Sugar-Based Preservation Medium for Avulsed Teeth Viability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preserving avulsed teeth and explanted tissue, such as cryopreservation and traditional storage media, face limitations including the need for high-tech storage conditions, sensitivity in rewarming procedures, and limited availability of effective storage solutions, which can lead to cell damage and reduced viability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

Innovation Solution

A sugar-based preservation solution comprising at least 2.75 g/L sugar, along with additional components like inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents, is used to maintain the viability of avulsed teeth and explanted tissue, inspired by the natural ability of tardigrades to survive extreme conditions through high sugar production, which stabilizes cell membranes and proteins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cryopreservation is used to preserve avulsed teeth and explanted tissue, then cell viability is maintained, but high-tech storage conditions and sensitive rewarming procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell viabilityVSAvoidstorage conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the preservation medium by incorporating high concentrations of sugars (trehalose, sucrose, glucose) and other protective agents, transforming the medium from a simple storage solution to an active protective environment that maintains cell viability without requiring cryogenic temperatures or complex storage infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable, ready-to-use preservation medium that eliminates the need for expensive, complex cryopreservation equipment and infrastructure. The medium can be used immediately and discarded after use, replacing the need for sophisticated storage systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If traditional storage media are used for avulsed teeth, then storage is simple, but cell viability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidcell viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite preservation medium combining multiple protective components including sugars (trehalose, sucrose, glucose), amino acids (glutamine, glycine), vitamins, and buffering agents, which work synergistically to maintain cell viability while preserving the simplicity of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The preservation medium is formulated to actively protect cells through its chemical composition, with sugars and other agents that spontaneously stabilize cell membranes and proteins without requiring external intervention, complex procedures, or specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If extended storage periods are required for avulsed teeth, then more time is available for treatment, but cell damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidcell viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The preservation medium is pre-formulated with high concentrations of protective sugars and agents that immediately begin stabilizing cell structures upon contact, preventing damage before it occurs during extended storage periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The medium provides beforehand protection through its chemical composition, creating a cushioning effect against oxidative stress, membrane damage, and protein denaturation that would normally occur during extended storage, thereby maintaining cell viability over longer periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution effectively preserves avulsed teeth and explanted tissue for extended periods, maintaining high viability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts, outperforming commercial products by maintaining over 60% cell viability after 48 hours and demonstrating superior preservation capabilities in comparison to existing storage media.

Implementation Method 1

inspired by the natural ability of tardigrades to survive extreme conditions through high sugar production, which stabilizes cell membranes and proteins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSugar stabilization: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11224217B2Storage media and powder formulations for avulsed teeth and explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue. The disclosed methods for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue typically include placing the avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue in a preservation solution comprising at least about 2.75 g/L sugar. Suitable explanted tissues for the disclosed methods may include explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts, such as dental tissue and/or oral tissue. The preservation solution of the disclosed preservation methods may include additional components which may include but are not limited to inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents. The preservation solution may be prepared from a powder formulation having a long shelf-life.