Multi-chamber Gelatin Applicator for Disc Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating intervertebral disc damage, such as degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, face challenges in retaining cells and growth factors within the target area due to inadequate closure of the injection path, leading to potential displacement and side effects.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linking therapeutic composition is developed using gelatin and a cross-linking agent that forms a cross-linked gelatin gel in the target area, providing a solid matrix to retain cells and growth factors, preventing displacement and allowing controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells and growth factors are injected into the intervertebral disc in liquid medium, then the target area can be treated, but the injection path cannot be adequately closed and cells/growth factors can be pressed out again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the injected composition from liquid to gel. The gelatin solution is injected in liquid form and then transforms into a gel matrix in situ, fundamentally changing the retention mechanism from mechanical closure to physical entrapment within a solidified matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The gelatin solution is prepared and injected first, creating the matrix structure before the actual therapeutic agents (cells and growth factors) are introduced. This preliminary formation of the gel matrix ensures subsequent retention of therapeutic agents without requiring complex closure mechanisms
2Reliability
If a solid matrix combined with growth factors or cells is implanted into the nucleus pulposus, then retention is improved, but significant damage to the annulus fibrosus occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of gelatin from liquid to gel state after injection. The gelatin solution is injected in liquid form that can flow through the needle and into the nucleus pulposus without mechanical disruption, then transforms into a gel matrix that provides retention, eliminating the need for solid matrix implantation that would damage the annulus fibrosus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic injection of gelatin solution through a needle into the intervertebral disc. This fluid injection method allows delivery of therapeutic agents without mechanical disruption to the annulus fibrosus, unlike solid matrix implantation which would require open surgical approaches
3Ease of operation
If liquid medium is used for injection, then administration is simple, but cells and growth factors cannot be retained and are pressed out through injection path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the injected composition from liquid to gel. The gelatin solution is injected in liquid form and then transforms into a gel matrix in situ, fundamentally changing the retention mechanism from mechanical closure to physical entrapment within a solidified matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The gelatin solution acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates both easy injection (in liquid form) and subsequent retention (as gel matrix). This intermediary material enables the transition from simple liquid injection to effective therapeutic agent retention without requiring complex closure mechanisms
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 cross-linked gelatin gel creates a stable, three-dimensional matrix that maintains cells and growth factors within the intervertebral disc, preventing displacement and enabling localized, continuous therapeutic effects, thereby reducing the need for prolonged immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
the gelatin and the cross-linking agent are mixed with one another to form the cross-linking therapeutic composition
Implementation Method 2
forms a cross-linked gelatin gel as a cell matrix in a target area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-chamber applicator comprising an aqueous gelatin solution and an aqueous cross-linking agent solution in separate chambers.