Tensioned Tissue Frame for Uniform Decellularization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decellularizing tissues lack uniformity and consistency in treating biological tissues, which is crucial for maintaining the structural and chemical integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold.
Innovation Solution
A processing device with a frame and holders that atraumatically attach to the tissue ends, allowing for tension application through adjustable members to elongate the tissue uniformly, ensuring consistent decellularization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue is immersed in fluids in a sealed chamber autoclaving at high temperatures, then decellularization is achieved, but uniform treatment throughout the tissue is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue is segmented into multiple sections, with holders attached at different locations along the tissue length. Each holder-section combination can be independently treated with decellularization fluids, ensuring uniform exposure throughout the entire tissue structure during the autoclaving process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue is positioned in a three-dimensional configuration within the sealed chamber, suspended between holders rather than lying flat or packed densely. This spatial arrangement allows decellularization fluids to penetrate and treat all surfaces of the tissue uniformly from multiple directions simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to elongate tissue uniformly, then structural integrity of ECM scaffold is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holders serve multiple functions: they attach to the tissue, provide structural support, maintain tissue orientation, and apply controlled tension. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each purpose, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving uniform elongation and structural integrity preservation.
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 device ensures uniform treatment of tissues, maintaining the structural and chemical integrity of the ECM scaffold, facilitating effective decellularization and subsequent applications such as tissue regeneration and tissue engineering.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first member or second member is configured to lengthen or contract so as to apply tension to the at least one of the one or more pieces of biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present specification provide systems and methods for holding one or more tissues, such as veins, such that the tissue remains open in a chamber while undergoing orbital shaking with various solutions and to allow uniform treatment during a decellularization process. A frame is held on a stand to which the tissues are attached and comprises a tension inducing mechanism to cause the tissues to controllably stretch. The frame is removed from the stand, with the tissue attached to it, and placed in a decellularization chamber for uniform treatment of the tissue.