L-DOPA Polymer Adhesive for Wet Tissue Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical adhesives and sealants face difficulties in achieving effective adhesion to wet tissue surfaces, which are common during surgical procedures due to the natural moisture of organs and the use of irrigation solutions.

Innovation Solution

The development of a composition comprising a polymer core substituted with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) groups and sulfhydryl-reactive groups, which forms a three-dimensional matrix upon exposure to an aqueous environment, enhancing adhesion to both dry and wet surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current surgical adhesives and sealants are used, then they can provide basic adhesive function, but they lack sufficient ability to adhere to wet surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion to wet surfacesVSAvoidperformance in wet surgical environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyethylene glycol polymer backbone with L-DOPA functional groups and sulfhydryl-reactive groups. This composite structure enables the adhesive to function in both dry and wet conditions, resolving the contradiction between basic adhesive function and wet surface adhesion capability. The L-DOPA groups provide catechol-mediated adhesion to wet surfaces, while the polymer backbone maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive by incorporating L-DOPA groups that can undergo oxidation to form quinone structures. This parameter change enables the adhesive to form crosslinked networks that enhance adhesion to wet surfaces. The sulfhydryl-reactive groups also change their reactivity state upon contact with tissue, improving adhesion performance in wet surgical environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the composition forms a three-dimensional matrix upon exposure to aqueous environment, then adhesion to wet surfaces is enhanced, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion to wet surfacesVSAvoidformulation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing L-DOPA groups and sulfhydryl-reactive groups onto the polymer backbone during manufacturing. These functional groups are prepared in advance to react with tissue sulfhydryl groups upon contact with wet surfaces. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall formulation complexity while ensuring reliable adhesion performance when the adhesive is applied in the surgical environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If L-DOPA groups are incorporated into the polymer structure, then adhesion to wet surfaces improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion to wet surfacesVSAvoidpolymer synthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing L-DOPA as a bridging molecule between the polyethylene glycol polymer backbone and the sulfhydryl-reactive groups. The L-DOPA acts as a mediator that can be incorporated during polymer synthesis through established chemical reactions. This intermediary strategy simplifies the manufacturing process compared to directly attaching complex adhesion moieties, while still achieving improved wet surface adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition demonstrates improved adhesion to wet surfaces, effectively sealing tissues and preventing leakage, while being biocompatible and non-immunogenic, suitable for various medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer core substituted with at least one L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordination bonding:

Implementation Method 2

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

a polymer core substituted with at least two sulfhydryl groups and a component comprising a polymer core substituted with at least one L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) group and at least one sulfhydryl-reactive group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

reacting a component having a polymer core substituted with at least two sulfhydryl groups with (i) a component having a polymer core substituted with at least two sulfhydryl-reactive groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 5

forms a three-dimensional matrix upon exposure to an aqueous environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking:

Implementation Method 6

allowing a three-dimensional composition to form on the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelation: Gel

Data Source

PatentUS10912859B2Additive able to provide underwater adhesion

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 BAXTER INT INC

AI summary

Compositions and methods for sealing tissue of a patient in a wet environment are disclosed.