Photocurable Phenol-Enriched Polymer Adhesives for Tissue Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical adhesives face challenges in effectively sealing and bonding tissues without causing leakage, particularly in liquid- or gas-containing structures, and there is a need for improved photocurable compositions that can crosslink upon exposure to light.

Innovation Solution

The development of photocurable adhesive compositions comprising a phenol-enriched synthetic polymer, a photoactivatable catalyst, and an electron acceptor, which form covalent crosslinks upon irradiation, utilizing a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex to initiate cross-linking reactions, enhancing bonding and sealing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical adhesives are applied to seal liquid- or gas-containing structures, then leakage risk is reduced, but the adhesive must achieve sufficient crosslinking strength quickly under moderate light intensity to prevent leakage before full curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcrosslinking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical crosslinking mechanisms with a photochemical system using a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex. This optical-based mechanism enables rapid crosslinking upon light exposure, achieving reliable sealing without requiring extended time for chemical reactions to proceed under moderate light intensity conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a photoactivatable catalyst system that undergoes a parameter change (activation state) upon exposure to light. The metal-ligand complex transitions from an inactive to an active state, triggering rapid crosslinking reactions. This parameter change allows the adhesive to achieve sufficient crosslinking strength quickly, reducing the time required to reach effective sealing before full curing is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a photoactivatable catalyst system is used to enable crosslinking under moderate light intensity, then the adhesive can be applied and cured with simpler equipment, but the composition complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring equipment requirementsVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex as an intermediary substance that mediates the crosslinking process. This intermediary absorbs light energy and transfers it to initiate crosslinking reactions, enabling the use of simpler curing equipment while managing the added composition complexity through a well-defined catalytic mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If covalent crosslinks are formed rapidly upon irradiation to enhance bonding strength, then tissue bonding durability is improved, but the risk of premature crosslinking before application increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidpremature crosslinking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and electron acceptor into the adhesive composition in advance, but these components remain inactive until light exposure. The system is prepared with all necessary crosslinking agents pre-positioned, yet the actual crosslinking action is deferred until irradiation occurs, preventing premature crosslinking during application while ensuring rapid bonding strength development when activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces spontaneous or contact-initiated crosslinking mechanisms with a light-activated photochemical system. This substitution ensures that crosslinking only occurs when deliberately triggered by irradiation, eliminating the risk of premature crosslinking during handling and application, while still achieving rapid and strong bonding when activated.

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 described compositions provide robust and efficient tissue sealing and bonding, forming covalent crosslinks under moderate light intensity, reducing the risk of leakage and improving the durability of surgical adhesives.

Implementation Method 1

a photoactivatable catalyst such as a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoactivatable metal-ligand complex: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an electron acceptor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron acceptor: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20250345478A1Photocrosslinkable synthetic polymers

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 COOK BIOTECH INC

AI summary

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides adhesive compositions and medical graft materials comprising adhesive compositions. In some forms, such adhesive compositions comprise are photocurable and comprise one or more phenol-enriched synthetic polymers.