Single-Mode EM Rewarming for Uniform Thawing of Cryopreserved Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rewarming cryopreserved tissues and organs face challenges in achieving rapid and uniform heating, leading to issues such as ice recrystallization and tissue fracture due to non-uniform temperature distribution and thermal stress, which limits the viability and functionality of the tissues.
Innovation Solution
The use of single-mode electromagnetic (EM) field heating technology, where a sample is placed in a fluid with high EM absorptivity, such as a cryoprotective agent containing magnetic nanoparticles, within a secondary container that reflects EM waves, allowing for controlled EM wave generation and adjustment based on detected parameters to maintain uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If rapid rewarming is applied to cryopreserved tissues, then the storage time is reduced and tissue viability is improved, but non-uniform temperature distribution causes thermal stress and tissue fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic resonance (a form of vibrational energy) to induce uniform heating throughout the tissue volume. By tuning the electromagnetic field frequency to match the resonant frequency of the tissue, energy is absorbed uniformly throughout the sample, enabling rapid rewarming without creating thermal gradients that would cause stress and fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and electromagnetic properties of the tissue by introducing a cryoprotective agent with high EM absorptivity. This parameter change allows the tissue to absorb electromagnetic energy uniformly, transforming the rewarming process from a conductive heat transfer mechanism (which creates gradients) to a volumetric heating mechanism (which maintains uniformity).
2Strength
If uniform temperature distribution is maintained during rewarming, then tissue integrity is preserved, but the rewarming rate becomes insufficient to prevent ice recrystallization
Solution Approach 1:
Electromagnetic resonance provides a mechanism to achieve both uniformity and speed simultaneously. The resonant oscillation of dipoles throughout the tissue volume generates heat uniformly throughout the sample, not just at the surface. This volumetric heating approach maintains uniform temperature distribution while achieving rapid rewarming rates that prevent ice recrystallization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction (a slow, gradient-based heat transfer mechanism) with electromagnetic radiation absorption (a rapid, volumetric heating mechanism). This substitution enables simultaneous achievement of high rewarming rates and uniform temperature distribution, as the electromagnetic field penetrates and heats the entire tissue volume concurrently rather than progressing from surface to center.
3Device complexity
If conventional heating methods are used to rewarm tissues, then the equipment complexity is low, but ice recrystallization and thermal stress cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/thermal heating systems (water baths, incubators) with an electromagnetic field-based system. While the EM resonance equipment is more complex than a water bath, it eliminates the need for complex temperature gradient control systems and provides superior tissue viability outcomes. The substitution of heating mechanism fundamentally changes the physics of heat transfer from conductive to radiative, enabling rapid uniform rewarming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of the cryoprotective agent and tissue water content in relation to electromagnetic radiation. The high EM absorptivity material absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to thermal energy, utilizing dielectric heating and magnetic hysteresis losses to generate heat uniformly throughout the tissue, preventing ice recrystallization during the phase transition from frozen to thawed state.
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 enables rapid and uniform rewarming of large biomaterials, maintaining tissue viability and functionality comparable to fresh tissues, while avoiding ice recrystallization and tissue damage, as demonstrated by successful rewarming of cryopreserved rabbit jugular veins.
Implementation Method 1
a cryoprotective agent disposed between a wall of the primary container and the biomaterial, the cryoprotective agent including magnetic nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic wave generator configured to generate a single-mode electromagnetic field in the secondary container by outputting electromagnetic waves into the secondary container
Implementation Method 3
within a secondary container that reflects EM waves, allowing for controlled EM wave generation and adjustment
Implementation Method 4
single-mode electromagnetic (EM) field heating technology, where a sample is placed in a fluid with high EM absorptivity
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for rewarming a cryopreserved material includes identifying a parameter indicating a state of a container enclosing a single-mode electromagnetic field. The method further includes maintaining the single-mode electromagnetic field by adjusting, based on the parameter, a frequency and/or a power of the electromagnetic waves.