Photo-Reactive Inks for Bone Scaffolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone scaffolds face challenges in achieving the right balance of mechanical strength and flexibility, particularly with ceramics which are stiff and difficult to implement surgically, while biodegradable citric-acid-based biomaterials (CBBs) lack sufficient mechanical properties for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of photo-reactive inks and thermal-curable materials comprising acrylated or methacrylated polymers, photoinitiators, and thermal initiators, which undergo photocrosslinking and thermal curing to form malleable solid materials that harden into rigid thermoset materials upon exposure to body temperature, suitable for bone and soft tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ceramics are used for bone scaffolds to provide mechanical strength, then strength is improved, but stiffness increases making them difficult to implement in surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the scaffold material from rigid (ceramics) to malleable (photo-reactive ink) to enable easier surgical manipulation, while maintaining the ability to achieve high strength through subsequent thermal curing that creates crosslinked polymer networks and ceramic particle reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining organic photo-reactive polymers with inorganic ceramic particles, achieving both the ease of handling required for surgery and the mechanical strength needed for bone support through the synergistic combination of material phases
2Ease of operation
If biodegradable citric-acid-based biomaterials are used to provide flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical strength becomes insufficient for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of crosslinking and thermal curing to achieve the desired balance between initial malleability for surgical placement and final mechanical strength for load-bearing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reinforces the biodegradable polymer matrix with ceramic particles to enhance mechanical strength while preserving the inherent biocompatibility and gradual degradation properties of the citric-acid-based biomaterials
3Manufacturing precision
If photopolymerization is used to form 3D structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the material remains too soft and requires additional thermal curing for adequate mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photopolymerization as a preliminary action to rapidly form the precise 3D scaffold structure, then applies thermal curing as a subsequent action to enhance the mechanical properties of the already-formed structure without compromising the precision achieved during photopolymerization
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 materials and methods provide initial elastic mechanical properties for easy placement, followed by gradual hardening into a more rigid state, enhancing mechanical stability and suitability for tissue regeneration applications.
Implementation Method 1
undergo photocrosslinking and thermal curing to form malleable solid materials
Implementation Method 2
undergo photocrosslinking and thermal curing to form malleable solid materials that harden into rigid thermoset materials upon exposure to body temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein photo-reactive inks, thermal-curable materials and objects (e.g., medical implants, scaffolds, devices, etc.) made therefrom, and methods of preparation and use thereof.