ECM Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Permanent Arterial Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic agents for transarterial embolization face limitations such as high cost, toxicity, recanalization, non-specific embolization, and complications due to mismatch in vessel sizes and types, leading to ineffective and risky procedures for vascular diseases.
Innovation Solution
Development of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) based nanocomposite hydrogels with nanoclay and radiopaque agents for catheter-directed embolization, providing mechanical stability, antibacterial properties, and biodegradability to promote vascular remodeling and minimize collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional embolic agents (coils, beads, liquid embolics) are used for transarterial embolization, then vascular occlusion is achieved, but toxicity, recanalization, and non-specific embolization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite hydrogel materials combining decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) with radiopaque agents and nanoclay. This composite structure provides both the embolic function (occlusion) and beneficial properties (biocompatibility, permanent embolization without recanalization, reduced toxicity). The ECM component promotes vascular healing while the radiopaque agent enables imaging guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of embolic agents by creating hydrogels with specific rheological properties (shear-thinning behavior), controlled degradation rates, and adjustable radiopacity. These parameter changes enable the material to be delivered through catheters while achieving permanent embolization without the harmful effects of conventional agents.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If embolic agents are designed for permanent occlusion, then recanalization is prevented, but vessel size mismatch causes non-target embolization and stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rheological properties in the hydrogel formulation, specifically shear-thinning behavior that allows the material to flow through catheters under shear stress but maintain its structure once deposited in the target vessel. This dynamic characteristic enables precise delivery to the intended location while maintaining permanent occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates embolic agents with spatially controlled properties - the hydrogel formulation allows for localized deposition in the target vessel while maintaining biocompatibility and controlled degradation only at the intended site, preventing non-target embolization and stroke.
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid embolic agents are used to penetrate finer vasculature, then distal embolization is achieved, but organic solvent toxicity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water-soluble, biodegradable hydrogel materials that can be safely eliminated or degraded in the body, replacing toxic organic solvent-based liquid embolics. The hydrogel formulation provides the necessary distal penetration capability through controlled rheology while avoiding the toxicity associated with conventional liquid embolic agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of needing toxic organic solvents for liquid embolization into a benefit by developing water-based hydrogel formulations that achieve the same distal penetration function without toxicity. The controlled degradation and biocompatibility of the hydrogel turn a harmful requirement into a safe, biodegradable solution.
4Reliability
If decellularized ECM hydrogels are used for embolization, then vascular healing is enhanced, but mechanical stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining decellularized ECM (providing vascular healing properties) with radiopaque agents and nanoclay (providing mechanical stability). This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve permanent embolization, promote vascular healing, and maintain sufficient mechanical strength to prevent recanalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the gel matrix structure to provide flexible mechanical support while maintaining biocompatibility. The hydrogel formulation creates a stable framework that promotes vascular healing through ECM components while providing sufficient mechanical integrity to ensure permanent embolization.
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 ECM-based nanocomposite hydrogels achieve effective and permanent arterial occlusion with reduced recanalization and toxicity, enhancing vascular healing and tissue remodeling while maintaining biocompatibility and radiopacity for precise embolization.
Implementation Method 1
injectable decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels... undergo sol-gel transition at body temperature
Implementation Method 2
decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) based nanocomposite hydrogels with nanoclay
Implementation Method 3
ECM based hydrogel... superior performance in anticoagulated blood... shear-thinning ECM hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides materials and methods for permanent arterial embolization and/or enhanced vascular healing. For example, materials and methods for using bioactive tissue derived nanocomposite hydrogels to enhance vascular healing are provided.