Biodegradable Metal-Polymer Composite Medical Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable medical implants made from polymers lack sufficient mechanical strength and have high degradation rates, making them unsuitable for bearing excessive stress, and non-biodegradable metal implants require a second surgery for removal, posing clinical risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a biodegradable powder with metal elements is sintered or melted in an oxygen-containing atmosphere using an energy beam, with varying oxygen concentrations to form a 3D structure, creating a medical device with controlled metal oxide content and mechanical properties, eliminating the need for a second surgery and enhancing mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biodegradable polymers and macromolecules are used to fabricate medical implants, then the need for second surgery is eliminated and patient safety is improved, but the mechanical strength and fatigue resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of biodegradable polymer matrix combined with metal particles (such as magnesium, zinc, or calcium particles). This composite structure allows the material to achieve both biodegradability and sufficient mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between patient safety and mechanical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the composition parameters of the biodegradable material by controlling the type, size, and concentration of metal particles in the polymer matrix. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves the desired balance between mechanical strength and biodegradability, eliminating the need for second surgery while maintaining structural integrity
2Strength
If metal medical implants are used to ensure high mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the risk of infection and the need for second surgery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable metal-polymer composite implants that are designed to temporarily perform their mechanical function and then naturally degrade in the body. This disposable approach eliminates the need for permanent metal implants and subsequent removal surgery, reducing infection risk while providing necessary mechanical support during healing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the degradation rate of the implant by adjusting the metal particle composition and concentration, allowing the implant to maintain mechanical strength during the critical healing period and then safely degrade, avoiding the long-term infection risks associated with permanent metal implants
3Reliability
If biodegradable macromolecule materials are used to eliminate second surgery, then patient safety is improved, but the degradation rate is too high and mechanical properties are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials where biodegradable metal particles (such as magnesium or zinc) are dispersed in a biodegradable polymer matrix. The metal particles provide structural reinforcement and control the degradation rate, preventing premature degradation while maintaining biocompatibility and eliminating the need for second surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the degradation rate by adjusting the metal-to-polymer ratio, metal particle size, and material composition. This parameter control ensures the implant degrades at an appropriate rate that matches the tissue healing process, maintaining mechanical properties while ensuring patient safety
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 method produces a biodegradable medical device with improved mechanical properties and controlled degradation rates, avoiding the risks of second surgeries and poor mechanical performance of existing biodegradable devices.
Implementation Method 1
An energy beam moving along a predetermined path irradiates to heat the biodegradable powder and form a melted or sintered compositing material
Implementation Method 2
a biodegradable powder including at least one metal element and disposed on a target surface is sintered/melted in an oxygen-containing atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
form a melted or sintered compositing material
Implementation Method 4
form a solid mass of compositing material including at least one base metal and at least one metal oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a medical device includes steps as follows: A degradable powder including at least one metal element is firstly provided on a target surface. A focused energy light bean is applied to sinter/cure the biodegradable powder within an oxygen-containing atmosphere; wherein the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-containing atmosphere is adjusted to provide a first oxygen concentration and a second concentration when the focused energy light is driven to a first location and second location of the target surface respectively. The aforementioned processes are then repeatedly carried out to form a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the medical device.