Magnetic Self-Assembly of Collagen Scaffolds for Tissue Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collagen scaffolding technologies exhibit poor biomechanical properties due to harsh processing methods and inadequate structural mimicry of natural tissues, limiting their effectiveness in wound coverage, bone augmentation, and cosmetic applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-viable human collagen fibers and strands, processed through freeze-drying or hypothermic dehydration, are self-assembled under low to medium magnetic fields to form interconnected collagen structures with enhanced mechanical properties, mimicking natural tissue architectures without chemical or harsh physical treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If collagen is extracted from animal sources by acid hydrolysis and processed through harsh methods, then collagen can be obtained in large quantities for laboratory studies, but the biomechanical properties of the resulting collagen scaffolding are poor compared to natural tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from harsh chemical methods (acid hydrolysis) to gentle physical methods (freeze-drying, hypothermic dehydration). This parameter change preserves the native collagen structure and biomechanical properties while still enabling large-scale production of collagen scaffolding material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical processing mechanisms (acid hydrolysis) with physical mechanisms (freeze-drying, magnetic field application). This substitution maintains collagen integrity and produces scaffolding with biomechanical properties comparable to natural tissues.
2Ease of manufacture
If collagen gels are used as scaffolding material, then they are convenient and abundant for laboratory studies, but they fail to replicate the architectural complexity and mechanical strength of natural tissues like skin dermis, fascia, and tendon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collagen processing into distinct stages: (1) gentle dehydration to preserve structure, (2) magnetic field application for alignment, and (3) scaffold formation. This segmented approach maintains architectural fidelity while preserving manufacturing convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism to guide collagen fiber alignment and self-assembly. This intermediary enables precise architectural control without disrupting the simplicity of collagen gel processing.
3Reliability
If strong magnetic fields (5000 oersted) are applied to induce morphologic and physiologic transformations of mammalian cells, then cellular metabolism is affected, but such strong fields may be excessive for collagen self-assembly and tissue engineering applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using magnetic fields of moderate strength (much lower than 5000 oersted) that are sufficient for collagen self-assembly and fiber alignment without the excessive intensity needed for cellular transformation. This partial action achieves the desired collagen scaffolding effect with simpler, more practical magnetic field generation.
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 method produces collagen scaffolds with improved biomechanical properties, allowing for effective tissue augmentation, bone repair, and cosmetic applications by creating a durable, malleable, and soft structure suitable for ingrowth of blood vessels and cellular elements.
Implementation Method 1
Exposure of freeze-dried or hypothermically dehydrated collagen from these structures to proteolytic enzymes renders the structures pliable and soft. However, when enzymatic treatment was performed with continuous agitation by a magnetic stirrer in a large volume magnetic stirrer apparatus, unexpected events took place.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is a composition of a self-assembly of collagen fibers made from a plurality of sized pieces of a source material
Implementation Method 3
The source material is freeze-dried, hypothermically dehydrated or chemically dehydrated
Implementation Method 4
The source material is freeze-dried, hypothermically dehydrated or chemically dehydrated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a composition of a self-assembly of collagen fibers made from a plurality of sized pieces of a source material. The source material made from animal or human tissue selected from one of dermis, tendon, fascia or dura mater. The self-assembly occurring by induction of a magnetic field in a liquid medium.