Bioresorbable Polymer Bone Glue for Strong Wet-Tissue Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation methods, such as nails and screws, are invasive and can cause further fractures or complications, especially in small bones and complex areas, while existing adhesives lack sufficient mechanical strength and biocompatibility for wet environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of a bioresorbable polymer with a triblock copolymer backbone composed of polyethylene glycol and poly-D,L-lactide-glycolide, functionalized with adhesive moieties for bonding to bones and soft tissues, which can be applied minimally invasively and provides strong adhesion even in wet conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fixation devices (nails, screws, plates) are used for bone fixation, then stabilization of bones is achieved, but invasive procedures cause further fractures and complications especially in small bones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fixation devices (nails, screws, plates) with a chemical adhesive system. The bioresorbable polymer adhesive chemically bonds bone fragments together through molecular adhesion rather than mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for invasive drilling and screw insertion that can cause further fractures in small bones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using bioresorbable polymers with specific molecular weights, functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine), and crosslinking densities. These parameter optimizations enable the adhesive to achieve sufficient bond strength while maintaining biocompatibility and gradual resorption, resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and minimal invasiveness
2Strength
If non-biodegradable bone cements are used, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but additional surgery is required to remove implanted devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable polymer materials that naturally decompose and are metabolized by the body over time. The adhesive maintains its structural integrity and bonding strength during the bone healing process, then gradually resorbs into harmless byproducts (CO2, H2O, lactic acid) that are eliminated through normal metabolic pathways, completely eliminating the need for secondary removal surgeries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops composite adhesive formulations combining bioresorbable polymer backbones with functional moieties (phosphate groups for bone affinity, catechol groups for metal adhesion) and crosslinking agents. This composite approach achieves mechanical strength comparable to non-biodegradable cements while incorporating biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture
3Ease of operation
If conventional adhesives are used in wet environments, then application is simple, but adhesion strength is insufficient for bone fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phosphate functional groups as intermediary moieties that mediate adhesion between the polymer adhesive and bone mineral surfaces (hydroxyapatite). The phosphate groups form strong coordinate bonds with calcium ions in bone, providing effective adhesion in wet physiological environments. This intermediary mechanism enables simple application procedures to achieve strong bone-to-bone and bone-to-metal bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite adhesive systems incorporating hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymers that self-assemble into micellar structures with enhanced wet adhesion properties. The composite formulation combines polymer chains with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, phosphate) that maintain adhesion strength in wet conditions while preserving ease of application through simple mixing or two-component systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to bioresorbable polymers to be used as bone and tissue adhesives. The present invention is also directed to the synthesis of bioresorbable polymeric molecules bearing adhesive moieties and the use of such compounds in methods to glue and stabilize fractured bones and damaged tissues. The present invention is also directed to the use of such compounds as adhesive sealants for applications in wound care. The present invention is also directed to the use of such compounds as biodegradable ink for applications in tissue engineering and 3D printing. The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds as drug delivery platforms.