Biomedical Adhesive with Catechol Groups for Wet Tissue Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical adhesives face challenges such as compromised bond strength, prolonged curing times, and lack of biocompatibility, especially in wet environments, limiting their application in biomedical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a water-insoluble adhesive with a compound structure that includes a branched or unbranched oligomer, specific linker bonds, and terminal adhesive moieties, which can be cross-linked to enhance mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adhesives are used in wet environments, then they require clean dry surfaces for optimal performance, but bond strength is compromised in wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive composition is modified by incorporating hydrophilic polymers and specific surfactants that change its interaction with water and tissue surfaces, enabling effective bonding in wet surgical environments without requiring dry surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive forms a composite system combining synthetic polymer matrices with natural tissue components, creating a hybrid bonding interface that maintains strength in wet conditions while being biocompatible
2Productivity
If adhesives are designed for rapid curing, then productivity increases, but biocompatibility and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The curing mechanism is replaced from traditional fast-setting chemical reactions (which produce toxic byproducts) to enzyme-catalyzed polymerization that proceeds rapidly at physiological temperatures without compromising biocompatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The pH and temperature parameters are optimized to match physiological conditions, allowing the adhesive to cure rapidly at body temperature while maintaining biocompatibility through controlled reaction kinetics
3Strength
If non-degradable polymers are used for adhesive strength, then mechanical properties improve, but long-term biocompatibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is designed as a temporary support structure that degrades and is absorbed by the body over time, transitioning from a load-bearing function to a non-functional residue that is safely metabolized, eliminating long-term toxicity concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive combines degradable polymer matrices with reinforcing fillers that provide temporary mechanical strength, creating a composite that maintains integrity during the healing period then degrades into biocompatible byproducts
4Ease of operation
If solvents are used to solubilize adhesive components, then ease of application improves, but toxic effects and prolonged curing time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Biocompatible surfactants and cosolvents are introduced as intermediary substances that enable the adhesive components to mix and apply easily in aqueous environments without requiring toxic organic solvents, facilitating smooth application while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent system is changed from organic solvents to aqueous-based formulations with controlled pH and ionic strength, enabling easy application through water solubility while eliminating toxic effects and reducing curing time
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 adhesive device demonstrates strong bonding capabilities under both wet and dry conditions, rapid adhesion, and biodegradability, making it suitable for various biomedical applications without the need for solvents.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive comprises a compound of structure 1... wherein the compound is water insoluble; the compound has a Tg lower than 25° C.... cross-linked to enhance mechanical properties and biocompatibility
Implementation Method 2
Mussel adhesion is reversible and capable of withstanding fluctuations in temperature and ionic strength... adhesive proteins consisting mainly of polyphenolic proteins rich in the catechol 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesive device for biomedical applications is provided comprising a support and one or more water insoluble compounds of structure 1 wherein B is an oligomer derived from a polyester, polyether, polyalkylene glycol, polysilicone or polycarbonate with a MW<10,000 g/mol, Linker L is a urethane, urea bond, or amide bond; Linker L′ is a urethane or urea bond, A is a chain extender of Mw≤3000 g/mol comprising substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl and/or aromatic groups, W is a terminal adhesive benzene-1,2-diol derivative or a terminal adhesive benzene-1,2,3-triol derivative, m is 0 or 1; and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 or a cross-linked polymer formed from said compounds. The compound(s) have a Tg lower than 25° C.