Resorbable Polyester Composition for 3D-Printed Tissue Scaffolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue-engineered devices lack biocompatible, resorbable polymers that can be safely used for hydrogel and solid-cured scaffolds, and there is a need for materials that can be 3D printed into patient-specific shapes to address structural support while minimizing stress shielding and resorption issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of polyesters comprising monomer units derived from sugar-based bicyclic diols, unsaturated aliphatic diacids, and saturated aliphatic diacids, which can be crosslinked to form biocompatible materials that degrade within a 3-9 month window, suitable for 3D printing and medical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong metals are used for implants, then structural support is provided, but stress shielding and bone resorption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polyesters with controlled molecular weight (10,000-100,000 Da), specific monomer compositions (40-70% sugar-based diol, 10-40% unsaturated diacid, 10-40% saturated diacid), and degree of polymerization (5-50 repeating units) to achieve mechanical properties that provide structural support while matching bone modulus to prevent stress shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite material systems by combining multiple monomer types (sugar-based bicyclic diol, unsaturated aliphatic diacid, saturated aliphatic diacid) to produce polyesters with tailored properties that balance strength, resorbability, and biocompatibility, avoiding the harmful effects of pure metal implants
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biocompatible resorbable polymers are used, then stress shielding is minimized, but limited materials are available for 3D printing into porous patient-specific shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies material parameters by controlling molecular weight (10,000-100,000 Da), polydispersity index (1.5-3.5), and monomer composition ratios to achieve optimal balance between resorbability, mechanical strength, and 3D printability, enabling patient-specific porous scaffold fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a new class of composite polyester materials combining sugar-based diols with unsaturated and saturated diacids, creating a versatile material system that exhibits both biocompatible resorbability and suitable rheological properties for 3D printing into complex porous geometries
3Duration of action of stationary object
If polyesters with low molecular weight are used, then resorbability is improved, but structural support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter to the range of 10,000-100,000 Da with polydispersity of 1.5-3.5, which provides sufficient chain entanglement for structural support while maintaining adequate resorbability through controlled degradation kinetics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite monomer systems where unsaturated diacids provide crosslinking capability for strength while saturated diacids and sugar-based diols control degradation rate, achieving simultaneous structural support and resorbability
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 polyesters provide biocompatible materials that degrade within a 3-9 month window, offering structural support without stress shielding and enabling patient-specific 3D printed devices for tissue regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
the polyester can be crosslinked (e.g., in an additive manufacturing process) to form articles of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are polyesters that comprise (i) monomer units derived from sugar-based bicyclic diol; (ii) monomer units derived from an unsaturated aliphatic diacid; and (iii) monomer units derived from a saturated aliphatic diacid. The monomer units derived from the ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic diacid can be present in an amount of from greater than 0 mole % to 40 mole % of the polyester. These polyesters can be formed into articles using additive manufacturing methods. The resulting articles can be biocompatible, resorbable over a span of from 3 months to 12 months following implantation in the human body, and can exhibit desirable mechanical properties for applications, including porosity and elasticity.