Crosslinked Ophthalmic Drainage Tube for In Vivo Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic drainage devices made from single-network hydrogels are prone to stress deformation, rupture, and dissolution due to their instability in vivo, compromising their long-term effectiveness in treating glaucoma.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible material with a polymer containing ether, ester, and imino groups is used, achieving an average cross-linking degree of 60% to 90% and a relative density of 40% to 60%, forming a compact network structure through a dual-cross-linking process using monomers with aldehyde and epoxy groups in organic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-network hydrogels with simple structures are used to prepare ophthalmic drainage devices, then the manufacturing process is simple and easy, but the devices are prone to stress deformation, rupture, leakage, or dissolution in vivo, failing to remain stable for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a double-network hydrogel composite material comprising a first network formed by gelatin and a second network formed by polyethylene glycol diacrylate and crosslinking agent. This composite structure combines the biocompatibility and hydrophilicity of gelatin with the mechanical strength and stability of PEGDA, creating a material that resists stress deformation, rupture, and dissolution while maintaining manufacturability through standard hydrogel preparation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel is divided into two distinct crosslinked networks: the first network provides structural framework with gelatin-polysorbate 20-crosslinking agent complexes, while the second network contributes elasticity and stability through PEGDA crosslinking. This segmentation of functional roles within the composite material allows each network to optimize its contribution to overall device stability without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
2Strength
If the cross-linking degree is increased to improve structural stability, then the device becomes more resistant to rupture and dissolution, but the material may become less flexible and more prone to stress deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the crosslinking degree within 50%-90% range and adjusts the ratio of crosslinking agents (glutaraldehyde and genipin) to achieve optimal balance. By tuning these parameters, the first network achieves sufficient crosslinking for structural integrity while the second network's elastic properties prevent excessive rigidity, maintaining flexibility and stress resistance despite high crosslinking density.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-network composite structure allows the first highly crosslinked network to provide strength and resistance to rupture/dissolution, while the second network with different crosslinking characteristics contributes flexibility and shock absorption. This composite approach enables both high strength and compositional stability without the trade-off present in single-network systems.
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 ophthalmic drainage device is more stable, less prone to rupture or dissolution, and maintains structural integrity for a longer duration, enhancing patient comfort and drainage efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an amino group in the drainage tube is enabled to react with the aldehyde group to obtain a first drainage tube
Implementation Method 2
the reaction of the epoxy group is enabled to obtain the ophthalmic drainage device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An ophthalmic drainage device and a preparation method therefor. The ophthalmic drainage device comprises a tube wall and a drainage channel formed by the wrapping of the tube wall, wherein the tube wall comprises a biocompatible material; the biocompatible material comprises a polymer that contains an ether group, an ester group and an imino group, and the average crosslinking degree of the biocompatible material in the ophthalmic drainage device is 60%-90%; and the relative density of the ophthalmic drainage device is 40%-60%. The prepared ophthalmic drainage device has a more compact network structure, stronger anti-pressure capability during use, good bending axial pushing behavior and stronger anti-shearing capability, is not prone to experiencing cracking and dissolving in a solution, and is more stable.