Optically-Induced Auto-Encapsulation of 3D Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for encapsulating three-dimensional biological objects, such as cells, often require high shear forces, which can disrupt cell function and viability, and lack the ability to selectively encapsulate cells without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The method employs optically-induced auto-encapsulation using a medium containing a photo-emitter, polymeric precursor, and photoinitiator, where an energy beam or chemical stimulus triggers photo-emission to initiate polymerization, allowing for selective encapsulation of cells without applying shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encapsulation methods are used to encapsulate three-dimensional biological objects, then encapsulation can be achieved, but high shear forces are applied that disrupt cell function and viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical encapsulation methods that apply shear forces with a photo-induced polymerization system. The medium contains photoinitiators and polymeric precursors that remain inactive until exposed to specific wavelengths of light, which then trigger polymerization to form capsules around cells without mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the encapsulation medium by using photo-responsive components. The medium transitions from a liquid state with polymeric precursors to a solid polymer matrix through light-induced polymerization, allowing encapsulation without mechanical forces during the transition
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional encapsulation methods are used, then cells can be encapsulated, but the ability to selectively encapsulate specific cells is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the polymerization reaction location-specific through optical control. Different regions of the medium can be selectively polymerized by directing light to specific areas, enabling selective encapsulation of target cells while leaving non-target cells unaffected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties and wavelength-specific interactions to achieve selective encapsulation. Different cell types can be targeted using specific wavelengths that trigger polymerization only in the presence of particular photo-emitters or fluorophores associated with desired cell populations
3Productivity
If high throughput encapsulation is achieved, then productivity increases, but cell damage from mechanical processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical high-throughput encapsulation methods with a photo-induced system that can process multiple cells simultaneously without mechanical stress. The light-triggered polymerization occurs throughout the medium volume, allowing parallel encapsulation of many cells without the shear forces that damage cells in mechanical systems
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
This approach enables high-throughput, shear-force-free encapsulation of cells, preserving their viability and allowing for selective encapsulation based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporters, enhancing cell integrity and utility in healthcare and research.
Implementation Method 1
induce fluorescence of a three-dimensional (3D) biological material at a specific wavelength such that it is reactive with a given medium
Implementation Method 2
the photo-emitter emits energy that triggers the photoinitiator to initiate formation of a polymer matrix from the at least one polymeric precursor
Implementation Method 3
the medium solidifies locally in a non-directed manner due to the non-directional fluorescence emission from the 3D biological material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for optically-induced auto-encapsulation. A method of the present disclosure comprises providing a media chamber comprising a medium comprising (i) a three-dimensional (3D) object comprising a photo-emitter, (ii) at least one polymeric precursor, and (iii) a photoinitiator, and subjecting the medium in the media chamber to a stimulus (e.g., an energy beam or a chemical stimulus) to induce photo-emission from the photo-emitter to trigger the formation of a polymer matrix from the at least one polymeric precursor, which polymer matrix at least partially encapsulates the 3D object.