Tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-constriction uniaxial orientation fiber

Abstract

The invention provides a tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-constriction uniaxial orientation fibers. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device solves the problems that an existing mechanical loading device is complex in structure, difficult to accurately control the loading direction and difficult to adapt to the in-vivo environment. The device comprises bonding ends and a tubular fiber membrane, and the two bonding ends are fixed to the two ends of the tubular fiber membrane respectively and used for being bonded to the two ends of the damaged tissue; the tubular fiber membrane is of a fiber structure and is oriented in the axis direction of the tubular fiber membrane, so that the tubular fiber membrane can contract in the axis direction of the tubular fiber membrane under stimulation of external conditions, and then mechanical stimulation is provided for in-vivo tissue. The device does not need to be provided with an internal driving mechanism, is simple in structure, can generate contraction force along the axial direction of the tube under the stimulation of an external condition, can apply mechanical stimulation to cells and promote tissue regeneration while guiding damaged tissue contraction and tubular fiber membrane contraction, and is suitable for fracture repair of tubular tissues such as blood vessels and nerves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of biomechanical devices, and in particular to a tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers. Background Art

[0002] In clinical medicine, tissue rupture caused by accidents or diseases, such as rupture of key parts such as nerves and blood vessels, seriously threatens human life and health. However, these tissues usually have poor self-healing ability, and the repair process is slow and the effect is not ideal. In the repair and regeneration of tubular tissues in the body, such as nerves and blood vessels, the mechanical environment is considered to be a key factor affecting tissue healing. Appropriate mechanical stimulation can promote cell proliferation, differentiation and reconstruction of tissue structure, thereby accelerating the healing process. However, traditional mechanical loading devices are usually very large and complex, difficult to integrate into tissues in the body, and have many shortcomings in providing precise mechanical stimulation, which limits their clinical application.

[0003] To apply mechanical stimulation to tissues in the body, traditional mechanical loading devices use mechanical components to directly apply external forces to the tissues. For example, mechanical stretching and tensioning devices are used to apply specific tensile or compressive forces; microelectromechanical system mechanical stimulation devices, by integrating microelectromechanical technology, can provide tiny and precise mechanical stimulation for mechanical research on specific tissues. However, these devices are often large and complex in structure, suitable for surgical scenarios but not suitable for long-term indwelling in the body. They are also difficult to manufacture and control, usually relying on power supplies and complex control circuits, making them difficult to achieve widespread clinical application.

[0004] The applicant has found that the existing technology has at least the following technical problems: the existing mechanical loading devices used for repairing tubular tissues such as nerves and blood vessels have complex structures, difficulty in accurately controlling the loading direction, and difficulty in adapting to the in vivo environment, which limits their application in tubular tissue repair. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers. This device addresses the technical challenges of existing mechanical loading devices used for the repair of tubular tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels, which suffer from complex structures, difficulty in precisely controlling the loading direction, and difficulty adapting to the in vivo environment. The various technical advantages achieved by the preferred technical solutions provided by the present invention are detailed below.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers provided by the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an adhesive end and a tubular fiber membrane, wherein:

[0008] The two adhesive ends are respectively fixed to the two ends of the tubular fiber membrane and are used to be adhered to the two ends of the damaged tissue;

[0009] The tubular fiber membrane has a fiber structure and is oriented along the axial direction of the tubular fiber membrane, so that the tubular fiber membrane can contract along its axial direction under external stimulation, thereby providing mechanical stimulation along the axial direction to tissues in the body.

[0010] The magnitude of the force provided by the tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers is controlled by the shrinkage rate of the electrospun membrane under external stimulation. Specifically, different shape memory materials are selected to prepare the electrospun membrane, and the electrospun membrane is given different deformations. Under external stimulation, due to the shape memory effect, the electrospun membrane gradually recovers its initial shape. Different shrinkage rates and recovery forces are generated in the process, thereby controlling the parameters of the force provided by the device.

[0011] Preferably, the tubular fiber membrane is made of shape memory material.

[0012] Preferably, the driving mode for causing the shape memory material to contract in response to stimulation includes one of heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and water.

[0013] Preferably, the shape memory material is any one of polyurethane, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polytrimethylene carbonate, polylauryl glyceride, and polyω-pentadecanolactone.

[0014] Preferably, the tubular fiber membrane is a hollow tube with open ends.

[0015] Preferably, the bonding agent of the bonding end is one of polyvinyl alcohol, fibrin bonding material, polyethylene glycol, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), gelatin, and polydopamine.

[0016] Preferably, the membrane thickness of the tubular fiber membrane is consistent everywhere.

[0017] Preferably, the tubular fiber membrane is manufactured by electrospinning technology.

[0018] Preferably, the in vivo tissue includes tubular tissue, and the tubular tissue includes blood vessels and nerves.

[0019] The in vivo tissue mechanical loading device based on a self-shrinking tubular oriented fiber electrospun membrane provided by the present invention offers the following advantages over existing technologies: The adhesive end of the device effectively conforms to in vivo tissue, making it compact and easy to integrate. The device also requires no internal drive mechanism, resulting in a simple structure and no complex mechanical structure. Under external stimulation, it can generate a contractile force along the axial direction of the tube, guiding the contraction of damaged tissue. Simultaneously with the contraction of the tubular fiber membrane, it also applies uniaxial mechanical stimulation to cells. Appropriate mechanical stimulation can regulate the behavior of cells involved in tissue repair, promoting tissue regeneration. The device is suitable for repairing tubular tissues such as blood vessels and nerves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a scanning electron micrograph of a tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers.

[0023] In the figure, 1. mechanical loading device; 2. tubular fiber membrane; 3. bonding end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementations obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "length," "width," "height," "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," and "side" and the like, indicating positions or location relationships, are based on the positions or location relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended only to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0026] The present invention provides an in vivo tissue mechanical loading device based on a self-shrinking tubular oriented fiber electrospun membrane. This device, which requires no internal drive mechanism and a simple, uncomplicated mechanical structure, generates a contractile force along the tube's axis under external stimulation, guiding the contraction of damaged tissue.

[0027] The following combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The technical solution provided by the present invention is described in more detail.

[0028] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tubular tissue mechanical loading device 1 based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers provided by the present invention includes an adhesive end 3 and a tubular fiber membrane 2, wherein: the two adhesive ends 3 are respectively fixed at the two ends of the tubular fiber membrane 2, and are used to be bonded to the two ends of the damaged tissue; the tubular fiber membrane 2 has a fiber structure and is oriented along the axial direction of the tubular fiber membrane 2, so that the tubular fiber membrane 2 can shrink along its axial direction under the stimulation of external conditions, thereby providing mechanical stimulation to the tissue in the body.

[0029] The mechanical loading device 1 can be surgically implanted in the body, and the external conditions for driving contraction include water drive in a body fluid environment, in vitro application of a magnetic field, in vitro application of an electric field, in vitro light irradiation, and temperature drive in response to heat.

[0030] The magnitude of the force provided by the tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers is controlled by the shrinkage rate of the electrospun membrane under external stimulation, giving the electrospun membrane different deformations. Under external stimulation, due to the shape memory effect, the electrospun membrane gradually recovers its initial shape, generating different shrinkage rates and recovery forces in the process, thereby controlling the parameters of the force provided by the microdevice.

[0031] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the tubular fiber membrane 2 of this embodiment is a hollow tube with open ends. On the wall of the hollow tube, the nanofiber structure is oriented along the axis of the tubular fiber membrane 2. This structure allows the tubular fiber membrane 2 to contract axially when external stimulation is applied in vitro, thereby mechanically stimulating the tissue in vivo.

[0032] See also Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The fiber orientation of the fiber structure can be seen in the figure, which is shown in the direction of the arrow, which is the axial direction of the tubular fiber membrane 2.

[0033] The in vivo tissue mechanical loading device 1 of this embodiment, based on a self-shrinking tubular oriented fiber electrospun membrane, features an adhesive end 3 that effectively conforms to in vivo tissue, is compact, and easily integrated. The device requires no internal drive mechanism, resulting in a simple structure and no complex mechanical structure. Under external stimulation, it can generate a contractile force along the axial direction of the tube, guiding the contraction of damaged tissue. Simultaneously with the contraction of the tubular fiber membrane 2, it also applies uniaxial mechanical stimulation to cells. Appropriate mechanical stimulation can regulate the behavior of cells involved in tissue repair, promoting tissue regeneration. The device is suitable for repairing tubular tissues such as blood vessels and nerves.

[0034] As an optional implementation, the tubular fiber membrane 2 of this embodiment is made of shape memory material.

[0035] Shape memory materials are a class of intelligent materials with special functions that can "remember" and restore their original shape or state under specific conditions. The tubular fiber membrane 2 of this embodiment is made of shape memory material. Therefore, under specific in vitro conditions, it can contract along the fiber orientation direction, thereby generating mechanical stimulation.

[0036] As an optional implementation, the driving method for causing the shape memory material to contract under stimulation in this embodiment includes one of heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and water, and the specific driving method is determined according to the type of shape memory material used.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the shape memory material of this embodiment is any one of polyurethane, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polytrimethylene carbonate, polydodecane diglyceride, and polyω-pentadecanolactone.

[0038] As an optional implementation manner, the magnitude of the driving force that can be provided by this embodiment is adjusted by the properties of the shape memory material and the magnitude of the initial deformation.

[0039] Polyurethane-based memory materials have inherent two-phase separation properties, and by adjusting their chemical composition and structure, they can achieve shape recovery rates of up to 95%. The shape memory properties of polylactic acid can be manipulated by adjusting its crystallinity, with both its shape retention and recovery rates exceeding 99%. Polycaprolactone also exhibits excellent shape memory properties, and its molecular weight and crystallinity can be adjusted to achieve different mechanical properties and shape recovery rates.

[0040] In this embodiment, the oriented structure of the tubular fiber membrane 2 promotes faster and more complete contraction of the fiber membrane, which is expected to further accelerate tissue contraction, strengthen mechanical stimulation, and induce cell migration. Meanwhile, fiber self-contraction can also accelerate cell migration. The structure of the tubular fiber membrane 2 is more suitable for tubular tissues such as nerves and blood vessels.

[0041] As an optional implementation, in this embodiment, the bonding agent of the bonding end 3 is one of polyvinyl alcohol, fibrin bonding material, polyethylene glycol, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), gelatin, and polydopamine.

[0042] The adhesive ends 3 can be adhered to both ends of damaged tissues, such as tubular tissues such as blood vessels and nerves.

[0043] The adhesive property of the adhesive end 3 of the device can effectively fit the tissue in the body, and the device is miniaturized and easy to integrate.

[0044] As an optional embodiment, the membrane thickness of the tubular fiber membrane 2 is consistent everywhere, so as to facilitate application of uniform and stable contractile force to the tissue in the body.

[0045] As an optional embodiment, the tubular fiber membrane 2 is manufactured by electrospinning technology.

[0046] Electrospinning is a mature, specialized form of electrostatic atomization of polymer fluids. The resulting atomized material is not microscopic droplets, but rather tiny polymer jets that can travel considerable distances and ultimately solidify into fibers. Under the influence of an electric field, the droplet at the needle changes from a spherical shape to a conical shape (a "Taylor cone"), which then extends from the cone's tip to form a fiber filament.

[0047] Using the above technology, the shape memory material can be oriented along the axis of the tubular fiber membrane, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, this device utilizes the self-contraction and fiber orientation of the tubular fiber membrane 2 to provide precise mechanical stimulation to tubular tissues such as nerves and blood vessels without the need for external energy. In vivo tissues include tubular tissues, which in turn include blood vessels and nerves. The length and diameter of the mechanical loading device 1 can be adjusted based on the characteristics of the target tissue to suit the in vivo application.

[0049] The in vivo tissue mechanical loading device 1 based on the self-shrinking tubular oriented fiber electrospun membrane of this embodiment is a device that does not require external energy and can be directly integrated into the body. The device can provide precise mechanical stimulation for tubular tissues such as nerves and blood vessels, has self-shrinkage characteristics, can accurately control the loading direction and intensity, adapt to the needs of different tissue repair stages, significantly improve the repair effect and overcome the limitations of existing devices.

[0050] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0052] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers, characterized in that: Comprising adhesive ends and a tubular fiber membrane, wherein: The two adhesive ends are respectively fixed to the two ends of the tubular fiber membrane and are used to be adhered to the two ends of the damaged tissue; The tubular fiber membrane has a fiber structure and is oriented along the axis direction of the tubular fiber membrane, so that the tubular fiber membrane can contract along the axis direction under external conditions, thereby providing mechanical stimulation to tissues in the body.

2. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular fiber membrane is made of shape memory material.

3. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving method for causing the shape memory material to contract when stimulated includes one of heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and water.

4. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The shape memory material is any one of polyurethane, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polytrimethylene carbonate, polylauryl glyceride, and polyω-pentadecanolactone.

5. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular fiber membrane is a hollow tube with open ends.

6. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bonding agent of the bonding end is one of polyvinyl alcohol, fibrin bonding material, polyethylene glycol, poly N-isopropylacrylamide, gelatin, and polydopamine.

7. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The membrane thickness of the tubular fiber membrane is uniform everywhere.

8. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular fiber membrane is manufactured by electrospinning technology.

9. The tubular tissue mechanical loading device based on self-shrinking uniaxially oriented fibers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The in vivo tissue includes tubular tissue, and the tubular tissue includes blood vessels and nerves.

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