DBM Fiber Pellets for Uniform Hydration and Syringe Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) fibers experience inconsistent hydration when used in closed systems, leading to clogging and improper delivery during bone graft procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method of preparing DBM pellets by categorizing bone fibers into long and short sizes, forming a slurry, and compacting it into uniform pellets, followed by drying to enhance hydration and delivery characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DBM fibers are used in closed systems for bone grafting, then bone repair function is achieved, but inconsistent hydration occurs causing clogging and improper delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fibers are segmented into two distinct size categories: long fibers (0.5-8.0 mm) and short fibers (0.05-0.5 mm). This segmentation allows each fiber length to hydrate at different rates, with shorter fibers hydrating first and longer fibers hydrating subsequently, resulting in uniform overall hydration and preventing clogging while maintaining delivery consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber diameter parameter is varied to create a bimodal size distribution. By controlling the diameter parameter across two ranges (long: 0.5-8.0 mm, short: 0.05-0.5 mm), the patent achieves differential hydration rates that resolve the uniformity issue. This parameter change transforms the hydration inconsistency into a controlled multi-stage process that improves delivery reliability
2Strength
If only long bone fibers are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but hydration uniformity deteriorates causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber population is segmented into long and short categories, where long fibers (0.5-8.0 mm) provide mechanical strength and cohesiveness, while short fibers (0.05-0.5 mm) hydrate quickly to prevent clogging. This segmentation allows both opposing requirements to be satisfied simultaneously within the same DBM product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fiber structure combining long and short bone fibers in a controlled ratio. This composite approach integrates the strength benefits of long fibers with the hydration advantages of short fibers, achieving both mechanical integrity and uniform hydration without clogging issues
3Ease of operation
If fiber size is reduced for better hydration, then hydration uniformity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly reducing all fiber sizes, the patent segments the fiber population to maintain long fibers (0.5-8.0 mm) for mechanical strength while adding short fibers (0.05-0.5 mm) for improved hydration uniformity. This segmented approach prevents the mechanical property deterioration that would result from reducing all fibers
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 method ensures uniform hydration and improved handling properties of DBM fibers, allowing for efficient delivery and reduced clogging in syringes or chambers.
Implementation Method 1
DBM fibers, when hydrated in a closed system such as a chamber or syringe, have inconsistent handling characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
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AI summary
A device for mixing a bone material with a liquid is provided. The device comprises a chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, and the bone material disposed within the chamber, the bone material comprising a DBM pellet of milled and lyophilized demineralized bone fibers; and a plunger having at least a portion slidably disposed within the proximal end of the chamber and configured to dispense the bone material mixed with liquid from the distal end of the chamber, when the plunger is in an extended position.