Artificial Tendon Fiber Weaving for Strength and Tissue Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial tendons suffer from material limitations that hinder tissue regeneration and repair, biocompatibility issues, and poor integration with natural tissues, leading to fatigue and re-fracture.

Innovation Solution

A method involving interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation spinning using positively charged polysaccharide and negatively charged polyamino acid polymers to form artificial fibers, coated with protein, twisted into bundles, and woven into a hierarchical structure, optionally loaded with growth factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional artificial tendon materials are used, then mechanical strength can be achieved, but biocompatibility and tissue integration are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining synthetic polymer fibers (for mechanical strength) with natural extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and fibronectin (for biocompatibility). This multi-material composite structure allows the artificial tendon to simultaneously achieve high tensile strength from the synthetic fibers and excellent cell adhesion and integration from the natural protein coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If simple artificial tendon structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but tissue regeneration promotion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtissue regeneration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial tendon is constructed with segmented hierarchical structure including inner core fibers, outer sheath, and layered protein coatings. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (mechanical support, protection, cell adhesion) while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through systematic assembly of standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the artificial tendon have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The inner core has high tensile strength for mechanical support, while the outer surface has high protein content for cell adhesion. Growth factors are locally delivered to specific zones to promote targeted tissue regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If natural tendon properties are replicated, then tissue integration improves, but mechanical durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue integrationVSAvoidmechanical durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid composite structure combines the durability of synthetic polymers with the bioactivity of natural proteins. The synthetic fiber core provides long-term mechanical durability and structural stability, while the natural protein coatings and embedded growth factors enable effective tissue integration and regeneration over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 method produces artificial tendons with high tensile strength, durability, and enhanced biocompatibility, promoting tissue regeneration and repair.

Implementation Method 1

forming an artificial fiber through interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation spinning (IPC spinning) process, wherein the artificial fiber is formed by spinning on a machine using a positively charged polysaccharide polymer and a negatively charged polyamino acid polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterfacial polyelectrolyte complexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the positively charged polysaccharide polymer and the negatively charged polyamino acid polymer are respectively in a form of positively charged droplets and negatively charged droplets, and the positively charged polysaccharide polymer and the negatively charged polyamino acid polymer are dropped on the machine, and the artificial fiber is fabricated by contact of the positively charged droplets and the negatively charged droplets through pulling upward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 3

coating the artificial fiber with a protein to form a coated artificial fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12551600B2Method for preparing artificial tendon and artificial tendon prepared therefrom

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for preparing an artificial tendon, and the artificial tendon prepared therefrom. The present disclosure uses interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation spinning, and collocates with the self-designed collection machine to produce micron and millimeter-scale fibers, and through the weaving method, it is made into a tailor-made artificial substitute, which is applied to artificial tendons with high tensile strength and durability.