Bioorthogonal ECM Functionalization for Decellularized Organ Scaffolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic meshes, both synthetic and biologic, face challenges such as increased infection rates and altered biomechanical properties due to random crosslinking chemistry, while organ transplantation is limited by donor organ shortage and ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Innovation Solution

Functionalization of decellularized organ scaffolds using biorthogonal chemical reactions, specifically copper-catalyzed or copper-free click chemistry, to selectively immobilize biologically active molecules like antibiotics and growth factors, enhancing graft performance and reducing infection risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If random crosslinking chemistry is used to functionalize decellularized organ scaffolds, then biologically active molecules can be immobilized, but the mechanical and biochemical features of the biomaterials are dramatically altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization of biologically active moleculesVSAvoidmechanical and biochemical features
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using bioorthogonal chemistry to achieve selective functionalization at specific locations within the extracellular matrix. Instead of random crosslinking throughout the entire scaffold, the method targets specific regions containing glycosaminoglycans or other biomolecules, leaving the rest of the matrix structure unchanged. This localized approach allows immobilization of biologically active molecules while preserving the original mechanical and biochemical features of the biomaterial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by introducing bioorthogonal chemical groups (such as azides or alkynes) that can be selectively reacted with specific biomolecules in the extracellular matrix. These chemical parameters are designed to be orthogonal to native biological processes, allowing controlled functionalization without altering the overall structure or properties of the scaffold. The reaction conditions and chemical parameters are optimized to maintain the integrity of the biomaterial while achieving the desired functionalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If synthetic prosthetic meshes are used, then strength and low recurrence rates are achieved, but infection rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemesh strengthVSAvoidinfection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining the structural advantages of synthetic meshes with the infection-resistant properties of biologic materials. The method involves functionalizing decellularized organ scaffolds (which provide infection resistance) with biologically active molecules that enhance mechanical strength and promote tissue integration. This creates a composite structure that integrates the best properties of both synthetic and biologic materials, achieving both strength and low infection rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing decellularized organ scaffolds as a intermediate material that bridges synthetic and biologic options. These scaffolds serve as a mediator that provides the structural integrity needed for mesh strength while maintaining the infection resistance of biologic materials. The scaffolds are then further functionalized with biologically active molecules to enhance their performance, creating a multi-functional intermediate solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biologic prosthetics are used, then infection resistance is improved, but failure rates and bacterial infection persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection resistanceVSAvoidfailure rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the decellularized organ scaffolds with biologically active molecules before implantation. This preliminary functionalization ensures that the scaffold is already optimized for promoting tissue integration and resisting bacterial colonization at the time of implantation. The scaffold is prepared in advance with the necessary biochemical properties to enhance its reliability and reduce failure rates while maintaining infection resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuity of useful action by ensuring that the biologically active molecules remain functional and active throughout the implantation process and over time. The functionalization is designed to be stable and持久, maintaining the scaffold's ability to promote tissue integration and resist infection continuously. This continuous functional activity ensures sustained reliability and reduces the risk of failure and bacterial infection over the long term.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If vancomycin is administered systemically, then bacterial infection is treated, but renal toxicity occurs and continuous monitoring is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial infection treatmentVSAvoidmonitoring requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting and localizing the antibiotic function directly to the implant site rather than relying on systemic administration. Biologically active molecules including antibiotics are immobilized specifically on the decellularized organ scaffold at the implant location. This localized delivery extracts the antibiotic function from the systemic circulation and concentrates it at the site of need, eliminating the requirement for continuous systemic monitoring while maintaining effective infection treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs self-service by designing the scaffold to autonomously deliver and maintain therapeutic concentrations of biologically active molecules at the implant site without requiring external monitoring or intervention. The immobilized molecules are released in a controlled manner based on the local biological environment, allowing the implant to self-regulate its therapeutic function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous clinical monitoring of drug levels while ensuring effective infection treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Improves the mechanical and biochemical properties of prosthetic meshes and donor organs, reducing infection risk and ischemia/reperfusion injury, thereby improving clinical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

administering a nutrient to the mammal, wherein the nutrient is functionalized with a chemical group that is reactive in a biorthogonal chemical reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiorthogonal chemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

Functionalization of decellularized organ scaffolds using biorthogonal chemical reactions, specifically copper-catalyzed or copper-free click chemistry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClick chemistry: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12441751B2Metabolic labeling and molecular enhancement of biological materials using bioorthogonal reactions
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP
  • US12441751B2 patent drawing
  • US12441751B2 patent drawing
  • US12441751B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides methods of functionalizing an organ or tissue of a mammal by administering a nutrient (e.g., peracetylated N-azido galactosamine Ac4GalNAz) to the mammal or by culturing an organ or tissue in a bioreactor containing such nutrient. The present application also provides methods of selectively functionalizing extracellular matrix (ECM) of an organ or tissue of a mammal by administering a nutrient (e.g., peracetylated N-azido galactosamine Ac4GalNAz) to the mammal. In some aspects, the present application provides a decellularized scaffold of a mammalian organ or tissue comprising an extracellular matrix, wherein the extracellular matrix of the decellularized scaffold is functionalized with a chemical group that is reactive in a bioorthogonal chemical reaction, such as an azide chemical group. The present application also provides biological prosthetic mesh and mammalian organs and tissues for transplantation prepared according to the methods of the application.