Bioabsorbable Resin with Non-Cytotoxic Photoinitiator for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioresorbable resins for additive manufacturing lack a photoinitiator that is suitable for producing flexible or elastic objects without cytotoxicity, especially for use in biomedical applications where safety and biocompatibility are critical.
Innovation Solution
A bioresorbable resin composition that includes a low cytotoxicity photoinitiator, dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2,3-furandione (DDFD), combined with a bioresorbable polyester oligomer, non-reactive and reactive diluents, UV light absorbers, and optional fillers and cross-linking agents, suitable for photopolymerization in additive manufacturing to create flexible or elastic objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional photoinitiators are used in bioresorbable resins for additive manufacturing, then the resin can be effectively photopolymerized to produce flexible or elastic objects, but the photoinitiator presents substantial cytotoxicity when implanted into a subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical identity parameter of the photoinitiator from traditional aromatic compounds (like Irgacure 2959 or Irgacure 784) to dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2,3-furandione (DDFD), an alpha-ketoester photoinitiator. This parameter change fundamentally alters the photodegradation pathway to non-cytotoxic products while maintaining photopolymerization effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between polymerization reliability and cytotoxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of photoinitiator residues by selecting DDFD, which degrades into benign products (acetone and carbon dioxide) upon photolysis. The photodegradation pathway itself becomes beneficial, transforming from a source of cytotoxicity into a safe elimination mechanism, allowing the photoinitiator to fulfill its function without harmful side effects.
2Strength
If bioresorbable polyester oligomers with reactive end groups are used to achieve flexibility and elasticity, then the objects gain desired mechanical properties, but the resin requires a photoinitiator that is compatible with biomedical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite resin system combining bioresorbable polyester oligomers (providing flexibility and elasticity) with DDFD photoinitiator (providing biocompatibility). This composite approach allows each component to contribute its beneficial properties while minimizing drawbacks, achieving both mechanical performance and biomedical safety simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
DDFD acts as an intermediary substance that enables the photopolymerization of bioresorbable polyester oligomers without compromising biocompatibility. The photoinitiator mediates between the requirement for effective crosslinking (to achieve flexibility) and the requirement for biomedical safety, facilitating both goals through its unique photodegradation characteristics.
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 resin composition enables the production of bioresorbable and non-cytotoxic objects that are flexible or elastic, suitable for biomedical applications, with DDFD providing a safe alternative to traditional photoinitiators, ensuring reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
A photopolymerizable resin useful for the additive manufacturing of a bioresorbable object comprises... dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2,3-furandione (DDFD) photoinitiator... an ultraviolet (UV) light absorber
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet (UV) light absorber (i.e., as a processing aid)
Data Source
AI summary
A resin useful for producing objects is provided, which resin contains a photoinitiator of low cytotoxicity. The resins may be suitable for use in additive manufacturing techniques such as bottom-up and top-down stereolithography, produce objects that are bioresorbable and non-cytotoxic, and/or produce objects that are flexible or elastic. Methods of use of the resin and objects produced therefrom are also provided.