Tissue Container System for Cryopreserved Skin Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving engineered tissues face challenges due to the need for controlled storage conditions, which are costly and impractical for widespread use, especially for cryopreserved human skin equivalents that can be damaged by ice formation and osmotic imbalance.
Innovation Solution
The development of tissue container systems with a unique design featuring a perimeter wall and flange structure that allows for efficient thawing and storage of cryopreserved human skin equivalents, using a porous bottom surface and a tray system to support the tissue and facilitate thawing with a tissue-compatible solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cryopreservation is used to store engineered tissues, then storage duration is improved, but tissue viability deteriorates due to ice formation and osmotic imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional cryopreservation temperatures (below -100°C) to a milder range (-70°C to -90°C), and introduces a controlled thawing process using warmed media to gradually restore tissue viability while maintaining storage duration benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a preliminary thawing step using warmed tissue-compatible solution before final tissue use, preparing the cryopreserved tissue in advance to minimize damage during the thawing process and improve subsequent viability
2Temperature
If specialized storage conditions (liquid nitrogen) are used for cryopreserved tissues, then storage temperature is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high cost and unavailability in rural clinics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from extreme (liquid nitrogen at -196°C) to a practical range (-70°C to -90°C) that can be achieved with standard laboratory freezers, making the system accessible to rural clinics and field hospitals while maintaining adequate storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable, self-contained tissue container systems with integrated thawing capabilities that eliminate the need for expensive, complex liquid nitrogen storage infrastructure, allowing deployment in resource-limited settings
3Reliability
If engineered tissues are stored under carefully controlled conditions, then tissue viability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage and thawing functions into a single integrated tissue container system, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tissue viability through controlled temperature and gradual thawing
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue container system is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions (storage, thawing, transport) using standard laboratory equipment, reducing the need for specialized devices and simplifying operation in various settings
4Productivity
If production facilities operate at top capacity to meet demand, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to unsold product that must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary cryopreservation of engineered tissues at the production facility, allowing products to be stored without damage until needed. This eliminates the need to discard unsold inventory that has been produced in advance, as the tissues can be preserved and thawed on-demand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of tissue availability from immediate use-only to extended storage capability, allowing production facilities to manufacture tissues in advance and maintain them through controlled cryopreservation, thereby reducing waste from unsold products
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 system enables efficient thawing and preservation of cryopreserved tissues, maintaining viability and reducing storage costs by allowing for routine storage conditions, thereby addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a porous bottom surface and a tray system to support the tissue and facilitate thawing with a tissue-compatible solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to tissue container systems and kits that find use in the transport of tissues and methods of using the tissue container systems. In particular, systems and kits that support the transport, thawing and use of cryopreserved human skin equivalents, and methods of their use by a health care provider are provided.