3D Tissue Culture With Stretch and Compression for Meniscus Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to produce a meniscus tissue body that can withstand the complex mechanical stresses and compressive stimulation experienced by the meniscus, which is crucial for effective treatment and medical research models.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the culture of three-dimensional tissue bodies by stacking cell masses and applying stretch and/or compressive stimulation, using a culture device with mechanical stimulation units, enhances the strength of the tissue body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatment methods (meniscectomy or suturing) are used, then short-term relief or meniscus preservation is achieved, but the tissue cannot withstand mechanical stresses and long-term functionality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term functionalityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and mechanical parameters of the tissue by applying cyclic stretch stimulation and compressive stimulation during culture, transforming the tissue from a weak state to a mechanically robust state capable of withstanding physiological loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary mechanical conditioning of the tissue in vitro before transplantation, pre-strengthening the tissue so that it can immediately withstand mechanical stresses after implantation without requiring long-term adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If artificial biomaterials (synthetic fibers, collagen scaffolds) are used for reconstruction, then structural support is provided, but biocompatibility and integration with native tissue are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidbiocompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates artificial biomaterials from the reconstruction process, using only autologous cells to form the tissue, thereby completely avoiding foreign body reactions and biocompatibility issues while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables cells to self-assemble and self-organize into a structurally sound tissue through mechanical stimulation, eliminating the need for artificial scaffolds while the cells themselves provide the structural support through their organized arrangement and extracellular matrix production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If cell masses are cultured without mechanical stimulation, then tissue formation is simplified, but the resulting tissue lacks mechanical strength to withstand physiological loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveculture process simplicityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic mechanical stimulation (cyclic stretch and compression) to the culture process, transforming it from a static to a dynamic process that actively enhances tissue mechanical properties while maintaining relative ease of implementation through standardized bioreactor systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 method produces a three-dimensional tissue body with sufficient mechanical strength, suitable for orthopedic treatments and regenerative medicine, avoiding injuries and pathological progression.

Implementation Method 1

applying stretch stimulation and/or compressive stimulation to the three-dimensional tissue body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stretch stimulation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

applying stretch stimulation and/or compressive stimulation to the three-dimensional tissue body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive stimulation: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4596672A1Three-dimensional tissue body and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAGA UNIVERSITY
  • EP4596672A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596672A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP4596672A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for producing a three-dimensional tissue body, wherein the method comprises a step of culturing a three-dimensional structure formed by stacking cell masses, while applying stretch stimulation and/or compressive stimulation to the three-dimensional structure.