Bioresorbable Implant Composite Structure for Mechanical Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioresorbable implants face challenges with mechanical stability and material efficiency, leading to premature failure under mechanical stress and increased clinical complications due to excessive material use and complex production processes.
Innovation Solution
A bioresorbable implant comprising reinforcing fibers made from a combination of materials like silk, chitosan, and polylactides, embedded in a matrix with ceramic phosphate-based components in granular or powder form, allowing for flexible mixing and production methods that enhance mechanical strength and biological compatibility while minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple materials are used to improve biological reactions, then biological compatibility is improved, but mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining biocompatible polymers (such as polylactide, polyglycolide, or their copolymers) with ceramic phosphate-based components (such as hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or beta-tricalcium phosphate). This composite structure allows the implant to simultaneously achieve improved biological compatibility through the ceramic phase and adequate mechanical strength through the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the weight ratio of polymer to ceramic phosphate-based components within specific ranges (polymer: 30-70 wt%, ceramic: 30-70 wt%). By adjusting these compositional parameters, the implant achieves the right balance between mechanical strength and biological compatibility, allowing tailoring of properties for different application requirements.
2Reliability
If implant geometry is adapted to individual properties, then biological performance is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous structures within the implant geometry, where the ceramic phosphate-based components create interconnected pores that facilitate cell infiltration, nutrient transport, and waste removal. This porous architecture improves biological performance and osseointegration while maintaining material efficiency by providing functional performance through structure rather than increased material quantity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional production methods are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-mixing the polymer and ceramic phosphate-based components in predetermined ratios and configurations before final implant formation. This pre-preparation of composite material batches with optimized compositions allows for rapid manufacturing of customized implants without extending production time, as the material formulation is already optimized for the intended application.
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 solution provides high mechanical strength, rapid bioresorption, and economical production with reduced material use, ensuring reliable and biocompatible implants that withstand external forces and promote efficient healing.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one reinforcing fiber is embedded in a matrix. The second material component is present in granular or powder form at the time of mixing with the at least one reinforcing fiber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a bioresorbable implant (1) for supplementing or replacing heart tissue and/or soft tissue, comprising at least one reinforced fiber/fiber bundle, a fiber structure, or a fiber construct (2) which is made of a first material component and which is embedded into a matrix (3) after being mixed with a second material component. The material of the first material component contains at least one of the elements of the group consisting of silk, chitosan, collagen, polycaprolactone, poly(D,L-lactide), poly(lactid-co-glycolid), polyglycolide, polyurethane, and polypropylene, wherein the second material component is present in a granular or pulverulent form at the point in time in which the material component is mixed with the fibers/fiber bundle, fiber structure, or fiber construct (2). The invention likewise relates to a method for producing such an implant (1).