Vascularized Tissue Scaffold Fabrication via Bio-CAD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue engineering methods fail to create complex, heterogeneous tissue structures with precise external dimensions and internal architecture, lacking the structural and material specificity needed for functional vascular support, leading to the limited survival and functionality of artificially created tissues.
Innovation Solution
The use of bio-computer aided design and Chroma Coding to create detailed, three-dimensional models of vascular systems that guide robotic printers and lasers in producing scaffolds with accurate replications of capillary beds and basement membrane structures, enabling the growth of tissues with intricate vascular networks and specific cellular arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current scaffold fabrication techniques are used, then scaffolds can be formed with basic three-dimensional structure, but they lack the structural and material specificity to allow complex, heterogeneous tissue structures to be assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is divided into multiple layers with distinct structures and materials. Each layer is designed with specific porosity, stiffness, and compositional characteristics to support different tissue types and cellular functions, enabling complex heterogeneous tissue assembly while maintaining manufacturability through modular fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the scaffold are engineered with location-specific properties including varying material compositions, pore sizes, and mechanical characteristics. This allows each zone to be optimized for particular tissue regeneration requirements, providing the structural and material specificity needed for complex tissue structures
2Reliability
If scaffolds are fabricated with basic three-dimensional structure, then they can provide mechanical support for cell growth, but they lack the intricate vascular support system needed for tissue functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The fabrication process transitions from two-dimensional or simple three-dimensional scaffolding to multi-layered three-dimensional structures with integrated vascular channels. This dimensional complexity enables the incorporation of intricate vascular support systems that penetrate through multiple scaffold layers, ensuring reliable tissue functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Vascular channels and support structures are pre-formed within the scaffold architecture before cell seeding and tissue development. This preliminary creation of vascular infrastructure ensures that functional blood supply is established from the outset, enabling reliable tissue functionality rather than attempting to develop vasculature after tissue formation
3Productivity
If polymeric systems with angiogenic factors are used, then precursor cells can be recruited into porous scaffolding, but the materials lack specific form leading to thrombosis, chronic inflammation, or total rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric materials are engineered with specific physical and chemical parameters including controlled porosity, optimized degradation rates, and tailored surface properties. These parameter changes enable effective cell recruitment through angiogenic factor delivery while simultaneously preventing thrombosis, inflammation, and rejection by creating a biocompatible environment that supports proper cellular differentiation and vascular formation
Data Source
AI summary
A device to aid in the production and regeneration of tissues and organs, standing alone, or on or inside of the human body, with a method of fabrication of tissues and organs and use of the device.