Optical Sensor-Guided Bioprinter for Irregular Wound Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for burn wounds and other tissue injuries are limited by the need for multiple surgical procedures, inability to cover irregular wounds effectively, and the lack of a skin substitute that meets all the ideal qualities such as adhesion, microbial barrier, durability, and long-term functionality.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising an optical sensor to create a map of a bodily surface and a printer to deliver cells and compositions based on the map, allowing for precise in situ printing of viable cells onto a subject's wound surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard-sized skin substitutes are produced through large-scale manufacturing processes, then production efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the ability to cover irregular wounds is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the size, shape, and cell distribution of skin substitutes to match the specific geometry and requirements of each irregular wound. The bioreactor system enables localized production of tissue grafts with varying properties across different regions, allowing precise adaptation to complex wound surfaces while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through automated control.
2Reliability
If multiple surgical procedures are used for wound treatment, then comprehensive care can be provided, but treatment time and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by culturing and preparing viable cells in a bioreactor before implantation, so that the tissue grafts are ready for immediate use in a single surgical procedure. This pre-preparation of cellular materials eliminates the need for multiple sequential surgeries, reducing overall treatment time while ensuring comprehensive wound care through optimized cell maturation and graft readiness prior to implantation.
3Ease of operation
If cell spraying technology is used to deliver cells onto the wound, then the delivery process is simplified, but delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scaffold or matrix as an intermediary carrier that holds the viable cells in a structured arrangement before implantation. This intermediary structure enables precise placement of cells onto the wound surface while maintaining ease of application, as the pre-formed cell-laden scaffold can be applied as a single unit rather than requiring precise individual cell placement through spraying.
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 system enables the rapid production of patient-specific wound coverage, adheres intimately to the wound bed, provides a microbial barrier, participates in host repair mechanisms, and maintains long-term durability and functionality comparable to split-thickness autografts, all in a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to detect data used to create a map of a bodily surface
Implementation Method 2
the printheads include nozzles configured for pressure-based delivery of cells and/or compositions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a delivery system, including: (a) an optical sensor configured to detect data useful to create a map of a bodily surface; and (b) a printer operatively associated with the optical sensor and configured to deliver compositions (optionally including cells) to the bodily surface based upon the data or map. Methods of forming a tissue on a bodily surface of a patient in need thereof are also provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products useful for processing bodily surface data.