Thermoplastic Cellulose Fiber Composites for Biocompatible Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical materials, such as metals and high-strength thermoplastics like PEEK, lack biocompatibility, elasticity, and porosity, leading to issues like toxicity, inflammation, and limited durability, which hinder their effectiveness as implants and devices that require long-term biocompatibility and tissue integration.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic cellulose fiber composition with oriented fibers, combining cellulose fibers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers like polyamide and polypropylene, processed using a die-drawn method to enhance mechanical strength, elasticity, and porosity, creating a biocompatible and non-toxic material for medical implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If medical PEEK is used for implants, then mechanical strength is improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates due to hydrophobic environment causing inflammation and cellular absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a porous structure within the polymer matrix that allows cellular infiltration and tissue integration. The porosity creates a hydrophilic environment that improves biocompatibility while maintaining mechanical strength through the composite fiber-polymer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system combining purified cellulose fibers with medical-grade polymers. The cellulose fibers provide a hydrophilic, biocompatible framework that complements the structural properties of the polymer, creating a material that achieves both strength and biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If medical PEEK is used for implants, then compressive strength is improved, but porosity deteriorates resulting in inability to promote tissue growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressive strengthVSAvoidtissue integration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a controlled porous structure within the implant material that facilitates cellular infiltration and tissue growth. The porosity is designed to maintain compressive strength while providing pathways for tissue integration, solving the contradiction between structural integrity and biological functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Strength

If metals are used for implants, then mechanical strength is improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates due to metal ion migration causing toxicity and inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from metallic materials to organic polymer-cellulose composite materials, fundamentally changing the chemical composition parameters. This eliminates metal ion migration and associated toxicity while maintaining mechanical strength through the composite structure and optimized fiber-polymer interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If medical PEEK is used for implants, then durability is improved, but elasticity deteriorates limiting functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidelasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system where cellulose fibers provide structural durability while the polymer matrix and porous structure contribute to elasticity and flexibility. This composite approach allows the material to withstand mechanical loads over time while maintaining the flexibility needed for physiological movements and functionality.

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 resulting material exhibits improved tensile strength, compressive strength, and elasticity, with a lower specific gravity, promoting tissue integration and reducing the need for extensive processing, thus offering a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional medical implants.

Implementation Method 1

processed using a die-drawn method to enhance mechanical strength, elasticity, and porosity, creating a biocompatible and non-toxic material for medical implants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiber orientation:

Implementation Method 2

The resulting material exhibits improved tensile strength, compressive strength, and elasticity, with a lower specific gravity, promoting tissue integration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11497837B2Molded parts with thermoplastic cellulose biopolymer compositions having oriented fibers for medical devices and implants

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 INNOVATIVE PLASTICS & MOLDING

AI summary

A longitudinal extending body with oriented fibers comprised of an organic compound, preferably cellulose fibers, with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer having absorbable and non res sorbable qualities in the body, with an internal construction to promote cell growth. The longitudinal body has at least one wall having oriented fiber to include cellulose fiber extending the length of said body. This extending body has a surface that is smooth to the touch for additional processing methods such as machining, compression molding and 3 D printing.