Phosphocalcic Cement-Hydrogel Composite for 3D Printed Bone Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for bone repair lack biomaterials that effectively mimic bone mechanical characteristics, are biocompatible, resorbable, osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteointegrative, while also being suitable for complex shape filling and vascular colonization, and are challenging to sterilize without altering chemical composition.
Innovation Solution
A formulation comprising a phosphocalcic cement and a physical or covalent hydrogel of polysaccharides, specifically tricalcium phosphate cement mixed with hyaluronic acid or chitosan, which is sterilizable, ductile, and has controlled rheological properties for 3D printing of bone implants, allowing for personalized medicine and controlled biodegradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phosphocalcic cement is used for bone repair, then osteoconductivity and biocompatibility are improved, but mechanical properties become brittle and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phosphocalcic cement particles with a hydrogel matrix to create a composite material that integrates the osteoconductivity of cement with the ductility and handling properties of hydrogel, resolving the contradiction between mechanical reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the cement-hydrogel composite, including porosity, crosslinking density, and polymer concentration, to achieve optimal balance between mechanical strength, ductility, and handling characteristics
2Reliability
If the formulation is sterilized, then biocompatibility is improved, but chemical composition may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrogel and cement mixture to enhance stability and resistance to degradation during sterilization processes, allowing effective sterilization while preserving the intended chemical properties
3Ease of operation
If the formulation is made ductile for handling, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to fracture may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where the hydrogel provides ductility and the phosphocalcic cement provides fracture resistance, achieving a synergistic effect where the combination outperforms individual components for both handling and mechanical strength
4Reliability
If the formulation is made resorbable for bone regeneration, then biodegradability is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the degradation rate parameters by adjusting hydrogel crosslinking density, polymer molecular weight, and cement-to-hydrogel ratio, enabling the material to maintain structural stability during the critical bone regeneration period while ensuring complete biodegradation thereafter
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 formulation enables the creation of bone implants that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and mechanically suitable for bone repair, promoting vascularization, cell infiltration, and bone regrowth, with enhanced mechanical properties post-sterilization, suitable for complex bone defect reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a cement wherein the pulverulent solid phase (or powder component) is made of a calcium phosphate compound or a mixture of calcium and/or phosphate compounds... when mixed, form a paste which progressively sets and hardens into a solid mass
Implementation Method 2
a physical and/or covalent hydrogel of polysaccharides... rheological properties should allow the three-dimensional impression of implants
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a formulation comprising a phosphocalcic cement and a physical and/or ovalent hydrogel of polysaccharides for 3D printing, more particularly for bone regeneration and/or bone repair. The present invention also relates to a kit for 3D printing of bone implants comprising a phosphocalcic cement and a physical and/or covalent hydrogel of polysaccharides as well as to a method to prepare a formulation for 3D printing comprising a step of mixing a phosphocalcic cement and a physical and/or covalent liquid hydrogel precursor of polysaccharides.