Cross-linkable Polymer Hydrogel for Biomedical Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogels for biomedical applications face challenges such as insufficient adhesion to biological surfaces, high swelling ratios, processing difficulties, and inadequate balance between stiffness and mobility, which limit their effectiveness in treating cartilage damage and other tissue-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linkable polymer is developed by reacting a base polymer with a first organic molecule containing a cross-linkable unit and a second organic molecule capable of bonding to organic and/or inorganic substrates, forming a hydrogel with a low swelling ratio and high elastic modulus, enabling strong adhesion to biological surfaces through a dissipative cross-linked network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a short chain network is used to increase stiffness, then the hydrogel becomes stiffer, but the crosslinks may be broken on deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into two distinct networks: a first network with short chains providing stiffness and a second network with long chains providing stability and energy dissipation. This segmentation allows each network to fulfill its specific function without compromising the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite double network hydrogel where two different polymer networks with complementary properties are integrated. The first network (short chains) contributes stiffness while the second network (long chains) contributes ductility and crosslink stability, achieving a material that combines both properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a long chain network is used to improve mobility and energy transfer, then the system becomes more mobile, but the stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into two parts with different chain lengths: short chains in the first network for stiffness and long chains in the second network for mobility. This allows both properties to coexist in different parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two networks with opposing properties into a single integrated hydrogel system. The first network provides stiffness while the second network provides mobility, and their combination achieves both properties simultaneously in the composite material.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swelling ratio is increased to improve hydrogel properties, then the hydrogel becomes more compliant, but the mechanical properties and adhesion are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite double network structure where the first network with short chains maintains mechanical strength and the second network with long chains provides compliance. This composite structure allows the hydrogel to achieve both high compliance and good mechanical properties.
4Strength
If surface modification is applied to achieve strong bonding, then adhesion strength increases, but the process complexity and suitability for biological surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the hydrogel to achieve strong adhesion through its own intrinsic properties (double network structure with dissipative mechanisms) rather than requiring external surface modifications. The hydrogel self-adheres to biological surfaces through its designed network architecture, eliminating the need for complex surface treatment processes.
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 hydrogel exhibits excellent adhesion and mechanical properties, including high stiffness and tunable swelling, allowing for effective attachment to various biological surfaces without surface modification, making it suitable for biomedical applications like cartilage repair.
Implementation Method 1
a base polymer comprising functional groups at least some of which have been reacted with a first organic molecule comprising a cross-linkable unit and with a second organic molecule capable of bonding to organic and/or inorganic substrates
Implementation Method 2
The cross-linkable polymer may be cross-linked to form a hydrogel. In particular, the cross-linkable units may be cross-linked to form a covalently crosslinked network
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cross-linkable polymer including a base polymer including functional groups at least some of which have been reacted with a first organic molecule including a cross-linkable unit and with a second organic molecule capable of bonding to organic and/or inorganic substrates. The invention further relates to a hydrogel including the cross-linkable polymer that includes cross-linkable polymer strands, wherein at least some of the cross-linkable units of different cross-linkable polymer strands have reacted to form a covalent bond thereby forming a covalently linked network. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of the hydrogel and to the use of the hydrogel.