Hydrogel Adhesion to Molded Polymers via Covalent Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical systems for diagnostic testing face challenges with dense or colored liquids, as detection matrices tend to move, causing interference with optical measurements and inaccurate readings due to physical entrapment methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for adhering a hydrogel matrix to a molded polymer substrate using a mixture of polymer chains and an oxidizer, followed by polymerization with acrylate groups and a photoinitiator, resulting in a covalent binding that stabilizes the matrix in place, preventing movement and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If physical entrapment is used to immobilize the detection matrix on the molded polymer substrate, then the matrix can be held in place during manufacturing, but the matrix tends to slide or move away from its original position during analytical testing, causing interference with optical measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a polymer substrate with oxidizer incorporated into the molded polymer, combined with a hydrogel matrix containing acrylate groups. The oxidizer-polymer combination creates putative radicals that form covalent bonds with the acrylate groups, creating a strong chemical bond between the matrix and substrate that prevents sliding while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of the polymer substrate by incorporating an oxidizer that creates putative radicals during molding. This parameter change enables covalent bonding with the hydrogel matrix, transforming the weak physical entrapment into strong chemical adhesion, thereby stabilizing the matrix position without interfering with optical measurements
2Ease of manufacture
If physical entrapment is used to hold the detection matrix, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the matrix moves out of the focal point of the interrogating light source, causing inaccurate or false negative readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer substrate by incorporating an oxidizer during the molding process, creating putative radicals that enable covalent bonding. This parameter change transforms the simple physical entrapment process into a chemical bonding process that maintains matrix stability and ensures reliable diagnostic test results without complicating the manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If the detection matrix is physically trapped on the substrate, then no additional chemical components are needed, but liquid sample infiltration between the substrate and matrix interferes with optical measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where the polymer substrate with oxidizer forms a chemically bonded interface with the hydrogel matrix. This composite structure eliminates gaps between the substrate and matrix, preventing liquid sample infiltration while maintaining system simplicity through the integrated chemical bonding approach
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 ensures stable optical measurements by maintaining the hydrogel matrix's position, allowing for accurate diagnostic testing with dense or colored liquids without interference, enhancing storage stability and analytical feasibility.
Implementation Method 1
forming a mixture of a polymer comprising one or more polymer chains and an oxidizer to break one or more of the polymer chains and molding the mixture to form a molded polymer substrate, and wherein the one or more polymer chains can recombine while retaining one or more putative radicals in the molded polymer substrate
Implementation Method 2
providing a hydrogel matrix comprising a hydrogel, a component comprising one or more acrylate groups or another functional group that can form one or more radicals upon polymerization in the molded polymer substrate, and a photoinitiator; curing the combined molded polymer substrate and hydrogel matrix for a period of time to covalently bind the hydrogel matrix to the molded polymer substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for adhering a hydrogel matrix to a molded polymer substrate and its use as a biosensor, e.g., a continuous or episodic glucose monitor, are disclosed. The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for adhering a hydrogel matrix to a molded polymer substrate, the method comprising: (a) molding a polymer comprising one or more polymer chains with an oxidizer to form a molded polymer substrate; (b) providing a hydrogel matrix comprising a hydrogel, a component comprising one or more acrylate groups or another functional group that can form one or more radicals upon polymerization in the molded polymer substrate, and a photo initiator; (c) combining the molded polymer substrate and the hydrogel matrix; and (d) curing the combined molded polymer substrate and hydrogel matrix for a period of time.