Hydroxyapatite-Modified Polymer Layer for Biocompatible Ligament Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial ligament materials have hydrophobic surfaces with poor biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, which are unfavorable for cell attachment.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving plasma-activation of a polymer layer using an atmospheric cold plasma device to introduce acrylic acid, followed by immersion in calcium and phosphate solutions to modify the surface with hydroxyapatite, enhancing biocompatibility and hydrophilicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional vacuum plasma or high-temperature plasma treatment is used to modify polymer surface, then surface hydrophilicity can be improved, but the polymer layer may be damaged and manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidpolymer layer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature plasma (conventional method) to low-temperature atmospheric cold plasma (innovation), thereby modifying the polymer surface without causing thermal damage. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between achieving surface modification and avoiding polymer damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the vacuum-based plasma system with an atmospheric pressure plasma system. This substitution eliminates the need for vacuum pumping while achieving effective surface modification, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and time without compromising biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If vacuum plasma treatment is used to modify polymer surface, then surface properties can be improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase due to vacuum pumping requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidvacuum pumping system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vacuum-based plasma generation system with an atmospheric pressure plasma system. This substitution eliminates the vacuum pumping equipment and associated complexity, while maintaining effective surface modification capabilities for improving biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The atmospheric cold plasma system operates in ambient air without requiring vacuum environment, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex vacuum support systems. The plasma is generated directly in atmospheric conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional plasma treatment is used, then surface modification can be achieved, but manufacturing time increases due to lengthy treatment processes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses low-temperature atmospheric cold plasma which achieves effective surface modification at lower temperatures and shorter exposure times compared to conventional high-temperature plasma. This parameter change reduces manufacturing time while maintaining biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The atmospheric cold plasma treatment provides continuous and uniform surface modification across the polymer layer, achieving complete coverage in a single pass without requiring multiple treatment cycles, thereby reducing overall manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method improves the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of the polymer layer, reducing manufacturing time and damage, and increases the efficiency of hydroxyapatite deposition, resulting in better cell viability and surface stability.

Implementation Method 1

plasma-activating acrylic acid using an atmospheric cold plasma device to modify a surface of the polymer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma activation: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

immersing the calcium-containing modified layer in a second solution containing phosphate salt to obtain a modified polymer layer modified by the hydroxyapatite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydroxyapatite deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12624178B2Manufacturing method of a modified polymer layer modified by hydroxyapatite

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 TAIWAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

AI summary

A manufacturing method of a modified polymer layer modified by hydroxyapatite is provided in the present disclosure, including following steps: (a) providing a polymer layer; (b) plasma-activating acrylic acid using an atmospheric cold plasma device to modify a surface of the polymer layer to obtain an acrylic-modified polymer layer; (c) immersing the acrylic-modified polymer layer in a first solution containing a calcium ion to obtain a calcium-containing modified layer; and (d) immersing the calcium-containing modified layer in a second solution containing phosphate salt to obtain a modified polymer layer modified by hydroxyapatite.