Single Cell Printing via Surface Acoustic Wave Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioprinting technologies lack the capability to print single cells at single cell resolution and are inefficient in printing multiple types of cells, with existing systems being large and complex, making in situ bioprinting for regenerative medicine challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of microfluidic devices with air/liquid co-flow junctions to flow and affix cells to substrates using gravitational, electrical, or magnetic forces, enabling precise delivery and sorting of cells for single cell printing and layer formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current bioprinting technologies (extrusion, laser, inkjet) are used, then printing capability is available, but single cell resolution and control over single cells cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bioprinting systems (extrusion, inkjet) with an acoustic field-based system using surface acoustic waves (SAW) to manipulate and deposit single cells. This substitution enables precise single-cell resolution by using acoustic forces instead of mechanical contact, achieving both high precision and reliable single-cell control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic wave manipulation as a new dimension of control for cell deposition. By using surface acoustic waves traveling along the substrate surface, the system achieves precise spatial control of single cells in two dimensions, enabling single-cell resolution printing that traditional mechanical systems cannot achieve
2Productivity
If existing single cell bioprinters are used, then single cell printing is possible, but throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell deposition process into individual acoustic manipulation events for each cell. The surface acoustic wave system can address and deposit cells one at a time with precise spatial control, enabling high throughput by rapidly sequencing individual cell deposits while maintaining single-cell resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous cell deposition by maintaining continuous surface acoustic wave generation along the substrate. Cells are continuously manipulated and deposited in rapid succession as the acoustic wave travels, enabling high throughput printing without interrupting the useful action of cell placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If large equipment and complicated systems are used, then bioprinting capability is achieved, but in situ bioprinting is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential bioprinting function from large, complicated equipment by using a simplified surface acoustic wave system. The SAW-based approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical extrusion systems, laser setups, or inkjet mechanisms, enabling compact in situ bioprinting devices that can be deployed at the point of care
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal bioprinting platform using surface acoustic waves that can operate with various cell types and substrates without requiring complex system reconfiguration. The acoustic field can manipulate different materials and cell types uniformly, enabling versatile in situ bioprinting applications with a single simple device
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 method allows for high-resolution single cell printing and layer formation, enhancing the efficiency and precision of bioprinting, particularly for regenerative medicine applications by enabling the rapid and controlled deposition of cells onto various substrates.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a plurality of discrete entities through an air flow via a microfluidic device comprising an air/liquid co-flow junction; directing the air flow and one or more of the plurality of discrete entities through the air/liquid co-flow junction to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
affixing the one or more of the plurality of discrete entities to the substrate via a force, wherein the force is selected from a gravitational force, an electrical force, a magnetic force, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
affixing the one or more of the plurality of discrete entities to the substrate via a force, wherein the force is selected from a gravitational force, an electrical force, a magnetic force, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 4
affixing the one or more of the plurality of discrete entities to the substrate via a force, wherein the force is selected from a gravitational force, an electrical force, a magnetic force, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 5
detecting via a detector a property of one or more of the plurality of microdroplets
Implementation Method 6
applying an electric field to selectively deflect one or more of the plurality of microdroplets based on the detection of the property
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for on-demand printing discrete entities including, e.g., cells, media or reagents to substrates are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating qualities of the entities or biological components thereof. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to create arrays of microenvironments and/or for two and three-dimensional printing of tissues or structures and/or for in situ printing for microsurgeries. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.