Resonant Acoustic Tissue Processing for Uniform Shear Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing tissue grafts are inefficient and often require harsh conditions or excessive reagents, which can impact tissue viability and processing time, limiting the production of uniform and high-quality grafts.
Innovation Solution
The use of resonant acoustic energy with frequencies between 15 Hertz and 60 Hertz to process tissues, including demineralization, decellularization, cryopreservation, and homogenization, which enhances processing efficiency and reduces the need for harsh conditions by creating a uniform shear field and increasing reaction kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tissue processing methods are used, then processing can be completed, but processing time is excessive and tissue quality is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant acoustic energy at frequencies between 15-60 Hz to the processing vessel containing tissue and processing solution. This mechanical vibration creates a uniform shear field throughout the tissue, enhancing mass transfer and reaction kinetics while maintaining consistent processing conditions across all tissue samples, thereby improving both processing speed and tissue uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of acoustic frequency to resonate with the processing vessel and tissue-sample solution combination. By tuning the acoustic frequency to the resonant frequency of the system, the patent achieves maximum energy transfer and processing efficiency, resulting in faster and more uniform tissue processing compared to conventional methods
2Productivity
If harsh processing conditions are applied to process tissue, then processing efficiency increases, but tissue viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant acoustic vibration creates enhanced mass transfer and reaction kinetics through uniform shear fields, achieving efficient tissue processing under milder conditions. This mechanical energy input replaces the need for harsh chemical or physical treatments, maintaining tissue viability while improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical agitation or harsh chemical processing with resonant acoustic energy. This substitution uses acoustic fields to achieve enhanced mass transfer and reaction kinetics without the damaging effects of traditional harsh processing methods, thereby preserving tissue viability
3Productivity
If excessive reagents are used in tissue processing, then processing completeness improves, but tissue quality and cell viability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant acoustic energy creates a uniform shear field that enhances the distribution and effectiveness of processing reagents throughout the tissue sample. This improves mass transfer and reaction completeness while reducing the need for excessive reagent concentrations, thereby maintaining tissue quality and cell viability
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous resonant acoustic vibration maintains constant enhanced mass transfer and reaction kinetics throughout the processing period. This continuous useful action ensures complete processing with optimized reagent usage, avoiding the need for excessive reagents that would compromise tissue quality
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 results in faster and more efficient tissue processing with improved tissue quality, increased cell viability, and reduced microbial contamination, producing more uniform and predictable processed tissues with enhanced structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
applying resonant acoustic energy having a frequency between 15 Hertz and 60 Hertz to the processing vessel, thereby vibrating the processing vessel and the combination disposed therein
Implementation Method 2
applying resonant acoustic energy having a frequency between 15 Hertz and 60 Hertz to the processing vessel
Implementation Method 3
creating a uniform shear field and increasing reaction kinetics
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for treating or processing tissue, and tissue products made using such systems and methods. The methods involve combining tissue with a processing solution in a processing vessel and applying resonant acoustic energy thereto. In some instances, the tissue is processed in the absence of processing solution. The resonant acoustic energy rapidly agitates the tissue with the processing solution by vibration. The general method provided is broadly applicable to a variety of tissue processing methods, the processing solution and features of the resonant acoustic energy being selected based on the type of tissue to be processed and the nature of the processing to be performed. Exemplary methods include methods of bone demineralization, tissue decellularization, tissue cryopreservation, production of stromal vascular fraction, tissue homogenization, tissue cleansing, and tissue decontamination, and assessment of microbial load. By applying resonant acoustic energy to the tissue during processing, the rate or efficiency of processing, or both, may be improved.