Polyol-Based Biodegradable Polymers for Tissue Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for synthetic biodegradable polymers with a wide range of chemical and physical properties for use in bioengineering applications, particularly for biomedical devices that require mechanical compliance, strength, and biocompatibility, as existing materials often fail to mimic the mechanical properties of tissues and organs effectively.
Innovation Solution
Development of polyol-based polymers, including hydrogels and elastomers, that are biodegradable, nontoxic, and composed of endogenous components, which can be cross-linked and derivatized to create materials with specific properties such as protein/cell adhesion and encapsulation of biologically active agents, and are approved for medical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing synthetic biodegradable polymers are used, then mechanical strength and structural integrity are provided, but the ability to mimic tissue mechanical properties (compliance and elastomeric behavior) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials by combining polyol-based polymers with crosslinking agents and biologically active agents. The polyol polymer provides the base matrix with good mechanical properties, while crosslinking agents enhance structural integrity and elastomeric behavior. Biologically active agents are incorporated to provide biofunctional properties, creating a multi-functional composite material that simultaneously achieves strength, compliance, and biological activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies key parameters including polyol molecular weight, hydroxyl value, crosslinking agent type and concentration, and polymerization conditions to tune the mechanical properties of the resulting biomaterials. By changing these parameters, the materials can be optimized to match the specific mechanical requirements of different tissue engineering applications, achieving both strength and compliance as needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multifunctional polymers with crosslinking capability are introduced, then mechanical stability and structural integrity improve, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polyol-based polymers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the structural matrix, enable crosslinking for mechanical stability, offer biodegradability through ester bond hydrolysis, and allow incorporation of biologically active agents. This multi-functionality in a single polymer platform reduces the need for multiple different materials and simplifies the overall system while achieving complex performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the polymerization process into distinct stages: first forming the polyol-based polymer matrix, then adding crosslinking agents to establish the network structure, and finally incorporating biologically active agents. This segmented approach allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and controllable material complexity.
3Reliability
If biodegradable polymers are designed to resemble extracellular matrix properties, then biocompatibility and structural integrity improve, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polyol-based polymers create homogeneous networks through uniform crosslinking reactions, resulting in consistent material properties throughout the biomaterial. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing quality control and ensures reliable biocompatibility performance. The consistent structure also mimics the natural extracellular matrix more effectively, enhancing cell interaction and tissue integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymers are designed to undergo self-hydrolysis of ester bonds in physiological conditions, enabling spontaneous biodegradation without requiring external enzymatic catalysts or complex degradation control mechanisms. This self-service degradation property simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable biocompatibility and controlled resorption in the body.
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 polyol-based polymers provide a versatile platform for creating biocompatible materials that can mimic tissue properties, ensuring mechanical stability and integrity while being safe for use in medical applications, with the ability to encapsulate active agents and facilitate protein/cell adhesion, thus addressing the limitations of existing biomaterials.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides novel polymers from condensing and/or cross-linking polyols with polycarboxylic acids
Implementation Method 2
condensing and/or cross-linking polyols with polycarboxylic acids
Implementation Method 3
components (e.g., monomers or degradation products) that are endogenous to the human metabolic system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides inventive polyol-based polymers, materials, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the inventive polymers and materials. In certain aspects of the invention, an inventive polymer corresponds to a polymer depicted below. Exemplary inventive polymers includes those prepared using polyol units (e.g., xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, or maltitol) condensed with polycarboxylic acid units (e.g., citric acid, glutaric acid, or sebacic acid). The inventive polymers may be further derivatized or modified. For example, the polymer may be made photocrosslinkable by adding methacrylate moieties to the polymer.