The project focuses on the development of innovative tools and methods for obtaining unique biomaterials that can be used for liver transplants. The key process involves the decellularization of pig liver tissue, during which high-quality perfusion of the organ must be ensured. This requires careful manipulation of the liver and its optimal fixation, which are the main areas of focus for the project.
The primary goals of the project are as follows:
- Development of new tools and aids for efficiently and gently performing liver tissue decellularization.
- Ensuring high-quality perfusion and fixation of the liver during the entire decellularization process.
- Reducing perfusion time, saving materials, and eliminating errors during liver manipulation.
The project employs several key methodologies:
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Research and Analysis of Existing Solutions
The first step involved familiarizing the team with current technologies and methods used in liver decellularization. Visits were made to the laboratory, where the process was analyzed, and image and video materials were collected to better understand the specificities of the process.
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Co-design and Prototyping
A co-design approach was used during the development of solutions, during which the team focused on testing and iterating designs through rapid prototypes and models, as well as testing the proposed solutions in virtual reality.
Testing Results:
Initial testing showed that some prototypes were oversized, leading to adjustments in design toward a more refined and compact version. Subsequent testing confirmed that the placement of fixation elements required optimization and harmonization with the vessels used for decellularization. This variant began development in late of 2023 and early 2024.
In the next phase, we focused on optimizing the design and the material testing of the decellularization device. The main goal was to simplify the construction, improve ergonomics, and minimize errors during assembly and handling.
Design Optimization:
The redesign of the device included the creation of a new container with a round bottom and pentagonal shape. This shape minimizes fluid volume, improves stability, and ensures sufficient manipulation space. Ergonomic tests showed that integrated legs and a simplified hoop construction reduced the number of components to four main parts. Simulations in virtual reality and 1:1 models confirmed the suitability of these changes.
Various materials were tested for the design, including ceramics, metals, and plastics. The most suitable materials proved to be ABS plastic and extruded polycarbonate. These materials meet the requirements for chemical resistance, strength, and visual inspection. The design was modified to allow for easy prototyping using 3D printing and vacuum forming.
Conclusion:
The project focused on developing tools for liver tissue decellularization that improve efficiency, tissue preservation, and manipulation during the process. The resulting designs and prototypes represent significant progress in liver transplantation research and can serve as a foundation for further exploration and the development of devices for clinical use
The proposed solution combines functional design and ease of operation. Testing in virtual reality and physical models confirmed the ergonomic benefits and the possibility of small-batch production. After presenting the solution to colleagues from FN and LF UK, it was registered as an industrial design. This allows us to continue research and present the solution to the professional community.