Photocurable Subtissue Implant Material for Durable Soft-Tissue Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical compositions used to fill soft tissue voids are not durable and degrade quickly, leading to incomplete tissue recovery and psychological effects in patients.
Innovation Solution
A photocurable composition comprising a photoactivatable metal ligand complex, a matrix forming polymer, and an electron acceptor is introduced into the tissue and irradiated with visible light to induce photocrosslinking, forming a durable crosslinked polymer hydrogel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid filler solutions are used to fill soft tissue voids, then the treatment is minimally invasive and easy to administer, but the material degrades quickly and lacks durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the filler material from a liquid state to a crosslinked gel state through photocuring. The composition includes photoinitiators that enable light-induced crosslinking, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the material in situ. This allows the filler to be injected as a liquid for ease of administration, then converted to a durable crosslinked network to extend duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing a photocurable composition that transitions from a liquid or sol state to a gel or crosslinked solid state upon exposure to light. This phase transition is triggered by photoinitiators absorbing light energy and initiating polymerization or crosslinking reactions, thereby transforming the material's rheological properties from flowable to structurally stable.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If crosslinking is performed to improve durability, then the material becomes more stable and long-lasting, but the process becomes more complex and may require additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single composition by combining the filler material, crosslinking agents, and photoinitiators into one integrated photocurable composition. This unified formulation eliminates the need for separate injection and crosslinking steps, reducing procedural complexity while achieving durable in situ crosslinked fillers.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition includes self-contained crosslinking capabilities through incorporated photoinitiators and crosslinking agents that activate upon light exposure. The material performs its own crosslinking function in situ without requiring external complex equipment or additional procedural steps, achieving durability through self-service chemistry.
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 method provides a lasting and durable solution for filling soft tissue voids without invasive surgery, enhancing tissue bulk and promoting cellular ingrowth.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the photocurable composition through the tissue portion to induce a photocrosslinking reaction forming crosslinks between individual polymers of the matrix forming polymer within the photocurable composition
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of treating diseased or damaged tissue in a patient. In some forms the methods comprise introducing a photocurable composition to the diseased or damaged tissue, the photocurable composition comprising a photoactivatable metal ligand complex, a matrix forming polymer, and an electron acceptor. Such methods may further comprise irradiating the photocurable composition through a tissue portion to induce a photocrosslinking reaction forming crosslinks between individual polymers of the matrix forming polymer within the photocurable composition.