NDGA Polymerized Collagen Fibers With Tension-Dried Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing biocompatible NDGA polymerized collagen fibers do not achieve the high tensile strength and dynamic flexibility necessary to match or exceed that of natural tendons and ligaments, limiting their effectiveness in medical constructs and implants.
Innovation Solution
A method involving treating collagen with nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA), drying while maintaining tension, washing to remove unreacted cross-linking intermediates, and repeating this process to produce high-strength NDGA polymerized collagen fibers, which are then used to create bioprosthesis with tensile strengths between 180-300 MPa and matching the stiffness and dynamic flexibility of natural tendons and ligaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If collagen is treated with NDGA and dried without tension, then the manufacturing process is simpler and faster, but the tensile strength of the resulting fibers is insufficient to match natural tendons
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen is pre-aligned under tension during the drying phase before cross-linking occurs. This preliminary alignment of collagen fibers while under tensile load ensures that the subsequent NDGA cross-linking reinforces the fibers in their oriented state, maximizing tensile strength without requiring complex post-processing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies controlled tension (a mechanical parameter) during the drying process to induce fiber alignment. By changing the physical state of collagen from random to aligned through applied stress, the resulting cross-linked structure achieves superior tensile properties matching natural tendons
2Strength
If collagen is treated with NDGA and dried while holding in tension, then the tensile strength increases to match natural tendon, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tension is applied continuously throughout the entire drying process without interruption. This continuous mechanical alignment during moisture removal ensures that collagen fibers maintain their oriented configuration throughout drying, achieving high tensile strength while using a simple, continuous process rather than multiple intermittent steps
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment under tension is performed as a preliminary step during drying itself, combining two functions (alignment and drying) into one continuous operation. This eliminates the need for separate alignment and drying steps, reducing overall process time despite the extended drying duration
3Reliability
If NDGA cross-linking is performed without washing intermediates, then the process is faster, but the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of the fibers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The unreacted NDGA intermediates and byproducts are extracted from the collagen fiber matrix through washing with alcohol or acetone. This removal of harmful residues ensures biocompatibility for implantation while the washing step itself is simple and quick, minimizing impact on manufacturing speed
Solution Approach 2:
Alcohol or acetone is used as an intermediary solvent to selectively remove unreacted NDGA cross-linking agents from the collagen matrix. This intermediary substance facilitates the separation of desired cross-linked collagen from unwanted chemical residues, ensuring biocompatibility
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 resulting NDGA polymerized collagen fibers exhibit tensile strengths and mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding those of natural tendons and ligaments, making them suitable for high-performance bioprosthesis and medical implants with improved durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
treating collagen with a solution comprising NDGA; washing the dried NDGA treated collagen in a solution to remove unreacted soluble NDGA cross-linking intermediates
Implementation Method 2
drying the NDGA treated collagen while holding the collagen in tension for a period of time
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes methods of making high-strength NDGA collagen and associated methods of preparing collagen preparatory material and medical bioprostheses.