Biocompatible Polyurethane Matrix for Bone Cement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials for treating bone defects and conditions, such as bone fractures and implants, face challenges including long healing times, dependency on individual bone regenerative potential, risk of infection, loosening of implants, unpredictable hardening times, and volume changes during hardening.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible polyurethane (PU) matrix with controlled water content (≤1%) and limited free fatty acid content (up to 19%), derived from castor oil, which is flexible, provides high gluing properties, has predictable hardening, and integrates well with bone tissue, preventing bacterial growth and supporting osseoconduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bone cements are used for anchoring implants in orthopaedic medicine, then stable connection between foreign material and bone is achieved, but strong exothermic reaction causes necrosis of vital osteoblasts in the bone-implant interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the bone cement by using polyol components with specific hydroxyl values (200-450 mg KOH/g) and acidity indices (0.8-8.5 mg KOH/g), and diisocyanate components with specific NCO equivalent contents (16-35%). This controlled parameter adjustment enables the material to achieve stable bone connection while preventing excessive exothermic reactions that cause osteoblast necrosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite bone cement material combining polyol components (derived from castor oil or other sources), diisocyanate components, and optional fillers in specific ratios. This composite formulation achieves both strong bone connection and controlled hardening behavior, avoiding the harmful effects of conventional single-component bone cements.
2Strength
If conventional bone glue materials are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but unpredictable hardening time and variable volume change during hardening process occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates components with controlled reactivity that provide feedback on the hardening process. The polyol and diisocyanate components are selected to ensure predictable hardening timing and minimal volume change, allowing the material to transition smoothly from liquid to solid state without unexpected behavior that would compromise fixation quality.
3Strength
If implants are made from titanium or hipped zirkonoxides, then durable material properties are achieved, but significant rate of failure due to infection or loosening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biocompatible polyurethane matrix as an intermediary material between the implant and bone tissue. This organic polymer matrix promotes osseoconduction and integrates with bone tissue, creating a stable interface that prevents implant loosening and reduces infection risk compared to traditional metal implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material parameters to achieve optimal biocompatibility and mechanical properties. By controlling the hydroxyl value, acidity index, and NCO equivalent content within specific ranges, the material achieves both durability and enhanced biological integration, improving implant reliability.
4Loss of time
If the healing process is accelerated, then mechanical stability is achieved faster, but dependency on individual bone regenerative potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biocompatible polyurethane matrix that actively promotes bone regeneration through osseoconduction. The material itself provides biological activity to attract and support bone cells, reducing dependency on the patient's inherent regenerative potential while still achieving successful healing.
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 PU matrix enables rapid mechanical stability, reduces healing time, minimizes tissue inflammation, and promotes gradual bone replacement, while maintaining biocompatibility and preventing volume changes post-hardening.
Implementation Method 1
a step of polymerizing at least a part of the polyol component and of the prepolymer component
Implementation Method 2
combining at least a part of the polyol component with a part of the diisocyanate component to form a prepolymer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a biocompatible polyurethane (PU) matrix comprising essentially no water, and wherein free fatty acid is present but the content thereof is up to 19 %, as well as to a process for preparing the PU matrix, wherein this process comprises a step of providing a polyol component and a prepolymer component. The present invention further refers to the PU matrix for use in bone-related methods, as well as to a kit that comprises the polyol component and the prepolymer component.