Recirculating Flow Confinement for Precise Cell Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing technologies for biological applications rely on viscous extrusions or ink-jet spraying, which may not efficiently control the deposition of cells or form complex biological structures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a recirculating flow confinement device that generates a liquid flow with suspended cells, allowing for controlled release and deposition of cells onto a substrate by modulating pressure to achieve desired quanta and patterns, forming 2D or 3D biological structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If viscous extrusions are used for cell deposition, then cells can be delivered, but control over cell deposition and formation of complex structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent channels, each capable of delivering controlled quantities of cells. The flow confinement device divides the fluid stream into discrete segments, allowing precise control over cell deposition patterns and enabling complex 3D structure formation.
Solution Approach 2:
A recirculating fluid flow acts as an intermediary medium to transport cells from the channels to the substrate. This fluid mediator enables controlled cell delivery without direct mechanical contact, improving deposition precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Productivity
If ink-jet spraying is used for cell delivery, then cells can be deposited, but efficiency in forming complex biological structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic recirculating flows that cycle cells through the channels and onto the substrate in controlled waves. This periodic action enables efficient buildup of complex structures by repeatedly delivering cell layers in a systematic manner, improving both productivity and pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculating fluid flow provides continuous cell delivery to the substrate, maintaining a steady supply of cells for structure formation. This continuous action eliminates interruptions and improves efficiency in building complex biological structures compared to discrete spraying methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If recirculating flow is used for cell deposition, then precise control over cell quanta is achieved, but flow mode switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic flow control mechanisms that allow switching between different recirculating flow modes. By making the flow characteristics adjustable and adaptive, the system achieves precise control over cell quanta while managing operational complexity through integrated control systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple channels are used in flow confinement device, then cell pattern control is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow confinement device is divided into multiple channels, each responsible for delivering specific cell patterns. This segmentation enables precise spatial control over cell deposition while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through systematic organization.
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 precise and controlled deposition of cells onto substrates, forming complex biological structures and tissues, with the ability to switch between different flow modes to manage cell release and attachment, enhancing the creation of histologically accurate cell structures.
Implementation Method 1
generating a recirculating flow from a flow confinement device over a substrate, the recirculating flow including a liquid and a plurality of suspended cells within the liquid
Implementation Method 2
discontinuing the recirculating flow by altering pressure balance between one or several channels such that there is net positive pressure leading to that liquid and materials contained in said liquid are injected into the environment
Implementation Method 3
discontinuing the recirculating flow by altering pressure balance between one or several channels such that there is net negative pressure leading to that liquid and materials contained in said liquid are flowing back into the flow confinement device
Implementation Method 4
The cells released from the flow confinement device can be deposited on and adhere to a substrate
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a system for dispensing and printing cells and particles. The system includes: (a) a flow confinement device; (b) a controller configured to generate a confined liquid volume outside the flow confinement device, wherein the confined liquid volume or materials contained in the confined liquid volume can be released to the environment by confined, modulated, and non-confined flow modes in arbitrary sequence and for arbitrary periods of time by said controller; (c) one or more liquids containing cells or cell constituents supplied into the confined liquid volume through the flow confinement device; (d) a substrate; and (e) a system configured to position the flow confinement device in 3D space and, therefore, the confined liquid volume to be positioned relative to the substrate, such that the confined liquid volume and contents, can interact with the substrate.