Foam Sealant Composition for Lung Tissue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sealants face challenges in achieving optimal adhesion to lung tissue, particularly during minimally invasive procedures, as they may not maintain coverage over the entire lung surface and can be difficult to apply effectively, leading to sub-optimal sealing and potential lung expansion issues.
Innovation Solution
A tissue sealant composition comprising a multi-arm polyalkylene oxide, such as polyethylene glycol with at least 3 electrophilic groups, albumin, a buffer, and entrained gas, with specific concentration ranges for albumin and the multi-arm polymer, forming a compliant foam that can be applied to lung tissue to seal leaks without limiting lung expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid sealants are used, then they can be easily applied, but they are difficult to retain in the area of application and get diluted
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant composition undergoes a phase transition from liquid to foam upon contact with tissue fluid. The liquid components (first and second compositions) mix and react to form a foam structure with gas bubbles dispersed throughout, which provides better retention and coverage at the application site while maintaining ease of application in liquid form during delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant system changes its physical parameters (viscosity, volume, structure) through controlled chemical reactions. The first composition containing polyethylene glycol and the second composition containing crosslinking agents react to change the physical state from liquid to foam, with controlled expansion ratio and stability, thereby improving retention while maintaining applicability
2Ease of operation
If clear liquid sealants are used, then they are easy to apply, but they are difficult to visualize at the site of application
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant composition incorporates colorants or pigments that provide visual contrast at the application site. The foam structure enhances visibility through light scattering, and the coloration allows surgeons to easily detect the sealant boundaries and coverage area while maintaining the ease of liquid application
3Ease of operation
If sealants are applied to deflated lung, then minimally invasive technique can be used, but the sealant may not maintain coverage over the entire lung surface during insufflation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant foam is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to adapt to lung expansion. The foam structure can deform and stretch as the lung inflates, maintaining coverage and adhesion. The crosslinked polymer network provides elastic recovery, allowing the sealant to dynamically respond to changing lung volume while maintaining seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-to-foam phase transition occurs after application to deflated lung, creating a voluminous structure that can better conform to the expanded lung surface. The foam expansion provides initial coverage, and the subsequent crosslinking stabilizes this coverage during insufflation
4Strength
If high concentration of albumin and polymer are used, then strong adhesion is achieved, but excessive swelling and mechanical failure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrations of albumin and polyethylene glycol are precisely controlled within specific ranges to optimize the balance between adhesion strength and swelling resistance. The crosslinking density is also controlled to achieve the desired mechanical properties, preventing excessive swelling while maintaining strong adhesion to tissue
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 foam sealant provides strong adherence, compliance, and controlled application, effectively sealing air leaks in the lung while accommodating its expansion and contraction, with optimal biomechanical properties that prevent mechanical failure and excessive swelling.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-linkable composition comprising a multi-arm PEG-SG, albumin, buffer, water, and gas, to form a foam
Implementation Method 2
mixing and foaming a composition comprising multi-arm PEG-SG, albumin, buffer, water, and gas
Implementation Method 3
entrained gas as bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to tissue sealant compositions comprising: a multi-arm reactive polyethylene glycol polymer having at least 3 electrophilic groups; albumin; a buffer; water; and entrained gas as bubbles; wherein concentration of albumin in a liquid component of the sealant is within range of 50-200 mg/ml; and wherein concentration of multi-arm PEG in said liquid component of the sealant is within range of 25-100 mg/mL.