Meniscus Regeneration Material With β-Turn and Random-Coil Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for meniscus damage in knee osteoarthritis are limited, and existing methods for meniscus repair and regeneration are difficult and often ineffective, leading to recurring issues and a lack of suitable treatments compared to cartilage damage.
Innovation Solution
A meniscus regeneration material comprising a protein (A) with specific polypeptide chains and amino acid sequences, designed to promote meniscus regeneration, maintaining an appropriate wet state and enhancing repairability through controlled β-turns and random coils, along with optional inclusion of meniscus tissue fragments and additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If meniscus suture techniques are used to repair damaged meniscus, then the meniscus can be stabilized and joint function maintained, but 30% of patients require repeat surgery indicating limited effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial meniscus tissue as an intermediary substance to facilitate meniscus repair. This artificial tissue serves as a scaffold that supports cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, enabling the damaged meniscus to regenerate rather than relying solely on suture techniques which have limited success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the repair material by controlling the molecular weight, composition ratio, and structural properties of the artificial meniscus tissue. Specifically, the patent adjusts the proportion of polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid, controls crystallinity, and regulates pore structure to optimize cell interaction and tissue regeneration, thereby improving repair effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is performed to treat severe symptoms, then pain and scraping feelings are relieved, but the underlying tissue damage remains and repair is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing and implanting artificial meniscus tissue before the damaged tissue can scar over or degenerate further. This artificial tissue is placed in the defect area to provide immediate structural support and create a favorable environment for regeneration, preventing further damage while promoting healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of meniscus damage (which creates a non-regenerative environment) into a benefit by using the damaged site as a target for artificial tissue implantation. The artificial meniscus tissue transforms the damaged area into a controlled regeneration site, turning the previously harmful lack of blood supply and scarring tendency into an opportunity for guided tissue engineering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cartilage regeneration therapies are applied to meniscus, then some repair may occur, but the unique mechanical load-bearing requirements of meniscus are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing artificial meniscus tissue with spatially varying properties to match the specific functional requirements of different meniscus regions. The tissue composition, porosity, and mechanical properties are optimized for load-bearing in the circumferential direction while maintaining appropriate flexibility in other directions, thereby meeting the unique mechanical demands of meniscus tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid in specific ratios, and further compositeing these polymers with growth factors, cells, and other bioactive components. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously provide structural strength for load-bearing and biological functionality for tissue regeneration, addressing both mechanical and biological requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a meniscus regeneration material having high meniscus regeneration ability. The meniscus regeneration material includes protein (A), which has a total percentage of β-turns and random coils of 60 to 85% as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and the meniscus regeneration material may further include meniscus tissue fragment (B). The present invention also provides the use of the meniscus regeneration material for promoting meniscus regeneration and treating meniscus damage, cartilage defects, or osteoarthritis.