Gellable Collagen Syringe for Skin Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating skin defects and signs of aging, such as wrinkles, are limited in their ability to create a moldable three-dimensional collagen structure in situ with minimal pain and trauma, as existing collagen-based matrices either lack moldability or are non-gellable, making them unsuitable for natural and gentle reconstruction of the skin's outer contour.
Innovation Solution
A liquid, gellable collagen composition is developed by combining a concentrated collagen solution with a liquid buffer solution, allowing for direct intracutaneous injection into the dermis where it cures into a collagen matrix, enabling three-dimensional shaping before gelling, and can be administered through a small needle with minimal pain, using a syringe with separate chambers for the collagen and buffer solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a highly concentrated collagen solution is injected through a small needle, then the invasiveness and pain are reduced, but the needle may become plugged due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen solution is divided into two separate chambers in the syringe: one containing the concentrated collagen solution and the other containing the buffer solution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the collagen solution can maintain high concentration for stability while the buffer ensures proper flow properties through the needle.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer solution is introduced as an intermediary substance that mixes with the collagen solution at the point of injection. This intermediary enables the highly concentrated collagen to flow smoothly through the small needle by adjusting the local viscosity and chemical environment, preventing needle plugging while maintaining the benefits of high concentration.
2Ease of operation
If a liquid collagen composition is injected into the dermis, then three-dimensional shaping is enabled before gelling, but the collagen must remain liquid during injection and then gel immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen solution is prepared in advance with specific pH and ionic conditions that keep it liquid and moldable. The buffer solution is also prepared separately with complementary properties. When mixed in the correct ratio during injection, the preliminary preparation of both solutions ensures immediate gelling after injection, providing both moldability during injection and stability after placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gelling process is triggered by changing physical-chemical parameters - specifically pH and ionic strength - when the collagen solution mixes with the buffer solution in the tissue. This parameter change transforms the collagen from a liquid state (during injection for moldability) to a gel state (after injection for stability), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and composition stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If collagen is extracted and neutralized under refrigeration, then the collagen structure is preserved, but the process is time-consuming and requires complex temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen extraction and neutralization processes are segmented into separate steps with separate storage conditions. The collagen solution can be extracted and stored under refrigeration to preserve structure, while the buffer solution is stored separately at appropriate temperature. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous temperature control during mixing and reduces overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the collagen solution and buffer solution are prepared and pre-cooled in advance under refrigeration to preserve collagen structure. This preliminary action ensures that when they are mixed during the procedure, the temperature control is already established, eliminating the need for complex real-time temperature management and reducing processing time.
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
This method allows for the creation of a highly stable, durable three-dimensional collagen structure with improved minimally invasive surgery, reducing trauma and enabling the reconstruction of the skin's collagen structure with high native collagen content, promoting autologous collagen synthesis and skin cell proliferation.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid gellable collagen composition is obtained from a liquid, particularly concentrated, collagen solution in combination with a liquid buffer solution... where it immediately cures into a collagen matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a kit and a syringe for use in a therapeutic method for intracutaneous filling of the collagen structure in connective tissue of the skin, and the use thereof, particularly as part of the treatment of skin defects, particularly skin diseases and signs of skin aging.