Molded container for tissue scaffolds

A molded container for a tissue scaffold is provided. The molded container comprises a bag made from a soft material, a shape memory frame, and an inner support tube. A sealing part is disposed on the opening of the bag, and an operation window is disposed on the lower part of the bag. The sealing part is closed when no external force is applied. The shape memory frame is embedded in the bag. At least two adjustable hooks are disposed on the ends of the shape memory frame. The inner support tube is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag and selectively penetrates a molded accommodation volume for forming a tissue scaffold. The length of the inner support tube is more than the length of the molded accommodation volume. Therefore, the molded container for a tissue scaffold has features of portability, adjustability, sterility, convenience, and stability.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

The disclosure relates to a molded container for a tissue scaffold. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a bag-shaped container having a special structure. This bag-shaped container is suitable to be used to mold various tissue scaffold. The bag-shaped container comprises at least one operation window, a shape memory frame, and an inner support tube. Therefore, the production of tissue scaffolds may have features of adjustability, portability, sterility, convenience, and stability.

Description of Related Art

In recent years, medicine is progressing. Many incurable diseases may be cured in nowadays. Although the pain caused by suffering disease is substantially decreased, many diseases still need doctors suture or repair damage tissues to perform a treatment. Some diseases even need living organ transplantation to achieve the purpose of repairing the patient's tissue. However, this approach usually has many limitations and inconvenience.

For solving this problem, “tissue engineering” or “regenerative medicine” is proposed. Tissues and organs might be initiatively regenerated, not only passively wait for human body donation. Tissue engineering has been developed for almost 30 years and progresses very rapidly. At present, similar tissues of bone, skin, cornea and others can be fabricated using tissue engineering.

Within the tissue engineering, a tissue scaffold has to be used to provide an environment for cell growth and tissue differentiation. The tissue scaffold is provided for the cell migration and cell growth therein. The tissue scaffold may contain cells, growth factors, extracellular matrix, drugs or chemicals, and cell growth, tissue differentiation and remodeling can thus be performed in vitro or in vivo to produce tissues that are useful in experimental uses or further in implantation applications. For example, patent TW 1432230 (B) discloses a tissue scaffold prepared from an acellular tissue matrix and sodium acetate. The acellular tissue matrix includes collagen, elastin, and vascular channels. The tissue scaffold may be used as a part of a wound treatment device that provides reduced pressure therapy. Patent US 20140213765 A1 discloses a tissue scaffold made of albumin having continuous solid networks and voids, so that the tissue scaffold can support cell attachment, growth, and differentiation, and directing new tissue formation.

However, nowadays in the use of tissue scaffold, it still has many inconveniences resulted from environmental limitations. Moreover, containers for tissue scaffolds are all large equipment, and thus there is a considerable inconvenience in the application and carrying.

SUMMARY

In view of the drawbacks above, the inventors develop this invention by the many-year manufacturing and design experience and knowledge in the related fields and ingenuity.

A molded container for a tissue scaffold is provided. The molded container has a bag having at least one operation window, a shape memory frame embedded in the bag, and an inner support tube disposed in the inner bottom of the bag. The inner support tube selectively penetrates the molded container having a molded accommodation volume for forming a tissue scaffold. The molded container has features of portability, adjustability, sterility, convenience, and stability.

In order to reach the purposes above, a molded container for a tissue scaffold is provided. The molded container comprises a bag made from a soft material, a shape memory frame, and an inner support tube. A sealing part is disposed on the opening of the bag, and an operation window is disposed below the sealing part. The sealing part is closed when no external force is applied. A cover disposed on the operation window can be peeled off or opened when using. The shape memory frame is embedded in the bag. At least two adjustable hooks are disposed on the ends of the shape memory frame and protruded out of the bag. The inner support tube is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag and selectively penetrates a molded accommodation volume for forming a tissue scaffold. The length of the inner support tube is more than the length of the molded accommodation volume.

In one embodiment of this invention, the front and rear surfaces each has at least one magnetic element disposed below the operation window correspondingly. The magnetic elements may close or open the operation window thereabove by magnetic attraction or repellence forces or assist the molding of the tissue scaffold. In addition, the magnetic elements can be disposed on the periphery of the molded accommodation volume of the molded container for assisting the tissue scaffold by the attraction and repellence of these magnetic elements, with the selectively addition of an external magnetic field or with a magnetic material within the tissue scaffold, such as microspheres.

In one embodiment of this invention, the inner support tube may be made from a soft or a hard material. The inner support tube may be a U-shaped inner support tube or a single-segment inner support tube.

In one embodiment of this invention, when the inner support tube is a U-shaped inner support tube, two top sides of the bag respectively have a flexible clamp for fixing the two ends of the U-shaped inner support tube. Two external sides of the bag respectively have a ruler for measuring a relative extending length of the two ends of the U-shaped inner support tube.

In one embodiment of this invention, when the inner support tube is a single-unbent-segment inner support tube, two bottom sides of the bag respectively have a fixing fixture for fixing the two ends of the single-unbent-segment inner support tube.

In one embodiment of this invention, the adjustable hooks have threaded structures for adjusting the bottom level of the shape memory frame.

In one embodiment of this invention, the molded accommodation volume is a cylindrical accommodation volume or other 3D steric structures.

In one embodiment of this invention, the bag has a liquid level indication line.

In one embodiment of this invention, the shape memory frame may be a metal frame comprising a shape memory metal material to maintain a fixed shape of the frame.

In one embodiment of this invention, the molded container is a sterile kit.

In one embodiment of this invention, a turning of the inner support tube has a fixed-point indication mark.

Therefore, this molded container can adjust the positions of the devices without directly contacting the devices in the bag to prevent foreign matter from coming inside to form a sterile environment. Hence, the cells inside will not be affected when the cells are cultured. Moreover, the clamps, the inner support tube, and the shape memory frame can be used to maintain the shape. Therefore, the bag will not collapse during the adjustment or use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To more completely and clearly illustrate the technical means and effects of this invention, the detailed descriptions are set forth below. Please refer to the disclosed figures and the reference numbers.

First, please refer toFIG. 1, which is a cross-sectional diagram of a molded container for a tissue scaffold according to a first embodiment of this invention. The molded container comprises a bag1made from a soft material, a shape memory frame2, and an inner support tube3.

A sealing part11is disposed on the opening of the bag1, and an operation window12is disposed below the sealing part11. At least a magnetic element14is disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the bag1and below the operation window12. The sealing part11is closed when no external forces are applied thereon. A cover13is disposed on the operation window12, and the cover13can be peeled off or opened when the operation window12is used. A liquid level indicating line16is disposed on the external side of the bag1.

The shape memory frame2is embedded in the periphery of the bag1. The frame2is a metal frame made by a memory metal to maintain the shape of the frame2. At least two adjustable hooks21are disposed on two top sides of the frame2and protruded out of the bag1. The adjustable hooks21each has a threaded structure to adjust the bottom level of the shape memory frame2.

The inner support tube3is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag1and penetrated into a molded accommodation volume4for forming a tissue scaffold. The molded storage volume4is a cylindrical accommodation volume or other 3D steric structures, and the length of the inner support tube3is longer than the length of the molded accommodation volume4. The inner support tube3may be made from a soft or a hard material, for example.

The inner support tube3may be a U-shaped inner support tube. Two elastic clamps5are disposed on two top inner sides of the bag1for fixing the two terminals of the inner support tube3. Two rulers15are disposed on two sides of the bag1to measure the relative extending length of the two terminals of the inner support tube3. Fixed-point indication marks (not shown inFIG. 1) is disposed on the turnings of the inner support tube3for placing fixing fixtures6. When the inner support tube3is placed, the inner support tube3and the fixing fixtures6can provide or decrease additional tension of the inner support tube3in the molded accommodation volume4, and the shape of the inner support tube3can thus be maintained in the molded accommodation volume4.

The front and rear surfaces of the bag1below the horizontal segment of the inner support tube3are laminated and sealed to support the inner support tube3thereon. This design can avoid the material of the tissue scaffold from overflowing out of the molded accommodation volume4to the space in the lower part of the bag1.

Furthermore, the embodiments below can further prove the practice scope of this invention, but it is not intended to limit the scope thereto.

As shown inFIG. 1, the adjustable hooks21may be used to hang the bag1while using, and the threaded structures of the adjustable hooks21may be rotated to adjust the horizontal level of the shape memory frame2.

When the inner support tube3is a U-shaped inner support tube, the inner support tube3may be placed on the bottom of the bag1, and the two terminals of the inner support tube3may be fixed by the elastic clamps5. If the inner support tube3is dropped, the external fixing fixtures6may be used to pull the inner support tube3outward. On the contrary, if the inner support tube3is too tight, the external fixing fixtures6may be used to push the inner support tube3inward. Therefore, the position of the inner support tube3can be fine-tuned to avoid the inner support tube3from being directly touched, and the infection opportunity can be decreased.

After the inner support tube3is fixed, the inner support tube3may selectively penetrate the molded accommodation volume4for forming a tissue scaffold, as shown inFIG. 2. The molded accommodation volume4is a cylindrical accommodation volume or other 3D steric structures. Other parts of the bag1are designed to be laminated and sealed. In operation, the needed material may be added through the operation window12to form the predetermined tissue scaffold. The magnetic elements14below the operation window12can quickly close the space above the molded accommodation volume4after the addition of the tissue material, so that they can start to react in pre-designed shape. After completing the reaction, the cover13may be torn apart along the dashed line to obtain the tissue scaffold and the inner support tube3. Then, a subsequent experiment or application may be proceeded.

Please refer toFIG. 2. The magnetic elements14and fixing rods17thereof use a second layer of material to coat the bag1. The magnetic elements14on the fixing side are disposed on the side opposite to the operation window12, and the magnetic elements14on the moving side are disposed on the same side with the operation window12. The magnetic elements14on the moving side can be slid to the left and right.

As shown inFIG. 3, which is a diagram of the magnetic elements14. The N and S pole sides of the magnetic elements14are alternatively arranged on the moving side, and the series of magnetic elements14are arranged on the fixing side. The magnetic elements14are all disposed on the fixing rods17, and operation rods18are respectively disposed on the fixing rods17. The magnetic elements14on the moving side are moved to the right or to the left to attract or repel the magnetic elements14on the fixing side by controlling the operation rods18. Then, the anterior and posterior wall of the molded container around the magnetic elements14below the operation window12(not shown inFIG. 3) may be constantly spaced or approximated.

Please refer toFIG. 4, which is a cross-sectional diagram of a molded container for a tissue scaffold according to a second embodiment of this invention. The molded container comprises a bag1made from a soft material, a shape memory frame2, and an inner support tube3.

A sealing part11is disposed on the opening of the bag1, and an operation window12is disposed below the sealing part11. At least a magnetic element14is disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the bag1and below the operation window12. The sealing part11is closed when no external forces are applied thereon. A cover13is disposed on the operation window12, and the cover13can be peeled off or opened when the operation window12is used. A liquid level indicating line16is disposed on the external side of the bag1.

The shape memory frame2is embedded in the periphery of the bag1. The frame2is a metal frame made by a memory metal to maintain the shape of the frame2. At least two adjustable hooks21are disposed on two top sides of the frame2and protruded out of the bag1. The adjustable hooks21each has a threaded structure to adjust the bottom level of the shape memory frame2.

The inner support tube3is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag1and inserted into a molded accommodation volume4for forming a tissue scaffold. The molded storage area is a cylindrical accommodation volume or other 3D steric structures, and the length of the inner support tube3is longer than the length of the molded accommodation volume4. The inner support tube3may be made from a soft or a hard material, for example.

The inner support tube3may be a U-shaped inner support tube. The two sides of the inner support tube3are turned from vertical to horizontal and further extending to a certain length to be inserted into the molded accommodation volume4. Furthermore, a horizontal support segment19may be disposed in the bag1. The horizontal support segment19in the bag1may be provided to dispose a single-unbent-segment inner support tube. Two fixing fixtures6are disposed on two bottom sides of the bag1for fixing the two ends of the single-unbent-segment inner support tube. Therefore, a user may use the single-unbent-segment inner support tube for forming a tissue scaffold. The inner support tube3in the molded accommodation volume4may have an irregular shape, such as cylindrical and triangular three-dimensional modeling, etc. The molded accommodation volume4may also have an irregular steric structure to fit the shape of the inner support tube3.

Two elastic clamps5are disposed on two top inner sides of the bag1for fixing the two terminals of the inner support tube3. Two rulers15are disposed on two sides of the bag1to measure the relative extending length of the two terminals of the inner support tube3. Fixed-point indication marks (not shown inFIG. 4) are disposed on the turnings of the inner support tube3for placing the fixing fixtures6. When the inner support tube3is placed, the inner support tube3and the fixing fixtures6can provide or decrease additional tension of the inner support tube3in the molded accommodation volume4, and the shape of the inner support tube3can be thus maintained in the molded accommodation volume4.

The front and rear surfaces of the bag1below the horizontal segment of the inner support tube3and the corresponding horizontal support segment19are laminated and sealed to support the inner support tube3thereon. This design can avoid the material within the tissue scaffold from overflowing out of the molded accommodation volume4to the space in the lower part of the bag1.

In addition, the design of the horizontal segment of the inner support tube3and the corresponding horizontal support segment19of the bag1can adjust (the tightness of) the U-shaped support tube in the molded accommodation volume4by the fixing fixtures6without moving the fixing part of the inner support tube3, in the elastic clamps5. At the same time, the single-unbent-segment inner support tube can be easily disposed and fixed. In addition, the magnetic elements14are all disposed on the fixing rods17, and the operation rods18are respectively disposed on the fixing rods17. The magnetic elements14on the moving side are moved to attract or repel the magnetic elements14on the fixing side by operating the operation rods18. Then, the anterior and posterior wall of the molded container around the magnetic elements14below the operation window12above the operation rod18may be constantly spaced or approximated.

Please refer toFIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional diagram of a molded container for a tissue scaffold according to a third embodiment of this invention. The molded container for a tissue scaffold may have a multi-layered design to perform multiple tissue engineering procedures at one time. The molded container comprises a bag1made by a soft material, a shape memory frame2, and an inner support tube3.

A sealing part11is disposed on the opening of the bag1, and two operation windows12are below the sealing part11. At least a magnetic element14is disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the bag1and below the operation window12. The sealing part11is closed when no external forces are applied thereon. A cover13is disposed on the operation window12, and the cover13can be peeled off or opened when the operation window12is used. A liquid level indicating line16is disposed on the external side of the bag1.

The shape memory frame2is embedded in the periphery of the bag1. The frame2is a metal frame made by a memory metal to maintain the shape of the frame2. Two adjustable hook21are disposed on two top sides of the frame2and protruded out of the bag1. The adjustable hooks21each having a threaded structure to adjust the bottom level of the shape memory frame2.

The two inner support tubes3are respectively accommodated on the bottom and middle parts of the bag1. Each inner support tubes3is selectively penetrated a molded accommodation volume4for forming a tissue scaffold. The molded accommodation volume4is a cylindrical accommodation volume or other 3D steric structures, and the length of the inner support tube3is longer than the length of the molded accommodation volume4.

Here, the inner support tubes3are all U-shaped inner support tubes. Two elastic clamps5are respectively disposed on two top sides of the bag1to fix the two ends of the inner support tube3. Two rulers15are disposed on two sides of the bag1to measure the relative extending length of the two terminals of the inner support tube3. Fixed-point indication marks (not shown inFIG. 5) are disposed on the turnings of the inner support tube3for placing fixing fixtures6. When the inner support tube3is placed, the inner support tube3and the fixing fixtures6can provide or decrease additional tension of the inner support tube3in the molded accommodation volume4, and the shape of the inner support tube3can be thus maintained in the molded accommodation volume4.

The front and rear surfaces of the bag1below the horizontal segment of the inner support tube3are laminated and sealed to support the inner support tube3thereon. This design can avoid the material within the tissue scaffold from overflowing out of the molded accommodation volume4to the space in the lower part of the bag1. The inner support tube3in the molded accommodation volume4may have an irregular shape, such as cylindrical and triangular three-dimensional modeling, etc. The molded accommodation volume4may also have an irregular steric structure to fit the shape of the inner support tube3.

From the embodiments above, it can be known that this invention has the following advantages, comparing with the conventional technology.

1. Adjustability: For conveniently adjusting the errors in the actual production, the vertical and horizontal position of the inner support tube and the relative position of the two ends of the inner support tube all can be rapidly adjusted. The stability after the adjustments is also considered.

2. Sterile environment: The soft bag can adjust the inner support tube to the desired position via indirectly contact by markings of rulers and positions of clamps to decrease the exposure thereof to the environment and thus the dust to form a sterile environment.

3. Stability: When the molded container is actually used, the molded container can meet the needs of the biochemical polymerization. Moreover, the design uses clamps, the support segment of the inner support tube, and the shape memory frame made from a memory metal in this invention to maintain the shape of the bag. After adding the tissue materials through the operation window, the magnetic elements can be used to rapidly close the operation window to start the polymerization in pre-designed shape.

4. Portability: The molded container can be hung in various places by using the adjustable hooks. Moreover, the bag can be made form a soft material and thus is easy to be carried.