Mechanical Extrusion for Stromal Cell Detachment from Collagen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining and processing stromal precursor cells from fatty tissue for autologous transplantation are inefficient, leading to cell loss and potential contamination risks, and require lengthy enzymatic treatments that necessitate extensive clinical trials for safety approval.
Innovation Solution
The development of mechanical processing methods and specialized centrifugation cartridges that minimize cell loss and contamination by using mechanical means to detach stromal precursor cells from the extra-cellular collagen matrix, combined with centrifugation and filtration steps, to produce highly concentrated cell preparations for use in connective tissue repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If enzymatic treatments are used to detach stromal precursor cells from the extra-cellular collagen matrix, then cell detachment is achieved, but treatment time increases and safety approval requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces enzymatic treatments with mechanical processing methods. Specifically, it uses a mechanical extrusion device with a mesh screen that physically separates stromal precursor cells from the extra-cellular collagen matrix through mechanical force, eliminating the need for time-consuming enzymatic digestion while achieving complete cell detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the extra-cellular collagen matrix from the cell suspension using mechanical filtration. The mesh screen in the extrusion device selectively removes collagen fibers and debris while allowing cells to pass through, achieving complete separation without enzymatic degradation
2Productivity
If conventional liposuction methods are used to harvest fatty tissue, then tissue extraction is achieved, but cell loss and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fatty tissue processing into distinct stages: initial liposuction harvesting, mechanical extrusion through a mesh screen, and centrifugation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, maintaining cell viability while efficiently extracting and purifying stromal precursor cells from the fatty tissue matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical extrusion device with a mesh screen as an intermediary between liposuction and final cell preparation. This intermediary device mechanically separates cells from collagen matrix and filters contaminants, acting as a protective barrier that prevents cell loss and contamination while maintaining extraction efficiency
3Reliability
If extensive clinical trials are conducted to ensure safety, then regulatory approval is achieved, but development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces enzymatic treatments with mechanical processing that does not introduce chemical substances requiring extensive safety testing. The mechanical extrusion and centrifugation methods physically separate cells without chemical degradation, reducing the scope and duration of required clinical trials while maintaining safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses autologous cells harvested from the patient's own fatty tissue, which inherently eliminates rejection risks. The mechanical processing method preserves cell integrity without chemical modification, meaning the cells retain their natural behavior and reduce the need for extensive safety trials compared to enzymatically processed or allogeneic cell therapies
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, efficient, and safe concentration of stromal precursor cells, reducing cell loss and avoiding enzymatic treatment-related risks, thus enhancing the efficacy of autologous cell transplantations for connective tissue repairs while minimizing regulatory scrutiny.
Implementation Method 1
processing of a fatty tissue extract involves centrifugation during an initial separation step, to concentrate stromal precursor cells from liposuction fluid into a semi-concentrated form
Implementation Method 2
followed by mechanical means to detach stromal precursor cells from the extra-cellular collagen matrix, combined with centrifugation and filtration steps
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for processing stromal precursor cells (i.e., cells which can differentiate into connective tissue cells, such as in muscles, ligaments, or tendons) which can be obtained from fatty tissue extracts obtained via liposuction. Normal processing of a liposuction extract involves centrifugation, to concentrate the stromal cells into a semi-concentrated form called “spun fat”. That “spun fat” can then be treated by mechanical processing (such as pressure-driven extrusion through 0.5 mm holes) under conditions which can gently pry the stromal cells away from extra-cellular collagen fibers and other debris in the “spun fat”. The extruded mixture is then centrifuged again, to separate a highly-enriched population of stromal cells which is suited for injection back into the patient (along with platelet cells, if desired, to further promote tissue repair or regeneration).