Segmented Elastomers with Disulfone Moieties for Implant Biostability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biostable elastomers used in long-term implants, such as polysiloxanes and polyurethanes, face challenges with mechanical properties and degradation resistance in vivo, as they are susceptible to oxidative or hydrolytic breakdown.
Innovation Solution
Development of segmented polymers containing sulfide, sulfoxide, and sulfone moieties, with hard and soft segments that provide enhanced mechanical properties and resistance to degradation, allowing for the creation of biostable materials suitable for extended implant use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxanes) are used, then long-term biostability is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite elastomer system combining polysiloxane backbone with polyurethane hard segments. This composite structure provides both the biostability of polysiloxane and the mechanical toughness of polyurethane, resolving the contradiction between biostability and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer is segmented into distinct soft segments (polysiloxane) and hard segments (polyurethane). The soft segments provide biostability while the hard segments provide mechanical strength, allowing each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If polyurethane elastomers are used, then mechanical properties are improved, but biostability deteriorates due to chemical breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polyurethane hard segments with polysiloxane soft segments to create a composite where the polysiloxane component provides biostability and resistance to oxidative/hydrolytic breakdown, while the polyurethane component provides mechanical toughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The polysiloxane segments act as a protective intermediary within the polymer structure, shielding the polyurethane hard segments from degradation while allowing the polyurethane to contribute its mechanical properties. This intermediary structure prevents direct exposure of vulnerable linkages to the biological environment.
3Ease of operation
If existing elastomers are used in long-term implants, then implant function is achieved, but degradation occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the elastomer by incorporating specific hard segments with oxidative and hydrolytic stability. This changes the degradation resistance parameter of the material, allowing it to maintain implant function over extended periods without significant degradation.
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 segmented polymers exhibit improved mechanical properties like flex fatigue resistance, tensile strength, and biostability, making them suitable for long-term dynamic implants without significant degradation over extended periods in vivo.
Implementation Method 1
resistant to oxidation and/or hydrolytic degradation
Implementation Method 2
resistant to oxidation and/or hydrolytic degradation
Data Source
AI summary
Polymers having mechanical properties approaching or exceeding commercial elastomers and engineering thermoplastics, but improved biostability, are described herein. In one embodiment, the polymers have a hard segment containing one or more disulfoxide or disulfone moieties and a soft segment connected to the hard segment to form an elastomeric polymer. The polymer is resistant to oxidation and/or hydrolytic degradation, particularly in vivo, which allows for the use of these materials in implants/devices which are implanted for an extended period of time. The ratio or percentage by weight of soft segment to hard segment can be varied based on the physical and mechanical properties of the desired device.