prevent aggregation, then cell distribution is improved, but diffusion of nutrients and proteins is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a porous polymeric structure with controlled pore sizes that allow free diffusion of nutrients, oxygen, and proteins while providing physical support for cell accommodation. The porous architecture eliminates the need for hydrogel embedding, combining the benefits of cell distribution control with efficient mass transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closed immunoprotective devices with small pore sizes are used, then immune cell entry is blocked, but diffusion of nutrients and insulin is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The open device design allows the transplanted cells to serve their own immune protection needs through the host's immune system rather than relying on physical barriers. The porous structure enables immune surveillance while maintaining cell function, eliminating the trade-off between immune protection and nutrient diffusion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If materials like PolyActive™ are used in open devices, then device functionality is improved, but cell necrosis may be induced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs biocompatible biomaterials with optimized physical and chemical parameters, including appropriate pore size, porosity, and surface properties. These parameter optimizations ensure cell compatibility and prevent necrotic responses while maintaining the device's open architecture and revascularization capabilities.
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 device effectively prevents cell aggregation, maintains cell viability, and allows for efficient vascularization, making it suitable for clinical use by reducing the risk of necrosis and improving the success of cell transplantation.
Implementation Method 1
The pore size of the bottom film and the top film is such that it allows diffusion of oxygen and nutrients to the cells
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a bottom film with a microwell-array and a top film... The microwell structure ensures that individual islets can be captured in each micrawell, leading to a uniform distribution of islets throughout the device and prevention of islet aggregation
Implementation Method 3
The pore size of the bottom film and optionally the top film is such that it allows vascularization or vascular ingrowth in the device through the pores
Implementation Method 4
The bottom film and the top film are formed from biocompatible biomaterial... featuring a supporting structure for mechanical stability
Data Source
AI summary
An open type implantable cell delivery device for transplanting cells in a subject, comprising: a bottom film having a surface area with a plurality of pores; a top film having a surface area with a plurality of pores, positioned on top of the bottom film such that the top film substantially covers the bottom film to create an inner space; wherein the bottom film and the top film are formed from a biocompatible biomaterial, and wherein the bottom film comprises a plurality of microwells positioned to face the surface area of the top film with the open sides of said microwells, wherein the pore size of the bottom film and optionally the top film is such that it allows vascularization or vascular ingrowth in the device through the pores.