Degradable Fibre Blend for Strong Resorbable Bone Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental membranes for bone regeneration face issues with mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and the need for additional surgical procedures for removal, while resorbable membranes lack sufficient mechanical performance and have concerns over degradation products.
Innovation Solution
A fibre blend comprising degradable polyester and copolymer fibres with phosphoester units, electrospun and optionally coated with polysaccharides, offering high mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled resorption, with a balance of rigidity and softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-resorbable membranes (e.g., Gore-Tex) are used, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but additional surgical procedures for removal are required and biocompatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of resorbable membranes by incorporating phosphoester units (1-50% molar ratio) into the copolymer structure. This parameter change enables the membrane to maintain mechanical strength comparable to non-resorbable membranes while acquiring biodegradability, eliminating the need for surgical removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fibre blend combining degradable polyester fibres with degradable copolymer fibres containing phosphoester units. This composite structure synergistically provides both the mechanical strength of traditional membranes and the biodegradability needed to eliminate removal surgery, while the phosphoester component enhances osteoconductivity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If resorbable membranes are used, then surgical removal is avoided, but mechanical strength and structural stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the molar ratio of phosphoester units (1-50%) in the copolymer and controlling the fibre blend composition, the patent optimizes the balance between mechanical strength and biodegradability. The electrospinning process parameters are also optimized to produce fibres with appropriate diameter and structural integrity, enabling resorbable membranes to achieve sufficient mechanical strength for bone regeneration applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrospinning process creates a porous nanofibre structure that maintains structural integrity while allowing tissue ingrowth. The controlled porosity provides mechanical strength through the nanofibre network architecture, enabling the membrane to function as a stable barrier during bone regeneration before gradually degrading.
3Area of stationary object
If electrospinning is used to create nanofibre structure, then surface area and porosity are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrospinning process simultaneously achieves multiple functions: creating high surface area nanofibres, controlling pore size and distribution, orienting fibres for anisotropic mechanical properties, and incorporating multiple polymer components in a single step. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional processing steps despite the complexity of the electrospinning equipment itself.
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 fibre blend provides a durable barrier for bone regeneration with controlled resorption, maintaining mechanical properties for months, promoting bone tissue colonization while preventing soft tissue migration.
Implementation Method 1
dipping the fibre blend in a polysaccharide solution so as to obtain a coated fibre blend, then (v) optionally dipping the coated fibre blend in a poly(phosphoester) solution
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fibre blend for bone regeneration comprising at least a degradable polyester fibre and a degradable copolymer fibre, said copolymer fibre comprising degradable ester units and from 1 to 50 % in number of phosphoester units versus the total number of monomer units in said copolymer fibre, as well as to a process for preparing a fibre blend and a membrane comprising the fibre blend.