Vascularization Device with Obstacle-Free Flow Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for culturing cell aggregates lack the ability to control the position of the aggregate and form a consistent vasculature surrounding the cell aggregate, which is essential for controlled vascularization and experimental consistency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a matrix region with a gel-like matrix and fluidic regions in fluid communication, allowing for three-dimensional vascularization around the cell aggregate through a flow passage that is free from structural obstacles, enabling precise positioning and perfusion of the vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional culturing systems are used, then cell aggregates can be cultured, but the aggregate position cannot be controlled and consistent vasculature cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional regions: a matrix region containing the cell aggregate and gel-like matrix, and one or more fluidic regions containing supporting fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of each region, enabling precise aggregate positioning while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow passage acts as an intermediary structure connecting the fluidic regions to the matrix region. This flow passage is configured to allow three-dimensional vascularisation around the cell aggregate while being substantially free from intervening structural obstacles, enabling controlled vasculature formation without adding complex structural elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional culturing systems are used, then cell aggregates can be cultured, but controlled and consistent vasculature surrounding the whole cell aggregate cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting fluid in the fluidic regions serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables vascularisation, and allows perfusion of the vasculature once formed. This multi-functionality achieves controlled and consistent vasculature without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is configured to enable three-dimensional vascularisation around the cell aggregate, transitioning from conventional two-dimensional culturing approaches. This dimensional change allows vasculature to form uniformly around the entire aggregate surface, improving vasculature consistency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If a flow passage free from structural obstacles is used, then three-dimensional vascularisation can occur, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and removes intervening structural obstacles from the flow passage between the fluidic regions and the matrix region. By taking out these obstructing elements, the flow passage becomes substantially free from structural obstacles, enabling effective three-dimensional vascularisation without adding complex structural features, as the simplicity of the obstacle-free passage itself is the key feature.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a device for vascularising a cell aggregate, the device comprising: a matrix region configured to contain a gel-like matrix and cells that form a vasculature network within th ematrix region. The matrix region having at least one opening for positioning the cell aggregate therein based on a desired three-dimensional spatial location; and one or more fluidic regions configured to contain a supporting fluid that is capable of supporting vascularisation of the cell aggregate, the one or more fluidic regions being in fluid communication with the matrix region, wherein a flow passage from the one or more fluidic regions to a gel-like matrix disposed in the matrix region is configured to allow three-dimensional vascularisation around the cell aggregate and perfusion of the vasculature once formed. There is also provided a chip comprising a plurality of the device as disclosed herein and a method for vascularising a cell aggregate.