Calcium Aluminate Ceramic Bone Implants with Functionalized Linkers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial joints and bones made from apatites or metals are costly, production inefficient, and lack optimal porosity, leading to bone degeneration and the need for frequent replacements, while synthetic bone substitutes face challenges in vascularization and integration with natural bone.

Innovation Solution

Development of a functionalized ceramic body comprising calcium aluminate phases with a linker group comprising an organic acid molecule for attaching chemical or biologically active moieties, allowing for controlled porosity, strength, and ease of casting, facilitating tissue growth and integration with natural bone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If artificial joints and bones are made from apatites or metals, then structural strength is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using calcium aluminate ceramic instead of traditional metals or apatites, achieving both high strength and improved manufacturability through casting processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures with controlled porosity (30-70%) combining ceramic matrix with pore spaces for tissue ingrowth, achieving both mechanical strength and biological functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If porosity is introduced to accommodate bone growth, then biocompatibility improves, but structural strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating region-specific porosity where the implant contacts natural bone, allowing bone ingrowth at the interface while maintaining denser, stronger structures in load-bearing regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous ceramic materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions, enabling both tissue vascularization and maintenance of structural integrity through optimized pore architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Productivity

If traditional casting methods are used, then production efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision and control over porosity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidporosity control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming porous templates or sacrificial structures before final ceramic formation, enabling precise porosity control before the actual casting and sintering processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions during sintering and firing processes to control pore formation and consolidation, transforming the material from green state to final ceramic structure with desired porosity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 calcium aluminate-based ceramic body supports tissue growth, vascularization, and integration with natural bone, reducing bone degeneration and the need for frequent replacements, while being biocompatible and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a functionalized composition comprising a calcium aluminate containing phase that is functionalized with a linking group comprising an organic acid molecule for providing a reactive location for the attachment of other chemical and biologic entities to the calcium aluminate containing phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the calcium aluminate materials of the present invention have a controlled porosity, high strength and ease of casting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP2001409B1Functionalized artificial bone and joint compositions and methods of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2019.07.10 CABERTECH

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

The present invention provides a functionalized ceramic body for in vitro and in vivo use comprising a calcium aluminate containing phase that is functionalized with a linker group comprising at least one of an organic acid molecule, a phosphonic acid, an amine, and N5N- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide for providing a reactive location for the attachment of at least one of another chemical moiety or a biologically active moiety to the ceramic body. Functionalized compositions are provided comprising a calcium aluminate containing phase that is functionalized with the linker group. Methods of manufacturing a functionalized artificial prosthesis that may be used as artificial bones, joints, in- vitro support structures, and in-vivo support structures for cells, tissues, organs, and nerve growth and regeneration are disclosed.