Stem Cell-Derived Layered Synthetic Leather for Structural Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing synthetic leather lack the ability to create a material that accurately mimics the structure and functionality of natural leather, particularly in terms of cellular differentiation and layering, which affects its durability and appearance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a layered structure by differentiating cells from induced pluripotent stem cells into fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are then cultured in vitro to create an artificial dermal and epidermal layer, respectively, and combining them with a basement membrane substitute, all of which can be further processed to achieve natural leather thickness and texture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to produce synthetic leather, then production is simpler and faster, but the material fails to accurately mimic the structure and functionality of natural leather

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the synthetic leather production into distinct segmented stages: forming artificial dermal layers with fibroblasts, creating artificial epidermal layers with keratinocytes, combining them with basement membrane substitutes, and performing sequential post-processing operations. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for structural accuracy while maintaining manageable production complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-differentiating stem cells into specific cell types (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) before layer formation, and by pre-forming individual layers with their specific cellular compositions and extracellular matrix components. This preliminary preparation ensures that when layers are combined, they immediately achieve the desired structural accuracy resembling natural leather, reducing the need for complex post-assembly adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If cellular differentiation and layering are simplified, then production is easier, but durability and appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidproduction ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific cell types to specific layers: fibroblasts in the dermal layer for structural integrity and collagen production, keratinocytes in the epidermal layer for protective function and appearance, and melanocytes for pigmentation. Each layer is engineered with locally appropriate cellular and extracellular components that replicate the functional properties of natural leather at that specific location, thereby improving durability and appearance without requiring complex overall production systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining multiple cell types (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes) with their respective extracellular matrix components (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans) and basement membrane substitutes in a layered architecture. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its specific functional properties, achieving high durability and natural appearance through the synergistic interaction of simplified individual elements rather than requiring complex monolithic structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If natural leather thickness and texture are replicated, then appearance and durability improve, but production time and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture accuracyVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by establishing continuous culture conditions for cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition throughout the layer formation process. The artificial dermal and epidermal layers are cultured in vitro under optimized conditions that continuously promote cellular differentiation, matrix production, and layer maturation. This continuous action allows the layers to naturally develop their desired thickness and texture over time without requiring repeated interruption for processing, thereby reducing overall production time while achieving high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the cultured cell layers to autonomously produce their own extracellular matrix components (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans) and undergo spontaneous differentiation into mature tissue structures with natural leather-like thickness and texture. The fibroblasts self-organize to produce dermal matrix, keratinocytes self-differentiate to form epidermal layers with appropriate stratification, and the combined structure self-assembles into a cohesive tissue equivalent. This self-organizing capability eliminates the need for complex external shaping and texturing operations, reducing production time while achieving accurate texture replication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11591471B2Engineered skin equivalent, method of manufacture thereof and products derived therefrom
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 FAIRCRAFT
  • US11591471B2 patent drawing
  • US11591471B2 patent drawing
  • US11591471B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.