Injectable Scaffold Material with In Situ Setting for Bone Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current scaffolds for tissue and bone repair face challenges such as poor vascularization, integration, and remodelling, along with issues like inflammatory scarring and infection, and there is a need for improved injectable scaffolds that can be administered minimally invasively to hard-to-reach or irregularly shaped tissue sites.
Innovation Solution
A method and composition for forming a scaffold material that can set in less than 5 minutes, using polymer microparticles and a liquid carrier with controlled plasticizer concentrations, allowing for injectable scaffolds that can conform to any shape and provide controlled agent release, using a powder form of the agent encapsulated amongst the polymer microparticles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pre-formed water-insoluble matrices are used as scaffolds, then structural strength is improved, but ease of administration deteriorates due to invasive operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the scaffold from a pre-formed solid matrix into an injectable composition by changing its physical state parameters. The composition remains in a liquid or semi-liquid state during administration, then sets in situ to form the structural scaffold, allowing minimally invasive delivery while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid carrier as an intermediary medium that enables injection of the scaffold material. The carrier suspends or dissolves the bioactive substitute and allows the composition to flow through injection needles, after which the scaffold sets to provide structural support
2Ease of operation
If hydrogels are used for injectable scaffolds, then ease of administration is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to inability to withstand compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite injectable composition that combines the advantages of hydrogels (injectability) with other materials that provide mechanical strength. The composition may include polymers, ceramics, or other structural components suspended in or combined with the hydrogel matrix to achieve both ease of administration and adequate mechanical properties
3Strength
If pre-formed scaffolds are used, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to requirement of prior knowledge of cavity dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scaffold dynamic by transitioning it from a fixed pre-formed structure to a material that can be injected and then sets in situ. The composition adapts its shape and volume to match the target cavity or defect site, providing structural integrity while being versatile for different anatomical locations and cavity geometries
4Quantity of substance
If agents are embedded in hydrogels for controlled release, then localization of agents is improved, but release kinetics deteriorate due to poor diffusion properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or particulate scaffold structure that allows better diffusion of embedded agents compared to dense hydrogels. The porous architecture provides channels for agent release while maintaining localization, improving the kinetics of drug or growth factor delivery without sacrificing targeted localization
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 scaffold material allows for effective tissue repair by providing a scaffold that can be easily administered, sets quickly, and releases agents effectively, improving vascularization and integration while minimizing invasive procedures and adverse reactions.
Implementation Method 1
suspending the polymer microparticles in a liquid carrier to form an injectable scaffold material capable of setting upon contact with body tissue
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of forming a tissue scaffold material for controlled release of an agent in situ, or tissue regeneration, and a system of controlling scaffold and scaffold setting properties using various constituents, such as ceramics and/or plasticisers, and carriers. The invention further relates to scaffold material, scaffolds, and kits, and the use of such scaffold material and scaffolds in methods of treatment.