Fibromodulin-Coated Medical Devices for Scar Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices fail to effectively prevent fibrogenesis and scarring, particularly around implants such as sutures, stents, and mesh, due to inadequate prevention of fibrotic tissue adhesion and scar formation.

Innovation Solution

A biocompatible device coated with fibromodulin (FMOD) protein or its peptide, which accelerates wound healing by minimizing fibrotic extracellular matrix production, enhancing cell migration and contraction, and increasing tensile strength, thereby reducing scar formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional medical devices are used, then device functionality is provided, but fibrotic tissue adhesion and scar formation occur around the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of fibrogenesis and scarringVSAvoidfibrotic tissue adhesion and scar formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-coated with fibromodulin protein or peptide before implantation, establishing a protective anti-fibrotic layer in advance that prevents fibrotic tissue adhesion and scar formation as the device is introduced into the body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Fibromodulin acts as an intermediary substance between the medical device and the surrounding tissue, modulating the biological response to prevent fibrogenesis and scarring while allowing the device to perform its intended function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fibromodulin coating is applied to the device, then wound healing is enhanced and scar formation is reduced, but device manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewound healing enhancementVSAvoidcoating application process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies optimal parameters for fibromodulin coating including concentration ranges (0.1-10 μg/cm²), molecular weight specifications (15-30 kDa), and coating thickness control to achieve enhanced wound healing while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fibromodulin coating uses relatively small amounts of protein that can be applied through simple dip-coating or spray-coating methods, making the treatment cost-effective and the manufacturing process suitable for disposable medical devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3229855B1Novel wound-healing-enhancing devices
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • EP3229855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided herein is a wound-healing-enhancing device that comprises a body structure and a wound-healing-enhancing agent in a wound-healing-enhancing effective amount. Methods of fabricating and using the device are also provided.