Organ-on-chip with porous interface for airway-vascular simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current organ-on-chip devices lack the ability to accurately simulate the complex interactions between airway and vascular tissues, limiting their ability to replicate organ-level physiology and functionality, especially in pulmonary systems.

Innovation Solution

The development of an organ-on-chip apparatus with a first fluid channel mimicking an airway lumen and a second fluid channel mimicking a vascular microchannel, connected by an interface with specific dimensions and configurations, such as a membrane or porous structure, to facilitate fluid exchange and lined with epithelial and endothelial cells respectively, to mimic alveolar-capillary units and conducting airway mucosa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional 2D or 3D culture systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to simulate organ-level physiology and functionality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple parallel fluid channels (first fluid channel, second fluid channel) with distinct functions, allowing complex physiological simulations to be broken down into manageable modular components that can be independently optimized and assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface structure is nested within the fluid channels, with the interface being disposed between the first and second fluid channels. The porous structure or membrane is integrated into the channel walls, creating a hierarchical nested configuration that enables multiple functions within a compact structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fluid exchange between airway and vascular channels is enabled, then physiological functionality is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An interface structure comprising a porous structure or membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the first fluid channel and second fluid channel. This intermediary enables controlled fluid exchange and mass transfer while maintaining structural integrity and preventing uncontrolled mixing between the two channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface incorporates a porous structure with pores having a diameter between about 3 micrometers and 5 micrometers, allowing selective permeability for fluid and solute exchange between channels while maintaining structural separation. The porous material enables diffusion and filtration functions critical for physiological simulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Manufacturing precision

If the interface has smaller pore diameter for better control, then fluid exchange precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepore diameter controlVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a pore diameter range (about 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers) rather than a single fixed value, allowing manufacturing processes to operate within an acceptable parameter window. This parameter range balances filtration precision with manufacturing feasibility, accommodating variations in fabrication processes while maintaining functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enables high-resolution, real-time imaging and analysis of biochemical and genetic activities, effectively recapitulating multicellular architectures and vascular perfusion, enhancing the simulation of organ-level physiology and improving the analysis of pulmonary functions and disease progression.

Implementation Method 1

fluid exchange between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel is via the interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The at least one of the membrane and the porous structure may have pores having a diameter between about 3 micrometers and 5 micrometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11499128B2Organ-on-chip microphysiological system

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

An organ-on-chip apparatus includes a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and an interface. Respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel may extend parallel to and adjacent each other, and the interface may be disposed between the respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel such that fluid exchange between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel is via the interface. The first and second fluid channels may be defined in an extracellular matrix material.