Collagen Gelatin Substrate Sustained bFGF Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sustained release of growth factors like bFGF in tissue regeneration are complex and inefficient, requiring daily application and complicated procedures for microsphere infusion, while existing substrates are not suitable for easy cell infiltration and sustained factor release.

Innovation Solution

A bioabsorbable porous substrate composed of collagen and gelatin, with a controlled pore structure and cross-linking, that adsorbs and releases bFGF in a sustained manner, allowing for easy cell infiltration and degradation within three weeks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If bFGF is adsorbed in acid gelatin microspheres and infused into artificial dermis, then sustained release of bFGF is achieved, but the operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustained release durationVSAvoidclinical operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the microsphere carrier function and the artificial dermis substrate into a single integrated structure. The gelatin microspheres are formed within the pores of the collagen artificial dermis during a single manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate infusion operations. This combination allows sustained bFGF release while simplifying clinical application to a single-step procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bFGF-adsorbed gelatin microspheres are prepared in advance within the artificial dermis structure during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that the growth factor is already positioned and ready for sustained release upon implantation, eliminating the need for complex clinical preparation and infusion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If pure collagen is used for artificial dermis, then cell infiltration is easy, but sustained growth factor release capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell infiltration easeVSAvoidgrowth factor release duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite structure where gelatin microspheres containing bFGF are embedded within a collagen matrix. The collagen base material provides excellent cell infiltration properties, while the gelatin microspheres provide sustained growth factor release. This composite approach combines the advantages of both materials without compromising either cell accessibility or sustained release capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The gelatin microspheres are distributed within the pores of the collagen artificial dermis, creating local zones of sustained growth factor release. The surrounding collagen matrix maintains its cell-friendly properties throughout, while the microsphere-containing regions provide concentrated, sustained bFGF delivery where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If growth factor is applied to skin surface, then skin regeneration is promoted, but daily application is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration effectVSAvoidapplication frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial dermis with embedded bFGF-loaded gelatin microspheres functions as a self-service system. Once implanted, the microspheres automatically release bFGF over an extended period without requiring external intervention or repeated applications. The sustained release mechanism maintains therapeutic levels of growth factor continuously, eliminating the need for daily clinical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 substrate effectively releases bFGF in a sustained manner, facilitating tissue regeneration by promoting vascularization and cell activity, while simplifying clinical application and enhancing wound healing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The bFGF has an isoelectric point of 9.6 and can adhere to a gelatin having an isoelectric point of, for example, 5.0, by electrical interaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical interaction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

A standard production method of artificial dermis involves obtainment of a collagen sponge by freeze-drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreeze-drying: Freeze Drying

Data Source

PatentEP1923078B1Tissue regeneration substrate
Publication Date: 2016.01.20 GUNZE LTD
  • EP1923078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1923078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1923078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a tissue regeneration substrate that has the ability to release a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and like cell growth factors in a sustained manner, into which cells can easily enter, and that is suitably used for regeneration of tissues. Specifically, the present invention provides a tissue regeneration substrate that comprises a cell growth factor adsorbed in a bioabsorbable porous substrate that contains collagen and gelatin, and a method for producing the same.