Biological Valve Material Cross-linking for Anti-calcification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glutaraldehyde cross-linked biological heart valves suffer from poor blood compatibility and limited lifespan due to calcification, necessitating improved mechanical and anti-coagulation properties.
Innovation Solution
Introducing carbon-carbon double bonds through secondary cross-linking, using functional monomers during the glutaraldehyde cross-linking process to enhance the cross-linking degree and mechanical properties of biological valve materials, while also improving anti-calcification and anti-coagulation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glutaraldehyde cross-linking is used to enhance mechanical properties, then strength and durability are improved, but blood compatibility deteriorates and calcification risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linking process is divided into two distinct stages: first glutaraldehyde cross-linking to establish the basic network structure, then carbodiimide cross-linking to complete the cross-linking of remaining amino groups. This segmentation allows each cross-linking agent to perform its optimal function without the harmful effects of excessive glutaraldehyde cross-linking.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbodiimide is introduced as an intermediary cross-linking agent that specifically targets and cross-links residual amino groups that glutaraldehyde cannot effectively cross-link. This intermediary step completes the cross-linking network while avoiding the formation of calcification-prone aldehyde groups.
2Strength
If glutaraldehyde cross-linking concentration and time are increased to improve mechanical properties, then strength is enhanced, but self-polymerization increases causing valve hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful self-polymerization of glutaraldehyde is extracted and separated from the beneficial cross-linking function. By using carbodiimide for the second stage of cross-linking, the patent eliminates the self-polymerization side reaction while maintaining and enhancing the cross-linking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cross-linking process by introducing carbodiimide with different reactivity characteristics. This parameter change allows cross-linking to proceed without the excessive hardening caused by high concentration or extended glutaraldehyde treatment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-glutaraldehyde cross-linking agents like carbodiimide are used to improve blood compatibility, then biocompatibility is enhanced, but mechanical properties become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of two different cross-linking approaches: glutaraldehyde cross-linking for initial mechanical strength and carbodiimide cross-linking for improved blood compatibility. The combined two-stage process achieves both mechanical performance and biocompatibility that neither method could achieve alone.
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 results in biological valve materials with improved mechanical properties, reduced calcification risk, and enhanced biocompatibility, potentially extending the lifespan of the valves.
Implementation Method 1
Glutaraldehyde can cross-link the collagen in the pericardium, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the valve
Implementation Method 2
polymerization of carbon-carbon double bonds is further initiated to achieve the secondary cross-linking
Data Source
AI summary
A biological valve material and preparation method therefor and use thereof are provided. The preparation method includes step S100: chemically grafting first carbon-carbon double bonds with amino groups on the biological material, in which at least an aldehyde-based cross-linking is present; step S200: performing polymerization of carbon-carbon double bonds under an action of an initiator to obtain the biological valve material. This method forms more and larger polymer cross-linked networks through dual cross-linking, improving the cross-linking degree and anti-calcification performance of the biological valve material. While introducing carbon-carbon double bonds, additional functional groups are introduced to endow the biological valve material with new characteristics and further improve the performance.