Covalently Dyed Multi-Arm Hydrogels for Visible Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogels used in medical applications, such as SpaceOAR®, are radiopaque and break down over 6-9 months due to ester linkage hydrolysis, but not all applications require X-ray visibility, and colored hydrogels are desirable for various medical uses.

Innovation Solution

Development of colored hydrogels formed by reactive multi-arm polymers with covalently attached dye molecules, using various reactive moieties and linkages, allowing for visible spectrum coloration and biodegradability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If radiopaque hydrogels are used for medical applications, then visibility under X-ray irradiation is improved, but the hydrogels break down over 6-9 months due to ester linkage hydrolysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility under X-rayVSAvoidbreakdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radiopacity function from the hydrogel matrix by using separate radiopaque particles suspended in the hydrogel, rather than making the hydrogel itself radiopaque. This allows the hydrogel to maintain its structural integrity and biodegradability while providing temporary radiopacity only when needed for visualization during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of visibility by using particles that can be selectively activated or made visible only during the procedure, rather than continuously visible radiopaque materials. This allows the hydrogel to be invisible during storage and injection, then become visible only when needed, extending the effective duration of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If radiopaque hydrogels are used, then X-ray visibility is improved, but complete removal and biodegradability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray visibilityVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiopaque function is extracted from the hydrogel matrix and placed in separate particles. These particles are designed to be biodegradable and can be completely removed by the body, eliminating the harmful effect of persistent radiopaque materials while maintaining the needed visibility function during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses temporary, biodegradable radiopaque particles that serve their purpose during the procedure and then disappear completely. These particles are designed to be harmless and fully removable, unlike permanent radiopaque materials that could cause long-term harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If colored hydrogels are used instead of radiopaque hydrogels, then visible spectrum coloration is improved, but localization and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible spectrum colorationVSAvoidlocalization

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-changing particles that can change their optical properties in response to the local environment. These particles provide visible coloration for localization while their optical properties can be tuned to maintain detectability through various methods including visible light and imaging techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Provides hydrogels that are colored in the visible spectrum, enabling visible localization, biodegradability, and complete removal after medical procedures, addressing the limitations of existing radiopaque hydrogels.

Implementation Method 1

hydrogels that are colored in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The breakdown occurs primarily through the hydrolysis of the ester linkages on the glutarate groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250332292A1In vivo crosslinkable hydrogels with covalently attached dye for medical applications

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to systems that comprise (a) one or more reactive multi-arm polymers that comprises three or more polymer arms linked to a core region, each arm comprising a hydrophilic polymer segment and a first reactive moiety, (b) one or more reactive multifunctional compounds comprising a plurality of second reactive moieties that are reactive with the first reactive moieties, and (c) a covalently attached dye molecule. Other aspects the present disclosure pertain to methods of treatment using such systems and dye-containing hydrogel compositions comprising crosslinked reaction products of such systems.