3D Printing System for Spatiotemporal Growth Factor Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D printed scaffolds for tissue engineering face challenges in achieving the necessary spatial and temporal resolution for precise delivery of growth factors, leading to inadequate tissue regeneration, especially in complex multi-tissue interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the encapsulation of growth factors in microspheres within a molten polymer, such as PCL, for precise spatiotemporal delivery through a 3D printing system, creating micro-sized fibers that form biocompatible scaffolds with integrated microchannels for tissue regeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional 3D printing methods are used to create scaffolds, then the scaffold structure can be formed, but the spatial and temporal resolution for precise delivery of growth factors is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial and temporal resolution of growth factor deliveryVSAvoidtissue regeneration effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold is segmented into multiple cartridges, each containing different growth factors or materials. This allows independent control and precise delivery of multiple growth factors at different locations and times, achieving high spatial and temporal resolution that conventional single-cartridge systems cannot provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Growth factors are pre-loaded into cartridges before the 3D printing process begins. The system is prepared with multiple cartridges containing different growth factors (e.g., BMP-2, TGF-β3, CTGF) that can be delivered in a predetermined sequence and location, enabling precise spatiotemporal control without requiring complex real-time adjustments during printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple growth factors are delivered simultaneously, then tissue regeneration can be promoted, but the precision of delivery location and timing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue regeneration effectivenessVSAvoiddelivery location and timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple growth factors are segmented into separate cartridges rather than being mixed together. Each cartridge can be independently activated and positioned, allowing simultaneous presence of multiple growth factors in the system while maintaining precise control over their individual delivery locations and timing sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the scaffold can incorporate different growth factors with specific local properties. The system enables location-specific delivery where each growth factor is deposited precisely where needed in the scaffold structure, creating heterogeneous distribution patterns that match the complex requirements of multi-tissue interface regeneration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If conventional scaffold designs are used, then basic structural support is provided, but performance in complex multi-tissue interfaces is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescaffold structural supportVSAvoidperformance in multi-tissue interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D printing system with multiple cartridges provides multi-functionality, enabling the same scaffold structure to deliver multiple different growth factors (BMP-2 for bone, TGF-β3 for cartilage, CTGF for connective tissue) at different locations and times. This universal platform can be adapted to various multi-tissue interface requirements without redesigning the basic scaffold architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffold incorporates composite functionality by integrating multiple growth factor delivery systems within a single structural framework. Different cartridges containing different growth factors are combined with the scaffold matrix, creating a composite system that provides both structural support and multiple biochemical cues necessary for complex multi-tissue interface regeneration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 the micro-precise delivery of multiple growth factors, achieving tissue formation and regeneration with mechanical properties similar to native tissues, overcoming limitations of previous methods in achieving integrated multi-tissue complexes.

Implementation Method 1

heating the combination of microspheres and matrix material in the first cartridge sufficiently to allow dispensing of the combination while preventing substantial degradation of the microsphere or the at least one agent encapsulated in the microsphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11045585B2Spatiotemporal delivery system embedded in 3D-printing

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

Provided herein is a 3D printing system and related compositions, and method of using such, that can produce a polymeric microfiber having embedded microspheres encapsulating an active agent with micron precision and high spatial and temporal resolution. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of forming a biocompatible scaffold. Another aspect provides a method of forming a polymeric fiber having a microencapsulated agent distributed in the polymeric fiber. Another aspect provides a composition including a polymeric microfiber produced by 3D printing.