Functionalized Calcium Phosphate Bone Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial joints and bones manufactured from apatites or metals are costly and inefficient due to the need for machining, lack optimal porosity, and often require additional stabilization with pins and screws, leading to bone degeneration and the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
Development of functionalized compositions comprising calcium phosphate and calcium aluminate phases with linker groups for attaching biologically active moieties, allowing for the creation of porous, pliable artificial prostheses that can be molded into desired shapes and hardened in place, promoting tissue growth and vascularization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If artificial joints and bones are manufactured from apatites or metals using machining, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining processes with chemical formation processes. The functionalized calcium phosphate compositions are formed through chemical reactions and setting processes rather than mechanical cutting or shaping, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming machining operations while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, setting time) to control the formation and hardening of the calcium phosphate composition. The material transitions from a pliable state during application to a hardened state in situ, allowing for efficient manufacturing without mechanical intervention
2Strength
If artificial joints and bones are made with dense structure for strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but porosity decreases which is necessary for tissue growth and vascularization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions of the implant. The composition includes both dense regions for structural strength and porous regions for tissue ingrowth and vascularization. The functionalized calcium phosphate material can be formulated with controlled porosity while maintaining overall structural integrity through the interplay of dense and porous zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure within the calcium phosphate composition that combines dense phases (for strength) and porous phases (for tissue growth). The functionalized composition may include multiple calcium phosphate phases with different densities and porosity characteristics, creating a multi-scale composite structure that satisfies both mechanical and biological requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional pins and screws are used to stabilize artificial joints, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and bone degeneration is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stabilization function into multiple components: the functionalized calcium phosphate composition itself provides primary structural stability, while the biologically active moieties attached via linker groups provide secondary stabilization through促进 bone growth and integration. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional mechanical fasteners like pins and screws
Solution Approach 2:
The functionalized composition acts as an intermediary between the implant and the host bone tissue. The biologically active moieties (such as bone morphogenetic proteins, growth factors, or osteoinductive agents) attached to the calcium phosphate surface mediate the interaction with host tissue, promoting natural bone growth and integration without requiring mechanical fasteners
4Volume of stationary object
If artificial joints are made from plastics as support structures for tissue growth, then porosity can be introduced, but the cost increases and the material lacks sufficient structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous calcium phosphate materials that naturally exhibit both porosity for tissue growth and adequate structural strength. The functionalized composition can be formulated with controlled pore sizes and distributions that facilitate cell infiltration and vascularization while maintaining mechanical integrity through the inherent strength of the calcium phosphate crystal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where calcium phosphate provides the structural framework with inherent strength, while the porous architecture and functionalized surface provide the biological functionality. This composite approach eliminates the need to use plastics, as the calcium phosphate itself can simultaneously provide both structural and biological requirements
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 functionalized compositions provide a cost-effective, efficient method for creating artificial bones and joints with optimal porosity, facilitating tissue growth and reducing bone degeneration, thus improving the longevity and effectiveness of implants.
Implementation Method 1
a functionalized composition comprising at least one calcium phosphate containing phase that is functionalized either on the surface of the calcium phosphate containing phase or within a porous scaffold of the calcium phosphate containing phase with a linker group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a functionalized composition and resulting functionalized body or prosthesis for in vitro and in vivo use comprising at least one calcium phosphate containing phase that is functionalized with a linker group comprising at least one of an organic acid molecule, a phosphonic acid, an amine, N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and 3-maleimidopropionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and combinations thereof, and one or more of a chemical and/or a biologically active moieties, wherein the linker group provides for a reactive location for the attachment of the chemical or biologically active moiety, or both, to the calcium phosphate containing phase, and optionally including an unmodified and/or modified calcium aluminate containing phase. Methods of manufacturing a functionalized artificial prosthesis and methods of repairing a bone, vertebrae, or tissue structures are provided.