Bioresorbable Polymer Degradation Control via Polyaddition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioresorbable polymers, such as polycaprolactone, have limited control over degradation rates and mechanisms, which can be too slow for medical applications, and may produce toxic degradation products.
Innovation Solution
A bioresorbable polymer is developed by reacting caprolactone, poly(alkylene oxide) moieties, and a diisocyanate, specifically using poly(ethylene glycol) and 1,4-butane diisocyanate to create a polymer with tailored degradation properties and non-toxic breakdown products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If polycaprolactone is used as a bioresorbable polymer, then the polymer has good mechanical characteristics and hydrophobicity, but the degradation rate is too slow for medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polymer system by reacting polycaprolactone with poly(alkylene oxide) and diisocyanate to form a polyurethane copolymer. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength of polycaprolactone with the hydrophilic and faster-degrading characteristics of poly(alkylene oxide) segments, achieving both good mechanical characteristics and appropriate degradation rate for medical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure and composition parameters of the polymer by introducing different ratios of caprolactone, poly(alkylene oxide), and diisocyanate. This allows tuning of the degradation rate and mechanical properties to match specific medical application requirements, transforming the polymer from having fixed slow degradation to controllable degradation rates
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional bioresorbable polymers are used, then the polymers are biodegradable, but they may produce toxic degradation products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts potentially harmful degradation into beneficial processes by selecting biocompatible monomers (caprolactone, poly(alkylene oxide), and diisocyanate) that degrade into non-toxic products. The poly(alkylene oxide) segments specifically provide hydrophilic pathways for controlled degradation while ensuring safe breakdown products, transforming the concern about toxicity into a design feature for biocompatibility
3Ease of manufacture
If the polymer structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the control over degradation rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise control over degradation rates by adjusting compositional parameters (ratios of caprolactone, poly(alkylene oxide), and diisocyanate) and molecular weight parameters during the polyurethane formation process. This allows fine-tuning of degradation characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple one-step polyaddition manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through the polyaddition process where the degree of polymerization and crosslinking can be adjusted in real-time by controlling reagent ratios and reaction conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of both manufacturing simplicity and degradation rate control without compromising either aspect
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 resulting polymer offers flexible degradation rates and non-toxic degradation products, suitable for various biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems and implants, with controlled release profiles and enhanced biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
A bioresorbable polymer is developed by reacting caprolactone, poly(alkylene oxide) moieties, and a diisocyanate
Implementation Method 2
The degradation of which is mainly based on hydrolysable ester bonds
Data Source
AI summary
A bioresorbable polymer is obtained by reacting together (a) a prepolymer comprising co-polymerised units of a caprolactone and poly(alkylene oxide) moieties; (b) a polycaprolactone diol comprising co-polymerised units of a caprolactone and a C2-C6 diol; and (c) a diisocyanate. The polymer may be loaded with a pharmaceutically active agent to produce a drug delivery device.