Alpha-TCP Bone Cement with Blood for Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calcium phosphate cements used in bone surgery have insufficient mechanical properties, such as fragility and low fatigue strength, and limited osteoconductive potential, which restricts their application in certain clinical indications like intervertebral fusion and vertebral body augmentation.
Innovation Solution
An injectable phosphocalcic cement composition comprising a powder component of α-tricalcium phosphate particles with an average size greater than or equal to 9 µm and a liquid component of blood, which enhances mechanical, biological, and rheological properties, leading to improved osteoconductive and osteointegrative capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional calcium phosphate cements are used, then they are biocompatible and can be resorbed in vivo, but they have insufficient mechanical properties (too fragile and low fatigue strength)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining α-tricalcium phosphate particles with blood components (platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma proteins) to create a cement that maintains biocompatibility while significantly improving mechanical strength and fatigue resistance. The blood components act as a natural reinforcing phase within the calcium phosphate matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of α-tricalcium phosphate to an average of greater than or equal to 9 μm, which optimizes the balance between mechanical strength and osteoconduction. This parameter change, combined with the blood-based liquid component, transforms the cement from fragile to mechanically robust while maintaining biodegradability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional calcium phosphate cements are used, then they can be injected, but they have reduced osteoconductive potential limiting their use in small volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of α-tricalcium phosphate to an average of greater than or equal to 9 μm, which optimizes the balance between mechanical strength and osteoconduction. This parameter change, combined with the blood-based liquid component, transforms the cement from fragile to mechanically robust while maintaining biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses blood as the liquid component, which contains natural osteoconductive elements (platelets, growth factors, proteins) that actively promote bone regeneration. The blood-based formulation serves its own osteoconductive function without requiring additional synthetic additives, enhancing biological performance while maintaining injectability.
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 cement exhibits increased compressive strength, plastic behavior, and enhanced osteoconduction, allowing for more effective bone anchorage, spinal fusion, and bone repair, with improved resorption and integration into natural bone, thus addressing the limitations of existing cements.
Implementation Method 1
a bone cement phase obtained from the mixing of a powder component and a liquid component
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bone cement paste containing a powder component comprising a-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) particles having an average size greater than or equal to 9 µm, preferably greater than or equal to 10 µm, and a liquid component comprising blood.