Porous Ceramic Skeleton Matrix for Bone Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone grafting matrices lack sufficient compression resistance, which is essential for various tissue engineering applications, such as fractures and defects, as they often contain spherical particles that do not provide adequate structural support under external loads.

Innovation Solution

Development of compression-resistant matrices comprising a porous ceramic skeleton embedded within a polymer, which maintains shape and structure under normal stress and movement, preventing more than 10% compression in any direction for at least 30 days in vivo, thereby facilitating bone regeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spherical particles are used in the matrix, then the matrix is easy to manufacture and simple in structure, but the compression resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression resistanceVSAvoidmatrix structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ceramic particles with a collagen matrix to create a composite material that achieves both compression resistance and biocompatibility. The ceramic particles provide structural support and load-bearing capacity, while the collagen matrix provides biocompatibility and facilitates bone regeneration, resolving the contradiction between strength and material complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a heterogeneous structure where ceramic particles are distributed within the collagen matrix, with each component performing its specific function locally. The ceramic regions provide compression resistance while the collagen regions provide biological activity, allowing the matrix to have different properties in different locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If a porous ceramic skeleton is embedded in the matrix, then compression resistance and shape retention are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape retentionVSAvoidmatrix fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the matrix into two distinct components: a porous ceramic skeleton providing structural stability and a collagen matrix providing biological function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific purpose while simplifying the overall manufacturing approach through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the matrix is designed to resist compression forces, then it provides better structural support, but it may reduce porosity needed for cell infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidporous space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous ceramic skeleton that maintains structural integrity while providing interconnected pores for cell infiltration and nutrient transport. The porous structure allows the matrix to resist compression forces through the ceramic framework while simultaneously providing adequate porosity for biological functions, resolving the contradiction between strength and porosity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS8758791B2Highly compression resistant matrix with porous skeleton

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

A highly compression resistant matrix is provided for implantation at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin. The matrix comprises a polymer and a ceramic skeleton. The compression resistance provides retention of a volume that facilitates bone regeneration.