Injectable Collagen Suspensions for Dense Matrix Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing collagen-based tissue substitutes often result in matrices that are not very concentrated, denatured, crosslinked, or contaminated with organic solvents and chemical reagents, posing toxicity and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of injectable collagen suspensions comprising undenatured, non-crosslinked, and non-denatured collagen particles with a high concentration, free from contaminants, which can form dense, stable matrices upon injection, using a process involving acid-soluble collagen solutions and controlled drying techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If acid-soluble collagen is aerosol-dried at high temperatures (120°C) to obtain concentrated particles, then collagen concentration is improved, but the collagen triple helices are denatured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the drying temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (120°C) to low temperatures (below 40°C, preferably 20-30°C). This parameter change allows the collagen particles to be dried without denaturing the triple helix structure, while still achieving concentrated particles suitable for injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable syringe with a fine needle for the injection process, eliminating the need for complex, reusable injection devices. The syringe is designed for single-use, which simplifies the system and reduces contamination risks while delivering the collagen suspension effectively.
2Quantity of substance
If organic solvents (ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether) are used to precipitate collagen particles, then collagen concentration is improved, but toxicity problems arise during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful organic solvents from the collagen preparation process. Instead of using organic solvents for precipitation, the invention employs an aqueous buffer system (phosphate-buffered saline) to achieve collagen particle formation, thereby eliminating toxicity while maintaining concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aqueous buffer system (phosphate-buffered saline) as an intermediary medium to replace organic solvents. This intermediary allows for collagen particle precipitation and stabilization without the toxic effects of organic compounds, making the formulation safe for injection.
3Quantity of substance
If collagen is injected at high concentration to form dense matrices, then matrix density is improved, but injectability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collagen into microparticles (0.1-10 μm) rather than using bulk collagen. This segmentation allows the material to be injected through fine needles (27-30 gauge) while maintaining high concentration, as the particles can pass through the needle lumen without causing excessive resistance or tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the particle size parameter to within the range of 0.1-10 μm, which optimizes both injectability and matrix density. This parameter adjustment allows the collagen suspension to flow through fine needles while forming dense matrices upon injection, resolving the contradiction between concentration and ease of injection.
4Stability of the object's composition
If collagen matrices are formed without crosslinking to maintain native structure, then collagen integrity is improved, but stability against collagenases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary physical stabilization through controlled cooling and buffering during the injection process. The low-temperature drying and aqueous buffer formulation create a physically stable particle structure that resists enzymatic degradation without requiring chemical crosslinking, thereby maintaining integrity while improving stability.
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 resulting collagen suspensions can be easily injected through fine needles, form stable dense matrices, and are resistant to collagenases, maintaining the integrity of collagen triple helices, thus providing a safe and effective tissue substitute.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to an injectable suspension consisting of a pulverulent composition consisting of solid spherical or spheroid particles consisting of more than 90% by mass of undenatured and non-crosslinked collagen
Implementation Method 2
using a process involving acid-soluble collagen solutions and controlled drying techniques
Implementation Method 3
the resulting collagen suspensions can be easily injected through fine needles, form stable dense matrices
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the preparation of injectable collagen suspensions, to the method for preparing said suspensions, and to the uses thereof, particularly for forming dense collagen matrices.