Crosslinked Bioresorbable Polyester Networks for Biomedical Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bioresorbable crosslinked materials used in regenerative tissue engineering lack optimal mechanical properties and photo-reactivity, limiting their application in biomedical devices such as implants.

Innovation Solution

A combination of a polyester with a crystalline backbone and end-capping groups connected to crosslinkable moieties, paired with a compound containing additional crosslinkable groups, forming a crosslinked network through thiol-ene or other crosslinking reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If acrylate end-groups are used to functionalize bioresorbable polyesters for photo-crosslinking, then photo-reactivity is achieved, but the resulting networks exhibit brittle mechanical properties with low elongation at break and low ultimate strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto-reactivityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the end-groups from acrylate to alternative functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, isocyanate, anhydride) that can form different types of crosslinks. This parameter change allows achieving photo-reactivity through different chemical mechanisms while obtaining improved mechanical properties and reduced brittleness in the crosslinked networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite crosslinked networks by combining polyesters with alternative end-groups that have both photo-reactive capabilities and improved mechanical characteristics. The composite nature of these materials integrates the benefits of photo-crosslinking with enhanced mechanical performance, overcoming the limitations of pure acrylate-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If acrylate-terminated polyesters are used for photo-crosslinking, then photopolymerization can be achieved, but the crosslinked networks have limited mechanical strength with maximum strength of 11.6 MPa

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotopolymerization capabilityVSAvoidultimate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the terminal groups to include carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, isocyanate, or anhydride groups instead of acrylate groups. These alternative groups enable photopolymerization through different chemical pathways while producing crosslinked networks with significantly improved ultimate strength exceeding the 11.6 MPa limitation of acrylate-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the acrylate-based photopolymerization mechanism with alternative photo-reactive mechanisms involving different functional groups. This substitution maintains the ease of photopolymerization manufacturing process while achieving superior mechanical strength through different crosslinking chemistries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple acrylate end-groups (at least 3) are incorporated into urethane-based polymers for multifunctional crosslinking, then versatility in processing technologies is improved, but the resulting networks remain brittle with low elongation at break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing technology compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the functional group parameters from acrylate to alternative groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, isocyanate, anhydride) that can provide multifunctional crosslinking capabilities. This parameter change maintains versatility in processing technologies while improving network flexibility and reducing brittleness through different crosslinking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops composite urethane-based polymers with alternative end-groups that combine multifunctional crosslinking capability with improved network flexibility. These composite materials maintain adaptability to various processing technologies while achieving better mechanical properties and reduced brittleness compared to pure acrylate-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 crosslinked polyesters exhibit improved mechanical characteristics, including higher elongation at break and ultimate strength, compared to acrylate-based crosslinked polyesters, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

Implementation Method 1

forming a crosslinked network through thiol-ene or other crosslinking reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4341321B1Crosslinked bioresorbable polyester networks
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 UNIV GENT
  • EP4341321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2D
  • EP4341321B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4341321B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of bioresorbable crosslinked materials. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a combination comprising a polyester having a crystalline backbone and at least one end-capping group attached to a first crosslinkable group and a compound comprising a second crosslinkable group, a crosslinked polyester wherein said combination forms a crosslinked network, a process of manufacturing thereof and the use of said crosslinked polyester.