Ultrasound-Mediated Polymerization for Deep Tissue Bioprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D bioprinting techniques face challenges in accessing deep tissues without invasive procedures, limiting their effectiveness in tissue restoration and drug delivery within the body.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasound-mediated polymerization for in-situ bioprinting, where acoustic-sensitive materials are injected and polymerized using external ultrasound, allowing for non-invasive 3D printing and drug delivery deep within tissues, utilizing materials like PEG-DA, Matrigel, and alginate, which can be polymerized in seconds with low-power ultrasound, avoiding the need for photoinitiators and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photopolymerization is used for 3D bioprinting, then polymerization speed is improved, but toxic photoinitiators cause tissue damage and cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical photopolymerization system with an acoustic polymerization system using ultrasound waves. Instead of using photoinitiators that cause tissue damage, the invention employs mechanical acoustic energy to induce polymerization of acoustically-sensitive materials, thereby eliminating toxic chemical agents while maintaining polymerization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from optical (light-based) to acoustic (ultrasound-based). By using ultrasound frequency and intensity parameters instead of light wavelength and exposure parameters, the system achieves polymerization without requiring photoinitiators, thus resolving the toxicity issue while preserving controlled polymerization speed
2Ease of operation
If external ultrasound is used for non-invasive polymerization, then invasiveness is reduced, but penetration depth into tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustically-sensitive materials as intermediaries that are injected into the target tissue location. These materials serve as a mediator that can be activated by external ultrasound waves, allowing the energy to be delivered non-invasively from outside the body while the materials themselves are positioned at the desired depth within tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary injection of the acoustically-sensitive material into the target tissue before applying ultrasound. This preliminary action positions the polymerizable material at the desired depth, enabling subsequent non-invasive ultrasound activation to occur precisely where needed without requiring invasive access
3Productivity
If high-intensity ultrasound is used for rapid polymerization, then polymerization speed is improved, but thermal damage to tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs focused ultrasound to concentrate acoustic energy at a specific focal point within the tissue where the acoustically-sensitive material is located. This local concentration of energy enables rapid polymerization only at the target site while surrounding tissues receive minimal acoustic energy and remain at normal temperature, preventing thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ultrasound energy delivery by using focused beams that can be directed to specific locations. Instead of applying uniform high-intensity ultrasound throughout the tissue, the energy is segmented and concentrated only at the focal point where polymerization is needed, separating the high-energy zone from surrounding healthy tissue
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
Enables safe, non-invasive, and efficient polymerization of implants and drug delivery deep within the body, reducing procedure time and risk, with potential for higher cell survival rates and controlled drug release profiles, while avoiding the use of toxic initiators and thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic waves induce cavitation and/or mechanical vibrations within the acoustic-sensitive material, thereby triggering a polymerization and/or crosslinking reaction
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic waves induce cavitation and/or mechanical vibrations within the acoustic-sensitive material
Implementation Method 3
triggering a polymerization and/or crosslinking reaction within the acoustic-sensitive material
Implementation Method 4
triggering a polymerization and/or crosslinking reaction within the acoustic-sensitive material
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the invention relates to methods and implants comprising acoustic-sensitive material and at least one additional component within said acoustic-sensitive material. In some embodiments, the at least one additional component is one or more of at least one releasable drug within said acoustic-sensitive material and/or a plurality of cells within said acoustic-sensitive material. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a dedicated form, which is provided inside the body of the patient.