Braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties, and preparation method and use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current silk scaffolds for tendon/ligament repair lose mechanical properties rapidly after implantation, limiting their clinical application due to insufficient mechanical strength and degradation, which hinders effective ligament regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties is developed through a method involving the braiding of silk strands, sericin removal, collagen coating, and vacuum thermal cross-linking, allowing for customizable thickness and degradation time to match the mechanical requirements of different tendons/ligaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If silk scaffold is used for tendon/ligament repair, then biocompatibility and initial mechanical strength are improved, but mechanical properties are lost rapidly after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining silk with collagen and other biomaterials to create a scaffold that maintains mechanical strength over time. The composite structure allows the scaffold to provide initial mechanical support while gradually degrading, solving the contradiction between initial strength and duration of mechanical property maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degradation rate of the silk scaffold through chemical treatment and structural modification. By adjusting parameters such as cross-linking density and material composition, the scaffold maintains its mechanical properties for the required duration while eventually degrading to facilitate tissue regeneration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If silk scaffold degradation is accelerated to facilitate tissue regeneration, then tissue remodeling is promoted, but mechanical support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a scaffold with time-dependent mechanical properties. The scaffold provides strong mechanical support in the early stage when the tissue is most vulnerable, then gradually degrades as the regenerated tissue gains strength. This dynamic behavior ensures both adequate mechanical support and timely tissue remodeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by providing strong mechanical support before the regenerated tissue is fully formed. The scaffold is designed to bear the mechanical load during the critical early healing phase, then progressively transfers the load to the regenerated tissue as it matures, ensuring both support and degradation occur at the right times.
3Strength
If thicker scaffold is used to improve mechanical strength, then mechanical properties are improved, but degradation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform scaffold structure with varying density and composition in different regions. The scaffold has a core structure that degrades slower to maintain central mechanical support, while the outer regions degrade faster to facilitate tissue ingrowth. This local differentiation allows the scaffold to provide adequate mechanical strength without requiring uniform thickening throughout.
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 scaffold maintains mechanical properties over a longer period, reduces inflammatory reactions, and facilitates tissue remodeling, enabling effective tendon/ligament repair with potential for clinical translation.
Implementation Method 1
removing sericin from the silk base frame
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonically dispersing for 20-120 min, so that the collagen solution fully enters pores of the silk base frame
Implementation Method 3
storing in a refrigerator at −15° C. to −25° C. for 3-5 h, and storing in a refrigerator at −70° C. to −90° C. for 8-12 h
Implementation Method 4
drying the silk base frame in step S4 under vacuum
Implementation Method 5
cross-linking in a vacuum thermal cross-linking machine to obtain the silk scaffold
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties, and a preparation method and use thereof, belonging to the field of three-dimensional scaffold materials for tendon/ligament repair. The preparation method includes braiding at least one silk strand to form a silk core; placing 1-6 bundles of silk cores in a braiding machine, and braiding at least one layer of silk cladding on the surface of the silk cores to form a silk base frame; removing sericin from the silk base frame; soaking the silk base frame in a collagen solution with a concentration of 3-20 mg/ml, and cross-linking the silk base frame in a vacuum thermal cross-linking machine to obtain the silk scaffold. The braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties according to the present invention has good mechanical properties and biocompatibility.