Collagen Biocomposite Winding for Strong Flexible Tissue Constructs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing biomedical materials, such as those involving nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) polymerized collagen fibers, face challenges in achieving tensile strengths similar to natural tendons while ensuring non-cytotoxicity and flexibility for medical applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves winding collagen fibers around a support member with a defined pitch and angle, applying a non-cytotoxic polymeric material like an acrylate emulsion to form a permeable, flexible film that embeds the fibers, and optionally incorporating antibiotics or biologically active agents for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If collagen fibers are polymerized with NDGA to increase tensile strength, then tensile strength approaches natural tendon levels, but cytotoxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful NDGA crosslinking agent from the collagen fiber processing, replacing it with alternative methods that do not introduce cytotoxicity while maintaining tensile strength properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of collagen fiber processing by using different crosslinking agents or physical crosslinking methods instead of NDGA, thereby maintaining strength while eliminating cytotoxicity
2Strength
If collagen fibers are processed to achieve high tensile strength, then structural integrity improves, but flexibility and elasticity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite structures by combining collagen fibers with other biocompatible materials or using hierarchical fiber arrangements, achieving both high tensile strength and flexibility through material composition and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic properties to the collagen construct by creating structures that can adapt their mechanical properties, such as reversible crosslinking or hierarchical structures that unfold under stress, providing both strength and flexibility
3Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric material is applied during winding to form continuous film, then structural integrity and elasticity improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polymeric material application with the winding process itself, applying the polymer during fiber placement rather than as a separate post-processing step, thereby forming continuous films while simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the polymeric material preliminarily during the winding process before final construction is complete, allowing the material to be incorporated into the structure as it forms rather than requiring additional processing steps afterward
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
This approach results in biomaterials with tensile strengths comparable to natural tendons, flexibility, and the ability to mimic natural tissue elasticity, suitable for various medical applications including vascular grafts and wound repair.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric material, e.g., the acrylate, enters the interstitial spaces and forms a continuous solid film
Implementation Method 2
The spin-coating and incubation steps may be repeated at least once
Implementation Method 3
spin-coating the elongate construct with a liquid polymer (such as, for example, an acrylate emulsion) after the winding step, then incubating the spin-coated construct at a defined temperature for a defined time to form a dry polymeric coating
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for making collagen based biocomposite constructs and related devices include: (a) winding at least one collagen fiber a number of revolutions about a length of a support member having a long axis, the winding having at least one defined pitch and/or fiber angle relative to the long axis of the support member to form an elongate construct; and (b) applying a fluid polymeric material, such as, for example, an acrylate emulsion and/or other thermoplastic material, onto the collagen fiber during the winding step. Optionally, the fluid polymeric material can include antibiotics and/or other therapeutic agents for additional function/utility.