Biodegradable Polyurethane Matrix for Vascularized Cell Seeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular therapy methods for diseases like diabetes face challenges such as immune response, rapid loss of cell function, and difficulties in cell transplantation and monitoring, particularly due to inflammatory reactions and the need for multiple infusions and immunosuppressive therapy.

Innovation Solution

The method involves implanting a biodegradable polyurethane matrix into an intracutaneous site to facilitate neovascularization, allowing for the introduction of cells producing insulin, which can then deliver the insulin to the subject, reducing the need for frequent infusions and immunosuppressive therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cells are transplanted directly into the host using conventional methods, then cell transplantation is achieved, but immune response and inflammatory reactions occur leading to cell destruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell survivalVSAvoidimmune response
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A biodegradable matrix serves as an intermediary carrier between the transplanted cells and the host tissue. The matrix provides a protective environment that mediates the interaction, allowing cells to engraft without direct exposure to the immune system initially, while gradually degrading to integrate with host tissue over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable matrix is pre-prepared with specific physical and chemical properties before cell transplantation. It is designed in advance to provide optimal conditions for cell survival, including appropriate porosity, mechanical strength, and degradation rate, before the cells are introduced into the host.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If devices are used to deliver cells to provide a biologically suitable environment, then cell function is improved, but device complexity and surgical procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell functionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biodegradable matrix parameters (composition, porosity, degradation rate, mechanical properties) are optimized to provide a biologically suitable environment for cell function. By adjusting these parameters, the matrix achieves optimal cell survival and function without requiring complex device structures or multiple surgical interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple islet infusions are administered to achieve insulin independence, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but treatment time and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulin independence rateVSAvoidtreatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The biodegradable matrix is prepared in advance with optimal cell-loading capacity and protective properties. This preliminary preparation allows for more effective single or reduced-number infusions, as the matrix protects and sustains the transplanted cells, reducing the need for multiple repeated procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable matrix provides continuous support and protection to the transplanted cells over an extended period. As the matrix gradually degrades, it continuously releases and sustains the cells, maintaining their function over time and reducing the need for repeated infusions to achieve and maintain insulin independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 creates a vascularized, non-inflamed environment for cell transplantation, improving cell survival and function, potentially reducing the frequency of islet infusions and minimizing immune response, thus providing a more effective and sustainable treatment for diabetes.

Implementation Method 1

a matrix is implanted into said intracutaneous site in the subject to allow neovascularisation of the intracutaneous site with the implanted matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeovascularization:

Data Source

PatentEP3413941B1Cell population seeding in dermal matrices for endocrine disorder management
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 BETA CELL TECH PTY LTD
  • EP3413941B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3413941B1 patent drawingFigure 1E
  • EP3413941B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A method of delivering a cell derived factors to a subject is described, which includes implanting a matrix material into an intracutaneous location in the subject that results in increased vascularisation and subsequently efficient delivery of the required cell derived factors to the subject. The implanted matrix material can be loaded in-situ or alternatively pre-loaded and inserted into the appropriate location depending on requirements.