Functionalized Prepolymer Adhesive for Wet Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adhesives for cardiac and vascular applications are ineffective in dynamic wet conditions, toxic, and lack sufficient adhesive strength, leading to complications such as bleeding, dehiscence, and scarring, while catheter-based closures risk damaging heart structures and dislodging due to inadequate tissue rims.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible, activated and functionalized pre-polymer with controlled zeta potential and acrylate groups that forms crosslinks, maintaining stability in bodily fluids and providing strong adhesion through photo-initiated curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical means of gripping tissue are used for device fixation, then device fixation is achieved, but tissue injury to critical structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gripping systems with a chemical adhesive system. The adhesive composition uses cyanoacrylate monomers that polymerize upon contact with tissue moisture to form strong chemical bonds, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps, sutures, or mechanical fixation devices that cause tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using specific cyanoacrylate monomers with controlled molecular weight and incorporating catalysts that activate polymerization at physiological temperatures. This allows the adhesive to set rapidly upon contact with tissue fluids, creating strong bonds without mechanical force.
2Strength
If chemical reaction with functional groups at tissue surface is used for adhesion, then tissue adhesion is achieved, but adhesion becomes ineffective in the presence of blood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - a catalyst system - that mediates between the cyanoacrylate monomer and tissue moisture. The catalyst activates polymerization specifically in response to moisture from tissue and blood, allowing the adhesive to remain stable in blood while still achieving strong bonding through the polymerization reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite adhesive system combining cyanoacrylate monomers, catalysts, and potential adjuvants in a formulation that maintains chemical stability in blood while enabling rapid polymerization upon moisture contact. This composite approach allows the adhesive to withstand blood presence while maintaining effective tissue bonding.
3Strength
If reactive chemistry is used for adhesive application, then strong adhesion is achieved, but fine adjustments or repositioning become very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a catalyst system that remains inactive until triggered by moisture contact. This preliminary preparation allows the adhesive to be applied and positioned without immediate polymerization, providing a workable time window for fine adjustments. Upon contact with tissue moisture, the catalyst activates and polymerization begins, securing the adhesive in its final position.
4Strength
If current adhesives are used in dynamic wet conditions, then adhesion is attempted, but adhesive is washed out or cured insufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a catalyst system that is self-activating upon contact with moisture. The catalyst detects the presence of water or other body fluids and automatically initiates polymerization without requiring external triggers. This self-service mechanism ensures that the adhesive cures reliably in dynamic wet conditions, preventing washout while maintaining strong bonding.
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 pre-polymer achieves robust tissue sealing and adhesion even in the presence of blood, minimizing tissue damage and scarring, with adhesive strengths up to 7 N/cm² and burst pressures over 100 mmHg, suitable for cardiac and vascular repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-polymer having activated and functionalized groups on a polymeric backbone
Implementation Method 2
the primary mechanism of adhesion of the polymer is chemical interactions between functional groups, for example free hydroxy groups on the polymer and the tissue to which it is applied
Implementation Method 3
a method of curing the composition, comprising curing the composition with a stimulus, for example light in the presence of a photo-initiator
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising a pre-polymer having activated and functionalized groups on a polymeric backbone is disclosed. The composition may be used in a method of adhering or sealing tissue, or for adhering a medical device to the surface of a tissue. The composition has improved adhesive and sealant properties and comprises a pre-polymer comprising a polymeric unit of the general formula (-A-B-)n. A represents a substituted or unsubstituted polyol, B represents a substituted or unsubstituted polyacid, and n represents an integer greater than 1. Additionally, the composition has a zeta potential in the range of 0 to 45 mV.