Multi-block Bioresorbable Polymers for Shape Memory and Fast Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shape memory polymers for medical applications lack biodegradability and versatility for fast degradation, limiting their use in bone fillers, vascular closure, stents, and drug delivery platforms.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-block bioresorbable polymers with hard and soft segments, specifically designed for fast degradation, which can be used in various medical applications, including bone fillers, vascular closure, stents, and drug delivery, by formulating polymers with specific molecular structures and additives for enhanced biodegradability and shape memory properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shape memory polymers are used for medical applications, then shape recovery performance is improved, but biodegradability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer into distinct hard segments (providing shape memory) and soft segments (providing biodegradability), creating a segmented polyetherester structure where each segment performs its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining polyether segments (for shape memory) and polyester segments (for biodegradability), integrating two different material systems into a single functional polymer
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional polymers are used for fast degradation applications, then degradation speed is improved, but shape memory properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer chain into biodegradable polyester sections and shape-memory polyether sections, allowing the biodegradable parts to degrade rapidly while the polyether segments preserve shape memory functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different local properties to different segments: the polyester segments provide local biodegradability while the polyether segments provide local shape memory stability, creating spatially differentiated functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-block copolymer structure is implemented, then versatility for medical applications is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented polymer architecture with repeating hard and soft blocks, enabling versatile medical applications through controlled block lengths and compositions while maintaining a relatively simple stepwise synthesis approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts versatility by changing parameters such as block length, composition ratio, and molecular weight rather than fundamentally altering the polymer architecture, allowing application-tailoring without proportional increases in manufacturing complexity
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 polymers exhibit rapid shape recovery and degradation profiles suitable for medical applications, providing effective solutions for bone fillers, vascular closure, stents, and drug delivery, with adjustable degradation times and improved biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The copolymer comprises a plurality of hard segments and a plurality of soft segments, wherein the hard segments and the soft segments are arranged in an alternating sequence
Implementation Method 2
shape memory polymers (SMPs) represent a class of stimuli-responsive materials for which the response is a change in shape of an item made from the SMP based on an external stimulus such as temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to the synthesis of multi-block bioresorbable polymers bearing hard and soft polymeric segments. The invention further relates to bioresorbable polymers for shape memory properties. The invention also relates to the use of such polymers as bone filler, vascular closure devices, hemostasis device, aneurysms, mastectomy devices and stent applications. The invention relates also to the use of such polymers for applications in fast degradation applications and 3D printing. The invention also relates to the use of such polymers as drug delivery platforms applications.