Dual-Network Hydrogel for Rapid In Situ Tissue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogels do not gelate quickly enough in a neutral pH environment, making it difficult to form them on complex or inclined biological tissues, and they lack both cell compatibility and tissue adhesiveness.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel with two network structures: a first polymer network formed by crosslinking PEG polymers and a second network formed by crosslinking polypeptides with PEG polymers, allowing for rapid gelation within 10 seconds and providing cell compatibility and tissue adhesiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gelatin is crosslinked by a synthetic polymer to form a hydrogel, then cell adhesion properties are improved, but gelation time becomes too long (several minutes) allowing solution to flow out before solidification
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single polymer network into two separate networks: a first network using gelatin for cell adhesion and a second network using a fast-gelating polymer for rapid solidification. This segmentation allows each network to independently provide its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between adhesion strength and gelation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite hydrogel system combining two different polymer networks with complementary properties. The gelatin-based network provides biological functionality (cell adhesion), while the synthetic polymer network provides rapid gelation. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of both cell adhesion and fast solidification.
2Ease of operation
If gelation time is reduced to enable in situ formation on complex tissues, then application capability is improved, but cell compatibility may be compromised by rapid crosslinking
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the gelation function from the cell-interaction function into two distinct networks, the invention allows rapid gelation to occur without requiring harsh crosslinking conditions that would harm cells. The gelatin network maintains gentle, cell-compatible properties while the synthetic polymer network handles the rapid solidification requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the synthetic polymer network as an intermediary that enables rapid gelation without directly contacting cells. This intermediary network facilitates fast solidification while the gelatin network serves as the cell-friendly interface, protecting cells from potential damage by the rapid crosslinking process.
3Device complexity
If a single polymer network is used to provide both cell adhesion and rapid gelation, then material simplicity is maintained, but it becomes impossible to satisfy both cell compatibility and tissue adhesiveness with fast solidification
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite dual-network structure where each network is optimized for a specific function. This composite approach allows the hydrogel to simultaneously exhibit cell adhesion properties from the gelatin network and rapid gelation properties from the synthetic polymer network, achieving versatility without sacrificing controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-network design enables each polymer network to serve multiple purposes: the gelatin network provides both cell adhesion and structural framework, while the synthetic polymer network provides both rapid gelation and mechanical stability. This multi-functionality distribution allows the system to satisfy multiple requirements that would be impossible for a single polymer type.
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 solidifies almost instantaneously, adheres to biological tissues, and supports cell adhesion, enabling application on complex shapes without flowing out, and maintains cell viability.
Implementation Method 1
a first polymer network in which polymers of the same kind having a polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone are crosslinked; and a second polymer network in which a polypeptide and a heterologous polymer called a PEG backbone polymer are crosslinked
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~3(B)
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogel material capable of being gelated in situ in a short time using a general-purpose means such as spraying and having cell compatibility and tissue adhesiveness. It has been found that a material which solidifies in a short time and has cell compatibility and tissue adhesiveness can be provided by forming a hydrogel having two kinds of network structures: a first polymer network in which polymers of the same kind having a polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone are crosslinked; and a second polymer network in which a polypeptide and a heterologous polymer called a PEG backbone polymer are crosslinked.