Agar-Agar Dry Foam Embolization Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolization agents are made from synthetic and non-ecological materials, raising concerns about ecological and animal welfare, and there is a need for a natural, non-animal origin embolization agent for arterial occlusion in medical contexts.
Innovation Solution
A dry foam comprising agar-agar with specific properties, including an elasticity modulus of 0.02 to 0.6 MPa, porosity between 75% and 95%, and average pore size between 250 microns and 700 microns, which can be used as an embolization agent and optionally loaded with therapeutic drugs or medical imaging markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic and non-ecological materials are used for embolization agents, then embolization effectiveness is achieved, but ecological and animal welfare concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from synthetic/animal-based to plant-based agar-agar, maintaining embolization effectiveness while eliminating ecological and animal welfare concerns. The agar-agar foam is derived from red algae and processed to achieve the desired mechanical properties for vascular occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite foam structure using agar-agar as the base material, potentially combined with other natural components, to achieve the required mechanical strength, porosity, and biocompatibility for embolization while remaining entirely natural and non-animal in origin.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural plant-based materials are used for embolization agents, then ecological concerns are addressed, but material properties must be carefully controlled to ensure embolization effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls multiple material parameters including elasticity modulus (0.02 to 0.6 MPa), porosity (75% to 95%), density (0.01 to 0.042 g/cm³), and pore size (250 to 700 microns) to ensure the agar-agar foam achieves the necessary mechanical properties for effective embolization while maintaining its natural origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The agar-agar foam is designed to fulfill multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical occlusion of blood vessels, offering biocompatibility, enabling potential drug delivery, and maintaining ecological safety, all through a single material system with controlled properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If foam porosity is increased to improve liquid absorption, then embolization capability is enhanced, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the foam structure by controlling porosity within the range of 75% to 95% and pore size between 250 to 700 microns, achieving a balance that provides sufficient liquid absorption capability for embolization while maintaining adequate structural strength through the agar-agar matrix.
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 agar-agar foam provides a safe, effective, and biocompatible embolization solution that is suitable for vascular occlusion, including in cancer treatment, with thermal stability and unique liquid absorption properties, demonstrating efficacy in preclinical studies.
Implementation Method 1
unique liquid absorption properties
Implementation Method 2
thermal stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dry foam comprising agar-agar characterized by an elasticity modulus from 0.02 to 0.6 MPa, particularly from 0.15 to 0.6 MPa, more particularly from 0.3 to 0.4 MPa, a manufacturing process thereof and the uses thereof in particular as an embolization agent.