Interpenetrating Hydrogel Matrix for Cell Conveyance and Tissue Regeneration
Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for degenerative pathologies, particularly in the central nervous system, bone tissues, and connective tissues, face challenges such as limited regeneration, high cell loss, and lack of suitable physical support for transplanted cells, leading to incomplete tissue reconstruction and complications like organ rejection in transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A double interpenetrating polymer matrix hydrogel composed of acrylic acid-based or carbomeric polymer, natural polymers like agarose or chitosan, and cross-linking agents like glycerol, propylene glycol, and triethylamine, which can host cells like neuronal cells and provide a biodegradable, nutrient-permeable environment for tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organ transplantation is performed to treat degenerative pathologies, then tissue replacement is achieved, but complications such as organ rejection and transmission of pathologies occur along with chronic shortage of available organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biodegradable polymeric matrix as an intermediary carrier that houses cells for transplantation. This matrix mediates between the donor cells and the recipient's body, providing a controlled environment that reduces immune rejection and eliminates the need for traditional organ transplantation while enabling gradual integration of the transplanted cells into the host tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers that change their physical and chemical parameters over time. The matrix gradually degrades in the body, transforming from a supportive structure to a fully integrated tissue environment. This parameter change allows the transplanted cells to adapt and integrate without triggering strong immune responses, solving the organ rejection problem.
2Quantity of substance
If cells are directly transplanted without physical support, then cell replacement is attempted, but high cell loss occurs due to lack of suitable physical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous biodegradable polymeric matrix that provides physical support and structural framework for the transplanted cells. The porous structure allows nutrients and oxygen to penetrate throughout the matrix, supporting high cell survival rates while maintaining ease of transplantation through a simple injectable or implantable delivery system.
3Reliability
If traditional transplantation methods are used, then organ replacement is achieved, but incomplete tissue reconstruction occurs due to lack of regenerative capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-prepares the biodegradable polymeric matrix with embedded cells and growth factors before transplantation. This preliminary action ensures that the transplanted cells are immediately positioned in an optimal environment for regeneration, completing tissue reconstruction more effectively and efficiently than traditional methods that rely on spontaneous regeneration after transplantation.
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 supports cell survival, proliferation, and integration, enabling effective regeneration of damaged tissues within the central nervous system and other areas, offering a clinically and cost-effective solution for degenerative pathologies through controlled release of nutrients and growth factors.
Implementation Method 1
a double interpenetrating polymer matrix hydrogel... containing cells, for example neuronal cells or central nervous system cells, placed on its external surface or housed within the tri-dimensional lattice formed by the polymeric matrix
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogel capable of containing and conveying cells... a double interpenetrating polymer matrix hydrogel... providing a biodegradable, nutrient-permeable environment for tissue regeneration
Data Source
AI summary
An interpenetrating biodegradable polymeric matrix hydrogel and the use thereof to support, encapsulate, convey and release several types of cells under conditions which allow the cells to be kept alive, grow and interconnect. The hydrogel may be used to prepare implants for integrally or partially regenerating, reconstructing and/or replacing damaged, dead or no longer functional tissues, in particular at the central nervous system or spinal marrow level. In such use, the biodegradability of the hydrogel allows a progressive release of the conveyed cells in order to promote their integration, even functional, with the surrounding tissue. The hydrogel may also be employed to support cells, for example, neural cells such as neuronal cells, on measuring devices, specifically realized for monitoring several parameters of cell activity, also during pharmacological and bio-mechanical tests.