Layered Alginic Acid Sponge for Biodegradable Adhesion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing surgical adhesions are either non-biodegradable or insufficiently effective, and there is a need for a material that prevents adhesions without interfering with wound healing and can be easily applied via trocar during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible sponge-like laminate with two layers of low-endotoxin monovalent metal salts of alginic acid, where the first layer has a higher weight-average molecular weight than the second, allowing for controlled dissolution rates to prevent adhesions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PTFE film is used as an anti-adhesion barrier, then adhesion prevention is achieved, but the material remains in the body as it is not biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the barrier material from synthetic PTFE to natural polysaccharides (hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose), transforming it into a biodegradable material that maintains adhesion prevention effectiveness while being safely metabolized in the body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable barrier material designed to perform its adhesion prevention function temporarily during the critical healing period and then naturally decompose, eliminating the need for permanent retention in the body and avoiding long-term foreign body presence
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a sheet containing HA and CMC is used as an anti-adhesion barrier, then biodegradability is achieved, but it is unable to completely prevent serious adhesions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material combining hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose in specific ratios, leveraging the complementary properties of both polysaccharides to achieve superior adhesion prevention compared to single-component materials, while maintaining biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local composition and structure of the barrier material at the molecular level, specifically tailoring the polysaccharide ratio and molecular weight distribution to enhance the material's ability to prevent serious adhesions in critical areas while maintaining overall biocompatibility
3Reliability
If a multilayered material with different dissolution rates is used, then healing is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barrier material into multiple layers with different polysaccharide compositions and dissolution rates, allowing the first layer to dissolve rapidly for initial wound protection while the second layer dissolves slowly for sustained adhesion prevention, optimizing the healing process at different stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dynamics into the barrier material design by creating layers with progressively different dissolution rates, enabling the material to dynamically adapt its protective function as the wound heals, transitioning from rapid initial protection to sustained long-term prevention
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 laminate effectively prevents adhesions, is biocompatible, and can be reapplied during surgery, with controlled dissolution rates and minimal impact on wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
a biocompatible sponge-like laminate which includes first and second sponge-like layers containing low-endotoxin monovalent metal salts of alginic acid which are at least partially crosslinked with a curing agent
Implementation Method 2
obtainable by commonly or individually lyophilizing the cured first and second layers of the laminate
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an anti-adhesion material having a high anti-adhesion effect. The present invention pertains to an anti-adhesion material comprising a biocompatible sponge-like layered body having a sponge-like first layer and a sponge-like second layer both being at least partially crosslinked with a curing agent and comprising a low endotoxin monovalent metal salt of alginic acid. The monovalent metal salt of alginic acid in the first layer has a weight average molecular weight of 30000 to 300000. The monovalent metal salt of alginic acid in the second layer has a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 200000. The weight average molecular weights are determined by GPC-MALS after a de-crosslinking treatment. The weight average molecular weight of the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid in the first layer is higher than the weight average molecular weight of the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid in the second layer.