Functionalized Polymer Crosslinking for Biocompatible Biological Interactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biocompatible polymers lack the ability to interact naturally with biological systems for applications requiring physiological interactions such as wound healing, cellular or growth factor binding, and enzymatic degradation.

Innovation Solution

Development of functionalized and crosslinked polymers, particularly derivatives of hyaluronic acid, with modified hydroxyl groups and reactive functional groups, allowing for controlled interactions with biological systems through reactions with divinyl sulfone and thiol-containing compounds, followed by crosslinking to enhance specific properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biocompatible polymers are used, then biocompatibility is improved, but ability to interact with biological systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidability to interact with biological systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, amine, hydroxyl, sulfonic acid) at particular locations on the polymer chain. This allows different regions of the polymer to have different properties: some regions maintain biocompatibility while other regions provide specific biological interactions, thereby resolving the contradiction between general biocompatibility and specific biological interaction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite polymer structures by combining biocompatible polymer backbones with functional groups and crosslinking agents. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously exhibit biocompatibility from the polymer matrix and specific biological interaction capabilities from the functional groups and crosslinks, thus resolving the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If polymers are modified to provide specific functions, then functionality is improved, but complexity of polymer structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity of polymer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the polymer modification process into distinct steps: first introducing functional groups through controlled reactions, then adding crosslinks separately. This segmentation allows each modification to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural manageability, reducing the complexity burden of creating highly functional polymers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the degree of functional group introduction and crosslinking density as adjustable parameters. This allows tuning of polymer functionality without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same modification protocols can be applied at different concentrations and degrees to achieve desired functional outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If crosslinking is applied to enhance polymer properties, then strength and stability are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength and stabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing functional groups and reactive sites during polymer synthesis before the final crosslinking step. This pre-preparation of reactive groups simplifies the subsequent crosslinking process, as it only requires adding a crosslinking agent rather than building crosslinks during polymer formation, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses crosslinking agents as intermediaries that facilitate the crosslinking process. These agents react with functional groups on the polymer chains to form crosslinks, acting as mediators that simplify the manufacturing process compared to direct self-crosslinking methods, while still achieving the desired strength and stability enhancements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 modified polymers exhibit improved biocompatibility and functionality for medical treatments, including wound healing, tissue sealing, and drug delivery, by enhancing natural physiological interactions and providing shear thinning behavior.

Implementation Method 1

functionalized and crosslinked polymers, particularly derivatives of hyaluronic acid, with modified hydroxyl groups and reactive functional groups, allowing for controlled interactions with biological systems through reactions with divinyl sulfone and thiol-containing compounds, followed by crosslinking to enhance specific properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thinning: Shear Thinning

Data Source

PatentUS12351656B2Functionalized and crosslinked polymers

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 PMIDG LLC

AI summary

Polyhydric polymers may be converted to derivatives thereof by reaction with divinyl sulfone to provide vinyl sulfone substituted polymers, where the polymers may additionally be further derivatized, including crosslinked, and the crosslinked and non-crosslinked derivatives may be used in biomedical and other applications.