Engineered Tissue Embedding Structural Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of suturing tissue to a stent for transcatheter heart valve replacements is extremely time-consuming and tedious, requiring significant manual effort, and existing methods do not effectively address the need for structural reinforcement of engineered tissues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the combination of fibrinogen, thrombin, and matrix-producing cells to form a cell-seeded hydrogel around structural components, which is then decellularized and recellularized, allowing for the partial embedding of structural components like stents or meshes within engineered tissues, enhancing structural reinforcement and reducing manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suturing methods are used to attach tissue to a stent, then the tissue can be securely attached, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical suturing process with a biochemical system. Fibrinogen is applied to the stent, followed by thrombin which catalyzes fibrin formation, creating an automated biochemical attachment mechanism that eliminates the need for manual needle and thread suturing while maintaining secure tissue attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue attachment process becomes self-service through the use of fibrinogen-thrombin-fibrin mechanism. The fibrinogen-coated stent automatically binds to the tissue when thrombin is applied, and the fibrin mesh forms autonomously to secure the attachment without requiring continuous manual intervention throughout the process
2Manufacturing precision
If manual suturing is used for tissue attachment, then precise control is possible, but the process requires significant manual effort and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skilled manual mechanical suturing process with a biochemical system involving fibrinogen coating and thrombin catalysis. This substitution maintains precise tissue attachment through controlled biochemical interactions while dramatically reducing the need for manual skill and effort in the attachment process
3Strength
If structural reinforcement is added to engineered tissues, then mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by embedding a stent within engineered tissue. The stent provides structural reinforcement and mechanical strength, while the surrounding engineered tissue integrates with it to form a composite construct that combines the advantages of both materials - the stent's structural integrity and the tissue's biological functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The stent serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement to the engineered tissue, acts as a scaffold for tissue growth and integration, and maintains the geometric shape of the final construct. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving structural reinforcement
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 significantly reduces the time required for tissue engineering by automating the embedding process and provides structurally reinforced tissues suitable for applications such as vascular grafts and heart valves, with enhanced mechanical properties and integration with existing tissues.
Implementation Method 1
combining fibrinogen, thrombin, and matrix-producing cells (e.g., fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and/or interstitial cells) to produce a cell-seeded hydrogel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~5B
AI summary
This disclosure describes engineered tissues having structural components embedded therein and methods of making and using such engineered tissues having structural components embedded therein.