Absorbable Polymer Blend for Controlled Suture Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbable polymers used in medical devices, such as sutures, often compromise on initial mechanical strength to achieve rapid absorption and mechanical property loss post-implantation, and there is a need for novel blends that provide high initial strength while ensuring controlled absorption and mechanical property loss.
Innovation Solution
A novel absorbable polymer blend comprising a mixture of a high molecular weight glycolide polymer and a lower molecular weight glycolide polymer, with at least one component being end-capped by a carboxylic acid group, allowing for superior mechanical properties at implantation and controlled loss of properties post-healing, achieved through specific molecular weight ratios and acid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional absorbable polymers are used to achieve rapid absorption, then absorption rate is improved, but initial mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn ratio between 1.05-2.0) and acid level (0.5-5.0 mmol/g) of the polymer to achieve both rapid absorption and high initial strength. This differs from conventional polymers that use extreme molecular weight reductions or chemical modifications that compromise strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining high molecular weight chains (for strength) with controlled molecular weight distribution and end-capping (for absorption control). This composite approach at the molecular level allows simultaneous optimization of both mechanical strength and absorption rate.
2Speed
If pre-hydrolysis or gamma irradiation is used to accelerate absorption, then absorption rate is improved, but mechanical properties and other important properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-establishing the desired molecular weight distribution and end-capping during polymer synthesis, rather than requiring post-manufacturing treatments like pre-hydrolysis or irradiation. This preliminary structuring enables controlled absorption while preserving mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be harmful degradation processes (hydrolysis, irradiation damage) into beneficial controlled absorption by designing the polymer structure with specific molecular weight distribution and end-capping. The polymer is engineered to degrade predictably through these processes without suffering the unintended damage that plagues conventional approaches.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If fast absorbing sutures are used for rapid healing tissues, then absorption time is improved, but mechanical strength retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the polymer's molecular weight distribution (narrow Mw/Mn ratio) and acid level to create a predictable strength retention profile. The polymer maintains high strength (≥70% at 7 days, ≥50% at 14 days) while achieving complete absorption within 42 days, optimizing both duration of action and strength retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymer blend maintains high initial breaking strength during wound healing and exhibits rapid but controlled absorption, outperforming conventional sutures in terms of mechanical strength retention and absorption time.
Implementation Method 1
The chemistry of absorbable polymers is designed such that the polymers breakdown in vivo, for example by hydrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Novel absorbable polymer blends are disclosed. The blends are useful for manufacturing medical devices having engineered degradation and breaking strength retention in vivo. The blends consist of a first absorbable polymeric component and a second absorbable polymeric component. The weight average molecular weight of the first polymeric component is higher than the weight average molecular weight of the second polymeric component. At least at least one of said components is at least partially end-capped by a carboxylic acid group. Further aspects are medical devices made therefrom.