Biodegradable Polymer Implant Composition for Bone Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implants made of biodegradable polymers lack the necessary strength, stability, and osteogenic differentiation and osseointegration properties required for effective bone healing and integration.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable implant composed of a first biodegradable polymer, such as copolymeric polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with a 4-hydroxybutyrate content of 0.1% to 50% by weight, and a second biodegradable polymer, such as polylactic acid (PLA), combined in various configurations including core-sheath structures and blends, with optional additives like bioactive glass fibers or drugs for bone regeneration, and surface treatments for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural biodegradable polymers are used, then biological compatibility and biological adaptability are improved, but physical strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining natural biodegradable polymers (such as polyhydroxyalkanoates) with synthetic biodegradable polymers (such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, or polycaprolactone) to create an implant that achieves both excellent biological compatibility and sufficient physical strength. The composite structure allows the natural polymer to provide biocompatibility while the synthetic polymer reinforces mechanical properties.
2Strength
If synthetic biodegradable polymers are used, then physical strength and durability are improved, but biological compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines synthetic biodegradable polymers with natural biodegradable polymers to create a composite material where the synthetic component provides mechanical strength and durability while the natural component ensures biological compatibility and minimal immune response. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and biocompatibility.
3Strength
If PLLA is used, then strength is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polylactic acid (PLLA) with other biodegradable polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyglycolic acid, or polycaprolactone to create a composite material that maintains the high tensile strength of PLLA while the other polymers provide flexibility and impact resistance. This composite structure balances strength and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material composition by changing the polymer ratios and selecting specific polymer types to adjust the mechanical properties. By controlling the composition parameters, the material achieves optimal balance between tensile strength and impact resistance for orthopedic applications.
4Ease of manufacture
If biodegradable polymers are used, then need for removal surgery is eliminated, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite biodegradable polymers that maintain mechanical stability throughout the healing period. The composite structure provides sufficient strength and stability during bone healing, and the material naturally degrades after completing its function, eliminating the need for removal surgery.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an implant comprising a first biodegradable polymer and a second biodegradable polymer, wherein the first biodegradable polymer comprises copolymerized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and the copolymerized PHA comprises, on the basis of the total weight of the copolymerized PHA, 0.1-50 wt% of a repeating unit derived from 4-hydroxybutyrate (4-HB).