Bioadhesive Polymer Network for Wet Tissue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioadhesives used in clinical and surgical applications often lack superior tissue adhesion, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and safety, particularly under wet conditions, and can pose risks of disease transmission and allergic reactions, with some materials degrading slowly or releasing toxic species.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a polymer or oligomer formed from polycarboxylic acids, alcohols, and catechol-containing species, which can be crosslinked to form a hydrogel network, potentially incorporating particulate materials or drugs, offering enhanced mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and controlled biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bioadhesive materials are used to provide tissue adhesion, then adhesion strength is improved, but mechanical properties and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) with poly(ethylene glycol) and gelatin methacrylate to create a bioadhesive composition that achieves both strong tissue adhesion and controlled biodegradability through the synergistic properties of multiple polymer components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight, composition ratios, and crosslinking density of the polymer network to optimize both adhesion strength and biodegradation rate, allowing adjustment of material properties to match specific tissue requirements
2Strength
If materials with superior tissue adhesion are used, then adhesion performance is improved, but safety and biocompatibility deteriorate due to toxic species release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable polymer components that are metabolically active and break down into non-toxic products, allowing the material to be safely disposed of by the body through natural metabolic processes without requiring removal or causing long-term harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of rapid biodegradation into a benefit by designing the polymer network to degrade at an optimized rate that maintains structural integrity during healing while releasing growth factors and avoiding toxic accumulation
3Strength
If materials providing better tissue adhesion are used, then adhesion strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by formulating the bioadhesive as separate components (polymer backbone, crosslinker, and functional moieties) that can be manufactured independently and then combined, simplifying production and allowing optimization of each component's synthesis
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 described composition provides superior tissue adhesion, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, while ensuring safe and controlled biodegradation, making it suitable for both wet and dry surgical applications without the risks associated with existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
A polymer or oligomer described herein is crosslinked to form a polymer network
Implementation Method 2
a polymer, oligomer, crosslinked polymer network, or hydrolgel described herein is bonded to a surface and/or adhered to biological material
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a polymer or oligomer formed from one or more polycarboxylic acids, one or more alcohols, and one or more catechol-containing species. In another aspect, methods of making a composition are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition comprises providing a polycarboxylic acid; providing an alcohol; combining the polycarboxylic acid with the alcohol; adding a catechol-containing species to the combination of the polycarboxylic acid and the alcohol; and forming a polymer or oligomer from the polycarboxylic acid, the alcohol, and the catechol-containing species. In some embodiments, the catechol-containing species comprises an amine moiety, a carboxylic acid moiety, or a hydroxyl moiety that is not part of the catechol group.