Cell-ECM Composite for Avascular Necrosis Bone Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for avascular necrosis (AVN) in bone tissue are limited and often require invasive procedures, with significant challenges in repairing damaged trabecular bone, leading to joint deterioration and the need for surgical interventions like joint replacement.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue material, including native heparin, is used to induce new bone growth in regions affected by AVN, with a preferred EPC to MSC ratio of at least 2:1, and the ECM material retains bioactive substances for enhanced tissue repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If autologous bone grafting is performed to treat avascular necrosis, then bone repair is achieved, but the procedure requires harvesting cancellous bone from the patient which requires a second incision and causes comorbidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone repair effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cell types (endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells) with a collagenous extracellular matrix scaffold into a single composite composition that can be delivered through one incision, eliminating the need for separate bone harvesting procedures while maintaining bone repair effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collagenous extracellular matrix acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers the cell mixture to the target site, providing structural support and facilitating bone regeneration without requiring the complex autografting procedure of harvesting and transplanting patient's own bone tissue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional bone grafting procedures are used, then bone defect repair is achieved, but the treatment is technically challenging and may be unsuccessful requiring joint replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone defect repair success rateVSAvoidprocedure technical difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of bone repair by using a controlled mixture of specific cell types (EPCs and MSCs) in defined ratios within a biomaterial scaffold, rather than relying on the variable outcomes of traditional autografting, thereby increasing success rate and reducing technical difficulty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material system combining living cells (EPCs and MSCs) with a collagenous extracellular matrix scaffold, creating a biologically active construct that enhances bone regeneration reliability while simplifying the surgical procedure compared to traditional grafting methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 composition effectively promotes new bone growth in AVN-affected areas, as demonstrated by increased bone coverage in preclinical models, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments and potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue material that includes native heparin from a source tissue for the collagenous ECM tissue material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNative heparin retention: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3041485B1Cell-seeded compositions and methods useful for treating bone regions
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 MUFFIN INC

AI summary

Compositions and methods for treating diseased or damaged bone, preferably ischemic and/or necrotic bone, include the use of a combination of endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells, desirably also in conjunction with a collagenous extracellular matrix tissue. Methods for preparation of such compositions are also described.