Biodurable Reticulated Elastomeric Matrix for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue engineering scaffolds made from synthetic bioabsorbable materials face issues such as undesirable tissue responses, inability to engineer degradation characteristics, and lack of mechanical properties needed for effective delivery and cellular ingrowth, particularly in applications requiring long-term residence and dynamic loadings.
Innovation Solution
Development of a biodurable, reticulated elastomeric matrix with a high void content and porosity, capable of being compressed for delivery and expanding in situ, allowing for cellular ingrowth and proliferation, and maintaining physical characteristics over long periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic bioabsorbable materials are used for tissue engineering scaffolds, then the scaffolds can be absorbed by the body without adverse tissue response, but the scaffolds cannot maintain mechanical properties needed for delivery and long-term structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a bioabsorbable outer shell with a biodurable inner core. The outer shell is made from bioabsorbable polymer (PLA or PLGA) that provides initial protection and gradually degrades, while the inner core is made from biodurable polyurethane foam that maintains mechanical integrity. This composite approach allows the scaffold to be absorbed without adverse response while maintaining necessary mechanical properties throughout the degradation process.
2Reliability
If the scaffold is made highly porous to allow cellular ingrowth, then cellular proliferation is enhanced, but the mechanical strength and ability to withstand compression during delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different porosity characteristics to different regions of the scaffold. The outer shell maintains a less porous, more structurally intact configuration to provide mechanical strength and protection during delivery. The inner core features high porosity (70-90% void volume) with interconnected pores specifically designed for cellular ingrowth and nutrient diffusion. This localized differentiation of porosity allows the scaffold to simultaneously achieve compression resistance during delivery and enhance cellular proliferation in the implantation site.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the scaffold degrades quickly to be absorbed by the body, then adverse tissue response is minimized, but the scaffold cannot provide long-term structural support for tissue regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the outer shell to degrade at a controlled rate that precedes and facilitates tissue ingrowth. The shell's gradual degradation creates space and pathways for tissue infiltration while maintaining structural integrity during the critical early regeneration phase. The inner core provides sustained structural support throughout the entire process, ensuring long-term stability while the shell progressively absorbs, thereby minimizing adverse responses.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the scaffold is designed for long-term implantation, then structural support is maintained, but adverse tissue responses may increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous structural support through the biodurable inner core that maintains its mechanical properties throughout the entire implantation period. Simultaneously, the outer shell provides continuous controlled degradation that actively promotes tissue integration over time. This continuous dual-action system ensures long-term implantation stability while progressively minimizing adverse tissue responses through controlled bioabsorption and tissue ingrowth.
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 biodurable reticulated elastomeric matrix enables long-term implantation with minimal tissue response, supports cellular ingrowth and proliferation, and maintains functionality like load-bearing capability, addressing the limitations of existing scaffolds.
Implementation Method 1
The reticulated elastomeric matrix has porosity providing fluid permeability throughout the elastomeric matrix and permitting cellular ingrowth and proliferation into the interior of the elastomeric matrix
Implementation Method 2
The implantable device is compressible and exhibits resilience in its recovery
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to biodurable, reticulated elastomeric matrices that are resiliently-compressible, their manufacture and uses including uses for implantable devices into or for topical treatment of patients, such as humans and other animals, for therapeutic, nutritional, or other useful purposes.