Magnesium Bone Implant with Protective Polymer Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone implants made from resorbable materials lack sufficient mechanical strength, exhibit rapid degradation, and are difficult to model and process, while biodegradable ceramic implants have insufficient fracture and flexural fatigue strength, and magnesium alloys resorb too quickly, posing challenges in clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
A bone implant is developed using a combination of biodegradable and non-degradable materials with different properties, where a high-strength magnesium or magnesium alloy is paired with a protective structure to control degradation kinetics, ensuring mechanical strength is maintained during bone regeneration and tissue compatibility is ensured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resorbable materials such as PDLLA, PGA or PCL are used for bone implants, then biodegradability and tissue compatibility are improved, but mechanical strength is significantly reduced compared to metal materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining biodegradable polymer materials (such as PDLLA, PGA, or PCL) with biodegradable ceramic materials (such as beta-tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite) to create a hybrid composite material. This composite structure allows the implant to simultaneously achieve sufficient mechanical strength from the ceramic component and controlled biodegradability from the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between strength and biodegradability.
2Strength
If biodegradable ceramic implant materials are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but fracture and flexural fatigue strength are insufficient and the material is difficult to model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines biodegradable ceramics with polymers in a composite structure where the ceramic provides mechanical strength while the polymer matrix facilitates easier processing and modeling. The composite material can be processed using techniques suitable for both components, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the strength benefits of ceramic materials.
3Strength
If magnesium or magnesium alloys are used for bone implants, then high strength is achieved, but resorption occurs too rapidly under physiological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnesium or magnesium alloys with biodegradable polymers and/or ceramics to create a composite structure. The polymer or ceramic component acts as a barrier that controls the degradation rate of the magnesium, preventing rapid resorption while maintaining high mechanical strength. This composite approach allows tuning of the degradation kinetics to match bone regeneration rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the degradation parameters of magnesium by combining it with other materials that alter its corrosion behavior. The composite structure changes the chemical and physical environment at the magnesium surface, controlling ion release rates and preventing excessive degradation. This parameter adjustment ensures the implant maintains strength long enough for bone regeneration while still being fully resorbable.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a protective structure is added to control degradation kinetics, then degradation dynamics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural components of the implant. The biodegradable polymer or ceramic that provides structural support also serves as the protective barrier controlling degradation. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective coatings or layers, reducing device complexity while maintaining controlled degradation kinetics.
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 solution provides a bone implant with optimal strength and controlled degradation, preventing rapid absorption, ensuring mechanical integrity and tissue protection, while allowing for the complete resorption of the supporting structure, thus addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable and resorbable materials... degradation... decomposition products
Implementation Method 2
biodegradable and resorbable materials... resorption... physiological/metabolic activity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bone implant with a supporting structure (1) made of a metal alloy and with a biodegradable and resorbable protective structure (7), wherein the protective structure (7) is attached to and/or on the supporting structure (1) in such a way that the supporting structure (1) is protected from contact with an aggressive body fluid in a position anchored in a bone of a living being, such as a mammal, wherein the supporting structure (1) is surrounded and penetrated by the protective structure (7).