Light-Curable Adhesive Nanoparticle Photothermal Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue adhesives used in surgery require a lengthy time to achieve full mechanical properties, limiting their application and increasing the risk of wound dehiscence and infection due to microbial access.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating metallic nanoparticles into polymer adhesives that absorb electromagnetic radiation, converting it into heat to accelerate the curing process, thereby reducing the time required for the adhesive to achieve full mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymer adhesives are used for wound closure, then the adhesive can provide mechanical support and barrier function, but the curing time is lengthy which increases risk of wound dehiscence and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (photoinitiator) that mediates the curing process by absorbing light energy and transferring it to the polymer system, enabling rapid polymerization. This intermediary allows the adhesive to transition from slow conventional curing to fast photo-curing while maintaining bond strength and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing mechanism parameter from thermal/chemical gradual curing to photo-initiated rapid curing. By incorporating photoinitiators that absorb specific wavelengths of light, the adhesive system transforms the curing kinetics, achieving full mechanical properties in seconds rather than minutes or hours
2Strength
If the adhesive cures slowly, then the polymer has time to achieve proper bonding, but the prolonged liquid state increases microbial access and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using photoinitiators that are pre-incorporated into the adhesive formulation. Upon light exposure, these photoinitiators immediately trigger polymerization, converting the adhesive from liquid to solid state in seconds. This preliminary photo-initiation prevents microbial contamination during the bonding process while ensuring adequate bond strength is achieved
3Loss of time
If heat is applied to hasten curing, then the cure time is reduced, but additional equipment and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal heating system with an optical system. Instead of using heat lamps or heating elements to accelerate curing, the invention uses light sources (such as LEDs or lasers) that activate photoinitiators in the adhesive. This substitution eliminates the need for complex thermal control equipment while achieving rapid curing through photochemical reactions
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
This approach enables faster curing and bonding of tissue adhesives, reducing the need for sutures, decreasing infection risk, and allowing for quicker wound closure with enhanced mechanical strength, even under high tension, thus reducing patient care time and healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticles that have an electromagnetic radiation absorbance maximum and electromagnetic radiation source that emits light at a wavelength that matches the absorbance maximum of the nanoparticle
Implementation Method 2
nanoparticles to absorb ER (e.g., light), convert the ER to heat, and provide local heating that accelerates polymerization
Implementation Method 3
Setting refers to the transition of a resin in liquid form (pre-polymer) to an immature polymer with limited mechanical properties. Curing refers to the transition of the immature polymer to its final state in which the mechanical and physical properties no longer change
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes a polymer adhesive containing metallic or other nanoparticles that resonate upon the application of electromagnetic radiation to product heat. Heat generated by particle resonance is used to cure the polymer adhesive. Applications include wound repair, and industrial, commercial and craft applications.