PEG-CMC Hydrogel Elasticity Control via Crosslinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior implantable polymer materials exhibit undesirable properties when matched with tissues of varying elasticity, leading to tissue damage and deterioration, and existing carboxypolysaccharide compositions lack controllable elasticity and biocompatibility for medical applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of new compositions containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) derivatized with polyethylene glycols (PEGs) using glycidyl ether moieties, allowing for covalent cross-linking and decoration to adjust the elasticity of the polymer materials to match the tissue elasticity, using basic or acidic catalysis to control the type and extent of cross-linking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If prior implantable polymer materials are used, then they provide structural support, but they cause tissue damage and deterioration due to mismatched elasticity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the crosslinking density and PEG chain length in the hydrogel network to precisely tune the elastic modulus. This allows the polymer material to match the elasticity of surrounding tissues, resolving the contradiction between providing structural support and causing tissue damage through elasticity mismatch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite hydrogel materials combining crosslinked polymer networks with PEG chains. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of structural integrity through crosslinking and tissue-compatible elasticity through PEG incorporation, resolving the contradiction between strength and biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing carboxypolysaccharide compositions are used, then they provide biocompatibility, but they lack controllable elasticity for medical applications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidcontrollable elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the degree of crosslinking and PEG incorporation to independently control elasticity while preserving biocompatibility. The crosslinking density serves as a tunable parameter that allows precise control over mechanical properties without compromising the inherent biocompatibility of carboxypolysaccharide compositions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If CMC is crosslinked to improve elasticity control, then elasticity can be adjusted, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelasticity controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical mixing and processing methods with in situ chemical crosslinking reactions. The crosslinking occurs directly within the composition during formulation, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing overall process complexity while achieving precise elasticity control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 PEG-CMC compositions offer improved biocompatibility and controlled elasticity, enabling the creation of implantable polymers with tailored mechanical properties for various medical applications, including space filling, drug delivery, and tissue protection.

Implementation Method 1

The glycidyl ether moiety is an epoxide, which can form covalent bonds with another reactive group via an addition reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The glycidyl ether moiety is an epoxide, which can form covalent bonds with another reactive group via an addition reaction, without formation of toxic byproducts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAddition reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

using basic or acidic catalysis to control the type and extent of cross-linking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS9682167B2Carboxymethylcellulose polyethylene glycol compositions for medical uses

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 FZIOMED INC

AI summary

Compositions and method of manufacturing carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, the functional groups of a bi-functional PEG molecule (PEG diglycidyl ether) are attached to different CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles, and lubricants of tissues and medical instruments.