Plasma-Modified Polymer Tube Inner Surface for Artificial Blood Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modifying the inner surface of polymer tubes for biomedical applications, such as artificial blood vessels, are limited in enhancing reactivity and hydrophilicity, leading to issues like thrombosis and inflammation, while existing surface modification techniques primarily focus on the outer surface, neglecting the inner surface's need for thrombotic resistance and cell adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving microplasma treatment to modify the inner surface of polymer tubes, followed by the formation of a hydrocarbon thin film layer to enhance adhesiveness and cell adhesion, using gas mixtures like hydrogen and argon, and subsequent microplasma modification to improve cell attachment and prevent aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surface modification techniques are used, then the outer surface can be modified, but the inner surface remains inert and hydrophobic leading to thrombosis and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface modification approaches to different surfaces of the polymer tube. The inner surface is subjected to plasma treatment to create a hydrophilic, reactive surface that prevents thrombosis, while the outer surface maintains its original properties or receives different treatment. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by addressing the specific functional requirements of each surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters (hydrophilicity, reactivity) of the inner surface through plasma treatment. By controlling plasma parameters such as gas composition, power, and treatment time, the surface is transformed from inert and hydrophobic to hydrophilic and reactive, thereby preventing thrombosis while maintaining manufacturability.
2Reliability
If the inner surface is made hydrophilic to prevent thrombosis, then cell adhesion is improved, but the surface becomes more reactive and prone to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasma treatment as a preliminary action to create a reactive, hydrophilic surface that promotes cell adhesion. This initial modification prepares the surface for subsequent stabilization through controlled plasma exposure that introduces functional groups without excessive reactivity, thereby preventing aging while maintaining cell adhesion properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls plasma treatment parameters (gas composition, power, duration) to achieve the optimal balance between hydrophilicity for cell adhesion and reactivity for stabilization. By adjusting these parameters, the surface is modified to be sufficiently reactive for cell attachment but not so reactive as to cause rapid aging or degradation.
3Reliability
If polymer materials are used for artificial blood vessels, then biocompatibility is achieved, but the inner surface lacks reactivity and hydrophilicity needed for preventing thrombosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plasma treatment to change the surface parameters of the polymer material. The inner surface is treated to increase hydrophilicity and reactivity while maintaining the bulk biocompatibility of the polymer. This parameter change allows the polymer to be adaptable for thrombosis prevention without sacrificing its inherent biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where a plasma-modified surface layer is formed on the polymer tube. This surface layer has enhanced reactivity and hydrophilicity compared to the base polymer, while the bulk material maintains its biocompatibility. The composite structure thus combines the advantages of both the stable polymer matrix and the reactive surface layer.
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 effectively increases the hydrophilicity and reactivity of the inner surface, enhancing cell adhesion and preventing thrombosis, making the polymer tubes suitable for transplantation and use in artificial blood vessels.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the inner surface of a tube using plasma
Implementation Method 2
forming a thin film layer on the modified surface of the tube to prevent aging or impart adhesiveness
Implementation Method 3
modifying the surface of the thin film layer using microplasma so as to enhance cell adhesion thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a preparation method of a tube and a transplantable polymer tube prepared by such method, which includes modifying the inner surface of a tube using plasma. A preparation method of a tube may include preparing a tube, modifying the inner surface of the tube using microplasma so as to have reactivity, forming a thin film layer on the modified surface of the tube to prevent aging or impart adhesiveness, and modifying the surface of the thin film layer using microplasma so as to enhance cell adhesion thereon.