Injectable Hydrogel with Magnetic Micro-Elements for Tissue Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injectable hydrogels lack the ability to form anisotropic and hierarchical structures with directionally organized functions and mechanical properties necessary for guiding cell organization during tissue regeneration, particularly in soft and super soft tissues like the spinal cord, where minimal invasive and directional cell growth are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A macroscopically alignable, injectable soft hydrogel composition comprising anisometric micro-elements with magnetic particles and a crosslinkable aqueous polymer formulation, which can be aligned by a magnetic field in vivo, forming an anisotropic structure to guide cell ingrowth and tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If magnetic particles are used to align micro-elements in the hydrogel, then directional cell organization and anisotropic structure formation are improved, but iron toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using low concentrations of magnetic particles only in specific regions where alignment is needed, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the entire hydrogel. This localized approach provides sufficient magnetic alignment capability for anisotropic structure formation while minimizing the overall iron toxicity burden on surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining magnetic particles with biocompatible micro-elements (such as collagen or other ECM components) to create a hybrid system. This composite approach allows the magnetic particles to provide alignment functionality while the biocompatible matrix mitigates toxicity effects and supports cell interaction.
2Shape
If high concentration of magnetic particles is used for alignment, then anisotropic structure formation is improved, but cell viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a low concentration of magnetic particles that is sufficient for achieving the desired orientational order and anisotropic structure formation, but deliberately avoids excessive concentrations that would harm cell viability. This optimized partial approach balances structural alignment needs with cellular health requirements.
3Ease of operation
If injectable hydrogel is used for minimal invasive procedure, then surgical trauma is reduced, but ability to form anisotropic structure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming micro-elements with embedded magnetic particles before injection. These pre-prepared micro-elements are designed to self-assemble into anisotropic structures after injection when exposed to a magnetic field, eliminating the need for complex in-situ alignment procedures and maintaining the benefits of minimal invasive injection while achieving the desired structural organization.
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 hydrogel composition enables directional tissue regeneration by aligning cells and nutrients within the tissue, reducing iron toxicity through low magnetic particle concentrations, and providing a scaffold for repairing damaged soft tissues with controlled mechanical properties and structural organization.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel composition enables directional tissue regeneration by aligning cells and nutrients within the tissue... which can be aligned by a magnetic field in vivo, forming an anisotropic structure to guide cell ingrowth and tissue regeneration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a macroscopically alignable, injectable, soft hydrogel composition which is able to form an anisotropic structure in vivo, after injection, to generate healthy functioning tissue and regenerate injured or diseased soft tissue.