Biomimetic Collagen-Hydroxyapatite Composite for Bone Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collagen-hydroxyapatite composite materials lack strong mechanical properties and morphology similar to natural bone, making them inadequate for repairing large bone defects due to weak physical links between collagen scaffolds and hydroxyapatite crystals, and incorrect crystal size and morphology.
Innovation Solution
A biomimetic collagen-hydroxyapatite composite material is developed with mature native collagen fibers that have epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite crystals of the same morphology and size as human bone mineral, forming a strong epitactic link, enhancing mechanical resistance and osteoconductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydroxyapatite crystals are grown on collagen scaffold, then osteoconductivity is improved, but mechanical strength is insufficient due to weak physical links between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the link between hydroxyapatite and collagen from physical adsorption to chemical epitaxial growth. By controlling crystal growth parameters (pH, temperature, ion concentration) to achieve epitaxial orientation, the material gains both strong mechanical bonds and biological osteoconductivity, resolving the contradiction between these two properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a true composite material where hydroxyapatite crystals are epitaxially grown on collagen fibers, forming an integrated structure. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously exhibit the mechanical strength of bone mineral and the osteoconductivity of collagen, rather than relying on weak physical combinations
2Productivity
If hydroxyapatite crystals are used to repair large bone defects, then bone regeneration is promoted, but mechanical resistance to stress is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the crystal growth parameters to produce nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite with specific size distribution (30-50 nm length, 14-25 nm width) that matches natural bone. This parameter optimization enables the material to achieve both rapid bone regeneration and sufficient mechanical strength for large defect repair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different composition within the composite. The collagen scaffold provides flexibility and osteoconductivity in specific regions, while the epitaxially grown hydroxyapatite crystals provide strength and rigidity in other regions, allowing the material to meet diverse requirements of large bone defect repair
3Adaptability or versatility
If synthetic bone graft material is developed, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but morphology and crystal size must precisely match natural bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the epitaxial growth process (pH, temperature, ion concentration, growth time) to precisely control crystal size and morphology. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves natural bone-like crystal dimensions (30-50 nm length, 14-25 nm width) while maintaining versatility for different bone defect applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the essential structural features of natural bone by growing hydroxyapatite crystals with the same morphology and size range as endogenous bone mineral. This copying approach enables the synthetic material to integrate seamlessly with natural bone tissue while maintaining application flexibility across different surgical scenarios
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 composite material exhibits high resistance to mechanical stress, excellent osteoconductivity, and osseointegration, allowing for effective bone repair and regeneration, particularly in large bone defects, with hydroxyapatite crystals of 30-50 nm length and 14-25 nm width, matching human bone mineral dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the collagen fibers are at least partially covered with epitactically grown crystals of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite
Implementation Method 2
a process for preparing that material... immersing an at least partially fibrous collagen scaffold... in a saturated aqueous solution of saturated Ca2+/HxPO4(3-x) to perform the formation process of the composite implant material, whereby epitactically grown hydroxyapatite nanocrystals are formed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to: —a biomimetic collagen-hydroxyapatite composite material comprising an at least partially fibrous collagen scaffold including mature native collagen fibers possessing triple helicity as shown by Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy, wherein those mature native collagen fibers are at least partially covered with epitactically grown crystals of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same morphology as human bone mineral and the same size as human bone mineral, i.e. a length of 30 to 50 nm and a width of 14 to 25 nm, —a process of preparing the above biomimetic collagen-hydroxyapatite composite material comprising the steps of a) immersing an at least partially fibrous collagen scaffold including the above mature native collagen fibers in a saturated aqueous solution of saturated Ca2+/Hx-PO4(3-x) to start the formation process of the composite implant material whereby epitactically grown nanocrystals will be formed on the mature native collagen fibers, the epitactically grown nanocrystals having the same morphology and same size as human bone mineral, b) stopping the formation process of the composite implant material by separating solid material from the aqueous solution, rinsing with water and drying, and c) optionally sterilizing the separated material coming from step b), as well as —the use of the above biomimetic collagen-hydroxyapatite composite material as an implant or prosthesis for bone formation, bone regeneration, bone repair and/or bone replacement at a defect site in a human subject or in an animal, or as an implant for combined bone and cartilage regeneration.