Biodegradable Cross-linked Polymer Films for Surgical Adhesion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing tissue adhesions following surgery and delivering therapeutic agents are inadequate, as existing materials lack biodegradability and flexibility in application.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable, cross-linked polymer films susceptible to chemical hydrolysis or enzymatic action, which can be used to prevent adhesions and deliver therapeutic agents, formed from a reaction product of monomers and crosslinkers, allowing for controlled degradation and varying thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing materials are used for preventing tissue adhesions and delivering therapeutic agents, then the prevention and delivery functions can be achieved, but the materials lack biodegradability and flexibility in application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer films by incorporating biodegradable polymers (PLA, PLGA, PCL, PGA) and controlling crosslinking density to achieve both flexibility in application and biodegradability. The degradation rate is tuned by adjusting polymer ratios and molecular weight parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer film systems combining multiple biodegradable polymers (PLA, PLGA, PCL, PGA) with crosslinking agents to achieve synergistic properties. These composite materials provide both the required flexibility for surgical application and controlled biodegradability for safety.
2Reliability
If biodegradable cross-linked polymer films are used, then biodegradability and controlled degradation are achieved, but the film structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the degradation function into a separate controllable parameter by using specific biodegradable polymer compositions and crosslinking mechanisms. This allows the base film structure to remain relatively simple while the degradation behavior is independently tuned through polymer selection and crosslinker type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the film structure into distinct functional regions through controlled crosslinking, creating a network structure that maintains integrity during use but degrades in a controlled manner afterward. The crosslinked network segments the polymer chains while preserving overall film simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the polymer films are made thinner for better conformability, then the conformability improves, but the mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film architecture with controlled thickness (5-1200 μm) and incorporates crosslinking to provide mechanical reinforcement. The crosslinked network enables the films to maintain adequate strength while achieving the thin profile needed for conformability to surgical sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer systems with crosslinking to achieve high strength-to-thickness ratios. The combination of biodegradable polymers and crosslinking agents creates a reinforced thin film structure that maintains both conformability and mechanical integrity.
4Strength
If crosslinking is increased to improve film integrity, then the mechanical strength and integrity improve, but the biodegradation rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by selecting different crosslinking mechanisms (hydrolytically degradable, enzymatically degradable, or stable crosslinks) and controlling crosslinking density. This allows tuning of the balance between film integrity and degradation rate to match specific surgical application requirements.
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 biodegradable polymer films effectively prevent tissue adhesions and facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents by degrading over time, minimizing biological response and maintaining integrity during use.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer can be susceptible to degradation through chemical hydrolysis or enzymatic action
Implementation Method 2
The polymer can be susceptible to degradation through chemical hydrolysis or enzymatic action
Data Source
AI summary
Biodegradable, cross-linked polymer films and methods of making the same are described. The polymer films can be used for preventing adhesions following surgery and/or delivering therapeutic agents.