Cross-Linked Dextran Hydrogels for Implantable Cell Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogels are inadequate for use as implantable devices due to issues with biocompatibility, immune response, foreign body reaction, and lack of controlled release mechanisms, as well as insufficient mechanical and rheological properties.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linked dextran polymer with tunable features, incorporating carboxylate groups and specific cross-linking conditions, to create a hydrogel with improved biocompatibility, controlled release, and enhanced mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogels are designed to be biocompatible and reduce immune response, then cell survival and functionality are improved, but mechanical strength and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining dextran polymer chains with cross-linking agents to create a hydrogel network that integrates biocompatibility with enhanced mechanical properties. The cross-linked structure provides structural stability while maintaining the biocompatible characteristics of the dextran matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the degree of cross-linking and the molecular weight of dextran to tune the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. By adjusting cross-linking density and polymer concentration, the material achieves optimal balance between mechanical strength and biocompatibility for cell therapy applications.
2Reliability
If hydrogels are designed with controlled release mechanisms, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a hydrogel system where the cross-linked network structure inherently provides controlled release functionality through its mesh architecture. The gel's physical structure automatically regulates the diffusion and release of therapeutic molecules without requiring external control mechanisms or complex device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by employing a cross-linked hydrogel network with controlled pore size and porosity. This porous structure enables passive controlled release of therapeutic agents through diffusion and mesh filtering, achieving therapeutic efficacy through the material's inherent physical properties rather than complex active control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydrogels are designed with low degradability for long-term stability, then implant durability is improved, but cell viability and functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the cross-linking density and dextran molecular weight to create a hydrogel with optimized degradation characteristics. The cross-linked network provides sufficient stability for implant durability while maintaining permeability and metabolic activity necessary for cell viability and functionality.
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 hydrogel provides a biocompatible implantable device with controlled release capabilities, low immune response, and optimal mechanical properties, ensuring cell survival and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
They have the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water. This is known as the swelling of hydrogels.
Implementation Method 2
A cross-linked dextran polymer with tunable features, incorporating carboxylate groups and specific cross-linking conditions, to create a hydrogel with improved biocompatibility, controlled release, and enhanced mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 3
a good permselectivity, allowing a low, or even better no, immune response by isolating the incorporated cells, totally or in part, from the immune system of the host while allowing the passage of the active principle
Data Source
AI summary
A crosslinked dextran polymer, bearing carboxylate groups, wherein at least two saccharidic units of dextran belonging to two different polymer chains are covalently linked by at least one at least divalent radical, this at least divalent radical being a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl radical including at least 15 carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur.