Porous Needle Membrane for Organoid Stimulation and Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'organoid-on-a-chip' systems lack the ability to apply electrical stimuli and measure responses effectively, hindering the optimization and reproduction of microenvironments for organoids and other biological materials in vitro.
Innovation Solution
A membrane structure with through pores and arrays of needles coated with conducting electrodes, allowing for electrical stimulation and response measurement of biological materials, while enabling perfusion and vascularization through microfluidic channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation is added to organoid culture systems, then biological activity and responsiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical stimulation functionality with the existing microfluidic organoid culture system by integrating conductive needles into the membrane structure. This merging allows the system to simultaneously provide fluid perfusion and electrical stimulation without requiring completely separate systems, thus improving biological responsiveness while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier, enables fluid perfusion through its porous structure, and provides electrical stimulation conductance through integrated needles. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both cultural and stimulatory needs, improving system versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductive needles are integrated into the membrane, then electrical stimulation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into functional zones with conductive needles integrated at specific locations rather than requiring complete coverage. This segmentation allows electrical stimulation to be applied at discrete points, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective stimulation capability. The needles can be independently positioned and connected to stimulation electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive needles act as intermediaries between the external stimulation source and the biological material. These needles are coated with conductive material to enable electrical coupling with the organoid, serving as a bridge that simplifies the overall manufacturing by allowing standard electrical components to be integrated into the biological system.
3Productivity
If the membrane structure allows fluid flow through pores, then perfusion and vascularization are improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed as a thin film structure with controlled porosity that allows fluid flow while maintaining mechanical strength. The thin film design enables effective perfusion and vascularization of the organoid through its pores, while the continuous membrane material provides structural integrity to contain and direct fluid flow appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane utilizes a porous material structure where the pore size and distribution are optimized to allow fluid perfusion while maintaining mechanical strength. The porous structure enables efficient mass and fluid transport to the organoid, while the continuous matrix of the porous material preserves structural integrity and prevents collapse under fluid pressure.
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
Enables effective electrical stimulation and response measurement of biological materials, enhancing the culture and study of organoids by providing controlled electrical signals and fluid perfusion.
Implementation Method 1
each needle of the at least one array of needles is made of a non-conducting material and at least partly coated with a conducting electrode. By using the membrane structure thus configured, it is possible to apply an electrical stimulus to the biological material
Implementation Method 2
the presence of the through pores in the membrane structure allows the organoid(s) penetrated by the needles to be perfused or vascularized through a microfluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane structure for stimulating and sensing a biological material is provided, which comprises a porous membrane having at least one array of needles on its top and/or bottom surface, without closing through pores of the membrane. Each needle of the at least one array of needles is configured to penetrate the biological material, is made of a non-conducting material and at least partly coated with a conducting electrode. By using the membrane structure thus configured, it is possible to apply an electrical stimulus to the biological material and take response measurements. Moreover, the presence of the through pores in the membrane structure allows the biological material (penetrated by the needles) to be perfused or vascularized through a microfluidic channel with which the membrane structure may be brought into contact. In other embodiments, a cell culture plate and a microfluidic device are provided, each of which incorporates the membrane structure.