Thermally Cross-Linkable SIBS Polymer for Foldable Intraocular Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lens materials face issues such as biocompatibility problems, mechanical weakness, and instability under stress, leading to calcification, inflammation, and quick deformation, which limits their long-term implantation and performance in cataract treatments.
Innovation Solution
A thermally cross-linkable polymer synthesized by anionic polymerization, forming a saturated block copolymer with specific chemical structures, allowing for chemical cross-linking without catalysts and providing enhanced mechanical properties and stability for long-term implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional elastic materials (polyurethane and silicone rubber) are used for intraocular lenses, then the lenses can be manufactured with basic elasticity, but they degrade and calcify after long-term implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the elastic material by using SIBS block copolymer with specific molecular structure (polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene), narrow molecular weight distribution, and no residual monomers or additives, achieving long-term stability without degradation or calcification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite block copolymer structure combining hard segments (polystyrene) and soft segments (polyisobutylene) to create a material that simultaneously provides structural integrity and elastic properties resistant to degradation and calcification
2Reliability
If SIBS thermoplastic elastomer is used for intraocular lenses, then biological inertness and stability are improved, but the material creeps and deforms under long-term stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cross-linking treatment to the SIBS material before implantation, creating a three-dimensional network structure that prevents creep and deformation under long-term stress while maintaining biological inertness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-linking agents at specific locations within the SIBS polymer matrix, creating localized cross-linked regions that provide structural support and prevent deformation while preserving the overall elastic properties
3Ease of manufacture
If polyurethane and silicone rubber are used for intraocular lenses, then manufacturing is straightforward, but they release small molecules causing foreign body reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates harmful components by using SIBS block copolymer synthesized by active cationic polymerization with narrow molecular weight distribution, removing residual monomers, oligomers, and small molecule additives that cause foreign body reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a homogeneous SIBS polymer composition with consistent molecular structure and no heterogeneous additives or fillers, ensuring biological inertness and eliminating sources of foreign body reactions
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 polymer achieves improved biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and stability, enabling the development of foldable intraocular lenses that maintain shape and optical performance over time, suitable for long-term implantation with reduced risk of calcification and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer can be cross-linked when heated without additive catalysts, crosslinking agents, etc
Implementation Method 2
a thermally cross-linkable polymer for forming elastic material and synthesized by anionic polymerization
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally cross-linkable polymer for forming an elastic material used as foldable intraocular lens is disclosed. The elastic material is a saturated block copolymer with a chemical formula of (Am)i(Bn)j(Af)k or (Am-Bn)pX(Bn-Af)q comprising a polymer A as a hard segment and a polymer B as a soft segment. The polymer A is a polymer formed by polymerizing at least one of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a thermal cross-linking monomer, or a polymer formed by copolymerizing at least one of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a thermal cross-linking monomer with a conjugated diene. The polymer B is a conjugated diene polymer, or a polymer formed by copolymerizing at least one of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a thermal cross-linking monomer with a conjugated diene.