Medical Device Surface Wettability via Polymer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as ophthalmic lenses and medical electrodes, face challenges in maintaining surface wettability over an extended period, especially in dry environments, which affects their biocompatibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a substrate with a 2-alkoxyethyl group and a polymer layer that contains a carboxylic acid group-containing polymer and a copolymer with an amide structure, ensuring a water content range of 28% to 50% in a hydrated state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin surface layer is used to maintain device thickness, then the device can be introduced into the living body more easily, but the surface wettability cannot be maintained for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxylic acid groups and amide structures) that provide both hydrophilicity and water retention capability. This allows the thin surface layer to maintain wettability over extended periods through controlled water interaction rather than relying solely on layer thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite polymer layer combining carboxylic acid group-containing polymers and copolymers with amide structures. This composite material provides synergistic effects where the carboxylic acid groups enhance initial wettability while the amide structures contribute to water retention, enabling long-term wettability maintenance in a thin layer configuration
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the surface layer is thickened to retain water, then surface wettability can be maintained for a long time, but it becomes difficult to introduce the device into the living body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the water content parameter to a specific range (28-50% by mass) that provides sufficient water retention for long-term wettability while keeping the overall device dimensions suitable for medical application. This controlled water content prevents excessive swelling that would occur with thicker layers
3Reliability
If modified surface treatment is applied to improve initial wettability, then biocompatibility is enhanced, but the surface properties deteriorate over time in dry environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention ensures continuous water supply to the surface through the bulk material by controlling the overall water content and using hydrophilic functional groups that facilitate water transport. This continuous water supply mechanism maintains surface wettability continuously over time, preventing the deterioration that occurs in conventional treatments under dry conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer layer with carboxylic acid and amide functional groups automatically regulates water interaction, absorbing and releasing water as needed to maintain surface hydration. This self-regulating mechanism provides long-term wettability maintenance without requiring external intervention or thick protective layers
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 proposed solution effectively maintains surface wettability for a long time, enhancing the biocompatibility and functionality of medical devices, even in dry conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer layer contains one type of a carboxylic acid group-containing polymer and one type of a copolymer having an amide structure
Implementation Method 2
the water content of the medical device in hydrated state is in a range of 28% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less
Implementation Method 3
the substrate has a 2-alkoxyethyl group
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Disclosed is a medical device including a substrate and a polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer is provided on at least a part of a surface of the substrate and satisfies the following requirements: (a) a water content of the medical device in hydrated state is in a range of 28% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less; (b) the substrate has a 2-alkoxyethyl group; and (c) the polymer layer contains one type of a carboxylic acid group-containing polymer and one type of a copolymer having an amide structure. The present invention provides a medical device capable of maintaining surface wettability for a long time.