Organoid Culture Chamber with Segmented Access and Optical Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for culturing and analyzing organoids face challenges such as feeding and waste management, optimized matrix requirements, mechanical resistance, and effective monitoring, especially for large organoids, which hinder their full exploitation in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vessel with a receptacle and sealing member to create a chamber for organoid culture, allowing for media exchange and imaging, using 3D printing to form scaffolds and integrate optical windows for light-sheet microscopy, enabling efficient growth, monitoring, and analysis of large organoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If organoids increase in size to provide more realistic tissue models, then the quality and representativeness of the organoid model is improved, but feeding and waste management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the organoid culture into multiple accessible regions with internal access points that allow feeding and waste removal without requiring organoid sectioning. This segmentation of access pathways enables management of large organoids while maintaining their integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal access system that acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the organoid interior. This intermediary structure enables nutrient delivery and waste removal through the organoid without physical disruption to the tissue model.
2Manufacturing precision
If each different type of organoid requires an optimized three-dimensional matrix scaffold structure to allow proper growth and development, then the organoid development quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal chamber design that can accommodate multiple organoid types through programmable 3D printing of customized scaffolds. The chamber structure itself is multi-functional, supporting both the scaffold and providing access points for various organoid feeding and imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes programmable 3D printing to vary scaffold parameters (density, porosity, structural geometry) according to specific organoid requirements while maintaining a consistent chamber platform. This allows optimization for each organoid type without redesigning the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vessels are optimized for exposing large organoids to different types of reagents to allow screening, then the drug screening capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed with multiple segmented access ports that can be selectively used for different reagent applications. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential exposure to multiple reagents while maintaining a relatively simple overall vessel structure.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If vessels are optimized for monitoring large organoids in situ by imaging methods, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging function directly into the chamber structure by integrating optical access points and transparent viewing windows into the vessel walls. This combination eliminates the need for separate imaging apparatus while maintaining monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system, including methods and apparatus, for culturing, monitoring, and/or analyzing organoids. In an exemplary method of organoid culture, the method may comprise disposing a scaffold in a receptacle having an open side. A sealing member may be bonded to the open side of the receptacle to create a chamber. An organoid may be formed in the chamber using the scaffold. Fluid and/or at least one substance may be introduced into the chamber from an overlying reservoir for contact with the organoid.