Biodegradable Scaffold Coating for Controlled In Vivo Degradation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable in vivo supporting devices often disintegrate uncontrollably, leading to large pieces that can interfere with body fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable metal scaffold coated with a biodegradable polymer coating, where the polymer degrades at a controlled rate, encapsulating the scaffold to prevent fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a biodegradable supporting device is used, then there is no need to remove the device after correction of the underlying defect, but the device may disintegrate in an uncontrolled manner and break into large pieces that interfere with normal circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining biodegradable metal scaffold with biodegradable polymer coating. The metal scaffold provides structural support and controlled degradation properties, while the polymer coating provides additional biocompatibility and controlled degradation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by ensuring the device degrades in a controlled manner rather than disintegrating uncontrollably, while still being biodegradable and not requiring removal.
2Speed
If the biodegradable polymer coating degrades faster than the metal scaffold, then the metal scaffold is exposed earlier for tissue ingrowth, but the polymer coating may not provide sufficient protection during the critical early period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and adjusting the degradation rates of both the polymer coating and metal scaffold. The degradation rate parameters are optimized so that the polymer coating degrades at a controlled pace that balances early metal scaffold exposure for tissue ingrowth with sufficient protection during the critical early period. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between speed of degradation and reliability of protection.
3Reliability
If the biodegradable metal scaffold is made from magnesium alloy, then the material is highly biodegradable and biocompatible, but the degradation rate may be too fast and cause loss of mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining magnesium alloy metal scaffold with biodegradable polymer coating. The magnesium alloy provides excellent biocompatibility and controlled degradation properties, while the polymer coating provides additional mechanical support and protects the metal scaffold during the critical early period. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining both biocompatibility and mechanical strength throughout the degradation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing the polymer coating on the metal scaffold before implantation. This coating serves as a preliminary protective layer that maintains mechanical support during the critical early period before the metal scaffold fully integrates with surrounding tissue. The coating is pre-applied to ensure mechanical integrity is maintained from the moment of implantation.
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 device ensures controlled degradation, preventing the release of metal fragments into body fluids and facilitating absorption at the treatment site.
Implementation Method 1
The biodegradable polymer coating has a degradation rate that is faster than, or equal to, the degradation rate of the biodegradable metal scaffold
Data Source
AI summary
A biodegradable in vivo supporting device is disclosed. The in vivo supporting device comprises a biodegradable metal scaffold and a biodegradable polymer coating covering at least a portion of the biodegradable metal scaffold, wherein the biodegradable polymer coating has a degradation rate that is faster than the degradation rate of the biodegradable metal scaffold.