Semiconductor Cell Culture Device With Mesh Through-Pores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional cell cultures pose challenges in measuring electrical signals or nutrient delivery within their interior structures, as existing methods struggle to facilitate these processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor cell culture device with a mesh structure of interconnected island and bridge structures, allowing for through-pores that enable selective transport of cell constructs and molecules, and incorporating sensors and actuators for analysis and control within the three-dimensional cell culture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a solid semiconductor structure is used to define cell culture geometry, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but nutrient delivery and measurement access to interior parts deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating through-pores through the semiconductor layer. These pores allow nutrient delivery and measurement probe access to the interior of three-dimensional cell cultures while maintaining the structural stability and geometric precision of the semiconductor substrate. The porous structure resolves the contradiction by enabling penetration functions without compromising the solid structure's manufacturing precision.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the semiconductor layer is made thin to allow probe access, then measurement access is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The through-pores create a porous structure that allows probe access through the semiconductor layer without requiring the layer to be thin. The porous architecture maintains structural integrity while providing penetration pathways, resolving the contradiction between access and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the semiconductor structure with biological materials (cell cultures, hydrogels). This composite approach allows the semiconductor to provide structural stability while the biological materials fill the porous spaces, enabling both structural strength and interior access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mesh structure with through-pores is introduced, then nutrient delivery and measurement access are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the semiconductor layer into a mesh structure with islands and bridges. This segmentation creates through-pores for nutrient delivery and measurement access while maintaining manufacturability through standard semiconductor fabrication processes. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables nutrient delivery through pores, allows measurement probe access, and maintains geometric definition. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving versatility while keeping the device design manageable through a single integrated structure.
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 accurate measurement and control of interior cell cultures by allowing sensors to extend into the culture and providing controlled nutrient delivery, while maintaining structural stability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
through-pores between the island structures allowing for selective transport of cell constructs, cellular components, proteins or other large molecules through the semiconductor material layer
Implementation Method 2
through-pores between the island structures allowing for selective transport
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor cell culture device for three-dimensional cell culture comprises: a semiconductor material layer in which a cell culture portion of semiconductor material is defined, wherein the cell culture portion defines an area within the semiconductor material layer surrounded by semiconductor material, wherein the cell culture portion comprises a mesh structure having island structures being interconnected by bridge structures and defining through-pores between the island structures allowing for selective transport of cell constructs, cellular components, proteins or other large molecules through the semiconductor material layer and on opposite sides of the cell culture portion in the semiconductor material layer, and a supporting structure connected to the cell culture portion.