Modified Macromolecules for Mild-Condition Hydrogel Crosslinking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling macromolecules to create hydrogels with high mechanical strength are cumbersome and often use cytotoxic crosslinking agents, making them unsuitable for medical applications due to the need for harsh conditions and extensive washing to remove unreacted reagents and byproducts.
Innovation Solution
Modified macromolecules, such as those undergoing alkoxyamination or hydrazide modification, facilitate crosslinking under mild conditions, allowing for the production of physiologically compatible scaffolds without the use of cytotoxic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If alkaline conditions or high temperatures are used to create hydrogels with high mechanical strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and harsh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking reaction by using carbodiimide chemistry that proceeds under neutral pH and ambient temperature conditions, eliminating the need for alkaline conditions or high temperatures while maintaining hydrogel mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces carbodiimide crosslinkers as intermediary molecules that mediate the crosslinking reaction between carboxyl and hydroxyl groups under mild conditions, replacing the need for harsh alkaline or thermal conditions
2Reliability
If crosslinkers are used to produce macromolecular scaffolds, then crosslinking is achieved, but the crosslinking agents are cytotoxic and require extensive washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of crosslinking agents from traditional glutaraldehyde or epoxide crosslinkers to carbodiimide-based crosslinkers that decompose into non-toxic byproducts (urea and water-soluble salts), eliminating cytotoxicity while maintaining crosslinking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbodiimide crosslinkers that are consumed during the reaction and decompose into harmless byproducts, eliminating the need for extensive washing to remove persistent toxic residues
3Object-affected harmful factors
If crosslinking is performed under mild conditions, then biocompatibility is improved, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite macromolecular structures through crosslinking of modified macromolecules containing both carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, forming a network that achieves both mild processing conditions and adequate mechanical strength
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 modified macromolecules enable the creation of hydrogels with improved mechanical strength and biocompatibility, suitable for medical applications by eliminating the need for harsh conditions and reducing cytotoxicity.
Implementation Method 1
the macromolecule is modified via an alkoxyamination reaction, wherein the resultant alkoxyaminated macromolecule can undergo crosslinking
Implementation Method 2
the macromolecule is modified with a group capable of reacting with a hydrazide compound, which will facilitate crosslinking
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are compounds such as macromolecules that have been modified in order to facilitate crosslinking by introduction of at least one hydrazide-reactive group and/or aminooxy-reactive group, and methods of making and using thereof for scar-free wound healing, for delivering bioactive agents or living cells, for preventing adhesion after a surgical procedure or for bone and cartilage repair. The macromolecule can be an oligonucleotide, a necleic acid, a polypeptide, a lipid, a glycoprotein, a glycolipid, a polysaccharide, a protein or a synthetic polymer, preferably a glycosaminoglycan like hyaluronan.