Beta-tricalcium phosphate magnetic particles via hydrothermal doping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing magnetic nanoparticles, such as iron oxide, are toxic and require complex coating processes with biopolymers or bioceramics, which are cumbersome and lack precise control over magnetic properties.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing beta-tricalcium phosphate spherical particles with magnetic properties through hydrothermal synthesis, involving the mixing of acidic amino acid monomers, metal salts of magnetic ions, and calcium ions, followed by hydrothermal synthesis and thermal treatment to control magnetic characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If iron oxide nanoparticles are used for magnetic properties, then magnetic functionality is achieved, but toxicity and harm to inner body organs occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic functionalityVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses calcium phosphate as an intermediary material that replaces toxic iron oxide nanoparticles. The calcium phosphate particles are doped with magnetic ions (Fe, Co, Ni) during hydrothermal synthesis, creating a biocompatible matrix that provides magnetic functionality without the toxicity of pure iron oxide. The calcium phosphate acts as a safe mediator between the magnetic ions and the biological environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite magnetic particles by incorporating magnetic ions (Fe, Co, Ni) into calcium phosphate matrix during hydrothermal synthesis. This composite structure combines the biocompatibility of calcium phosphate with the magnetic properties of the dopant ions, eliminating the need for toxic iron oxide while maintaining magnetic functionality for biomedical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If iron oxide nanoparticles are coated with biopolymers or bioceramics to improve biocompatibility, then toxicity is reduced, but the synthesis process becomes complex and requires two or more synthesis steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the synthesis of calcium phosphate particles with the incorporation of magnetic ions into a single hydrothermal process. Instead of separately synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles and then coating them with calcium phosphate (which requires multiple steps), the magnetic ions are doped into the calcium phosphate matrix during one-step hydrothermal synthesis, dramatically simplifying the overall process while achieving the same biocompatible, magnetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The calcium phosphate matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides biocompatibility, acts as a host for magnetic ions, and forms the structural framework of the particles. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate coating layers, as the calcium phosphate itself performs both the structural and biocompatibility roles that would otherwise require multiple synthesis steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If calcium phosphate is doped with magnetic ions to achieve magnetic properties, then magnetic functionality is obtained, but the magnetic property is slight and practically useless

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic functionalityVSAvoidmagnetic property strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes several parameters to enhance magnetic properties: (1) selects from multiple magnetic ion types (Fe, Co, Ni) with different magnetic strengths, (2) controls the doping concentration and ratio of magnetic ions to calcium, (3) adjusts hydrothermal synthesis temperature and time to control particle size and crystallinity, and (4) applies thermal treatment to improve crystalline structure. These parameter changes collectively enhance the magnetic moment of the particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent concentrates magnetic ions at specific locations within the calcium phosphate particles, particularly at crystal lattice sites where they can maximize their magnetic contribution. By controlling the local distribution and coordination environment of magnetic ions during hydrothermal synthesis, the particles achieve enhanced magnetic properties compared to uniform dilute doping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This method simplifies the synthesis of beta-tricalcium phosphate spherical particles with varying magnetic properties, enhancing biocompatibility and magnetic characteristics, suitable for applications like cell labeling, drug delivery, and hyperthermia, while avoiding toxicity issues.

Implementation Method 1

performing hydrothermal synthesis of the third solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrothermal synthesis:

Implementation Method 2

adjustment of atmospheres and/or temperatures of thermal treatment for the spherical particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS10622128B2Magnetic beta-tricalcium phosphate spherical particles and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 RES & BUSINESS FOUND SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIV
  • US10622128B2 patent drawing
  • US10622128B2 patent drawing
  • US10622128B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for producing beta-tricalcium phosphate spherical particles containing magnetic ions. The method includes mixing acidic amino acid monomers, metal salt of magnetic ions and metal salt of calcium ions in de-ionized water to form a first solution; dissolve phosphate in de-ionized water to form a second solution; mixing the first and second solutions to form a third solution; and performing hydrothermal synthesis of the third solution.