Implantable Oxygen Generating Device for Tissue Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for supplying oxygen to engineered tissues face challenges such as anoxia-induced cell death and limited vascularization, leading to rapid implant failure in organ transplantation, as existing oxygen delivery systems are either short-lived, unstable, or cytotoxic.
Innovation Solution
An implantable oxygen generating device comprising a biocompatible electrochemical cell with a graphene hydrogel/cobalt-phosphorous alloy cathode, graphene hydrogel/cobalt phosphate anode, and conductive hydrogel electrolyte, along with a supercapacitor power source using biocompatible electrodes and hydrogel electrolyte, which electrolytically splits water to produce oxygen and provides sustained oxygen supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solid peroxides are used to release oxygen gas via hydrolysis, then localized oxygen gas delivery is achieved, but the release is short-lived and unstable with rapid decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing solid peroxides with oxygen gas-generating polymers containing peroxide bonds within the polymer chain. This structural modification transforms the release kinetics from rapid decomposition to sustained generation over weeks to months, directly addressing the short-lived release problem while maintaining localized delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite oxygen delivery systems by incorporating oxygen gas-generating polymers into biocompatible hydrogel matrices or coating them onto scaffolds. This composite approach combines the sustained oxygen generation capability of the polymers with the biocompatibility and structural support of hydrogels, achieving both prolonged duration and stable release profiles.
2Quantity of substance
If solid peroxides are used for oxygen release, then oxygen gas is generated, but cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and salt byproducts are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical reaction pathway by using oxygen gas-generating polymers that decompose to release oxygen gas and water as the only byproducts, eliminating the hydrogen peroxide formation and salt deposition associated with solid peroxide hydrolysis. This parameter change in reaction chemistry directly resolves the cytotoxicity issue while maintaining effective oxygen delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful peroxide bonds into a beneficial form by embedding them within the polymer chain structure, where they decompose controllably to release oxygen without forming cytotoxic hydrogen peroxide. The polymer matrix acts as a protective structure that directs the decomposition pathway toward beneficial outcomes.
3Quantity of substance
If existing oxygen delivery systems are used, then oxygen supply is provided, but implant failure occurs due to anoxia-induced cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing sustained oxygen generation that begins immediately upon implantation and continues for weeks to months, pre-establishing oxygen supply before neovascularization occurs. This preliminary oxygen support prevents anoxia-induced cell death during the critical period when engineered tissues are most vulnerable, thereby improving implant survival reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves continuity of useful action through oxygen gas-generating polymers that provide uninterrupted oxygen supply over extended periods. The sustained release profile ensures continuous oxygen availability throughout the critical window for vascularization, eliminating the gaps and instability associated with short-lived oxygen delivery systems and thereby preventing implant failure.
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 device effectively generates oxygen for extended periods, reducing anoxia and promoting tissue survival and vascularization, while being biocompatible and avoiding cytotoxic byproducts, thus addressing the limitations of existing oxygen delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
the electrochemical cell electrolytically splits water in order to produce oxygen gas
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogel electrolyte is in electrochemical contact with the anode and the cathode of the cell
Implementation Method 3
the power source is a supercapacitor comprising a plurality of biocompatible electrodes and a biocompatible hydrogel electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel biocompatible oxygen gas generating devices that can be implanted into a living subject. In certain embodiments, the oxygen gas generating devices can be used to deliver oxygen gas to tissue in a subject, thereby stimulating tissue growth and repair. In other embodiments, the devices operate by electrolytically splitting endogenous water in a subject. In yet other embodiments, the device further comprises an implantable supercapacitor capable of supplying energy to the oxygen gas generating device.