Phosphazene Polymer Tissue Adhesion via Sol-Gel Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tissue-adhesive substances face challenges with moisture sensitivity, adhesion strength, and toxicity, leading to reduced effectiveness and frequent reapplication, especially in moist environments like the human body.

Innovation Solution

A phosphazene-based polymer is developed, incorporating a catechol group linked with amino acid ester, polyethylene glycol, and a functional group, which undergoes a sol-gel phase transition near body temperature, forming a hydrogel with enhanced adhesiveness and biodegradability, and can be formulated into a tissue-adhesive composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional tissue-adhesive substances are used, then adhesion function is provided, but moisture sensitivity causes adhesion strength to decrease and frequent reapplication is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidduration of adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of tissue-adhesive polymers by introducing hydrophobic groups (such as long alkyl chains or aromatic groups) to change the moisture sensitivity parameter. This structural modification reduces the polymer's affinity for water, thereby maintaining adhesion strength in moist environments and extending the duration of action without frequent reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite polymer structures by combining multiple functional groups within a single polymer chain, including hydrophobic groups, catechol groups for adhesion, and functional groups for controlled degradation. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve moisture resistance, strong adhesion, and biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between durability and biological compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If temperature-sensitive hydrogel is used, then sol-gel phase transition enables even distribution to lesion, but tissue adhesiveness and strength are insufficient and rapid loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidtissue adhesiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature-sensitive sol-gel phase transition property with strong adhesive functional groups (catechol groups) within the same polymer structure. The polymer maintains liquid state for easy injection and distribution at body temperature, then transitions to gel state to form strong adhesion to tissues, simultaneously achieving ease of application and reliable tissue bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces local hydrophobic regions within the polymer structure that provide moisture resistance and adhesion strength, while the overall polymer matrix maintains temperature-sensitive sol-gel behavior. This local quality modification allows the material to have both easy application properties and reliable tissue adhesiveness without rapid loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If phosphazene-based polymer with amino acid ester and polyethylene glycol is used, then biodegradability and temperature-sensitivity are achieved, but adhesiveness is insufficient without additional functional groups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiodegradability and temperature-sensitivityVSAvoidtissue adhesiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional polymer structure where the phosphazene backbone provides biodegradability, polyethylene glycol segments provide temperature-sensitivity and sol-gel transition, catechol groups provide strong tissue adhesion, and hydrophobic groups provide moisture resistance. This universal polymer design simultaneously achieves multiple functions including biodegradability, temperature-response, adhesion, and moisture resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 polymer composition exhibits superior tissue adhesiveness and hemostatic effects, maintaining gel form for extended periods, reducing bleeding, and preventing infection, while allowing for controlled drug release and efficient topical delivery.

Implementation Method 1

A temperature-sensitive hydrogel shows a sol-gel phase transition in which a liquid state, e.g., a sol form, is maintained at a low temperature but converts into a gel as the temperature rises

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSol-gel phase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

in the case of catechol, which occupies the majority of adhesion proteins extracted from mussels, it not only has resistance against moisture but also exhibits strong adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10603404B2Phosphazene-based polymer for tissue adhesion, a method for preparing the same, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 NEXGEL BIOTECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a phosphazene-based polymer comprising an amino acid ester, polyethylene glycol, a group comprising a functional group, and a catechol group linked directly or by a linker to a part of or an entire functional group, in a predetermined ratio. In addition, the present invention relates to a preparation method thereof, and a tissue-adhesive composition comprising the same as an active ingredient.