Synthetic Composite Mesh Mimicking Acellular Dermal Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical meshes, both synthetically-derived and biologically-derived, face challenges such as lack of biological activity, foreign body reactions, and high costs, with existing synthetic composites not effectively mimicking the structure and properties of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for tissue repair and augmentation.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic, composite laminate implantable medical device is developed, comprising bioabsorbable copolyester layers with distinct fiber diameters and properties, mimicking the structure and organization of biologically-derived meshes like ADM, to provide tailored mechanical properties and promote tissue integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If biologically-derived mesh materials are used to restore tissue defects, then the ability to mimic natural extracellular matrix structure and composition is improved, but the cost increases and there is risk of pathogen transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemimicry of natural extracellular matrix structureVSAvoidpathogen transfer risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a synthetic copy of the natural extracellular matrix structure using acellular dermal matrix as a template. The synthetic mesh replicates the collagen fiber arrangement, pore structure, and hierarchical organization of ADM without using biological materials, thereby achieving structural mimicry while eliminating pathogen transfer risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material construction combining synthetic polymers (polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid) to create a mesh that mimics the complex structure of biological ADM. The composite approach allows replication of multiple structural features simultaneously while maintaining synthetic material benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If synthetically-derived meshes are used to provide engineered strength and structure, then customization and manufacturing ease are improved, but biological activity and tissue integration are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization and molding capabilityVSAvoidbiological activity and tissue integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different fiber diameters, pore sizes, and material compositions within the synthetic mesh to mimic the zonal variation found in natural dermis. The mesh has superficial regions with finer fibers and deeper regions with coarser fibers, providing location-specific biological cues for tissue integration while maintaining overall synthetic construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes physical parameters of the synthetic mesh including fiber diameter distribution, pore size, porosity, and material composition to match the properties of natural ADM. These parameter adjustments enable the synthetic mesh to provide appropriate mechanical support while promoting biological activity and tissue integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If acellular dermal matrix is used to provide natural extracellular matrix framework, then tissue integration is improved, but material consistency and degradation kinetics become variable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue integration capabilityVSAvoidmaterial consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls and standardizes physical parameters of the synthetic mesh including fiber diameter, pore size, porosity, and material composition to achieve consistent properties across different batches. This parameter control ensures uniform degradation kinetics and mechanical properties while maintaining the tissue integration capabilities of natural ADM

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If synthetic materials are used to eliminate pathogen transfer risk, then safety is improved, but foreign body reaction and degradation by-product accumulation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transfer riskVSAvoidforeign body reaction and degradation by-products

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the synthetic polymers used in the mesh, selecting biocompatible materials with favorable degradation profiles. The copolymer composition and molecular weight are optimized to minimize foreign body reaction and ensure that degradation by-products are non-toxic and readily metabolized by the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230313415A1Synthetic implant device replicating natural tissue structure and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 POLY MED INC

AI summary

A composite implant device for use in a medical application, comprising a synthetically-derived mesh that mimics particular critical aspects of a biologically-derived mesh. The composite implant device can be used for the reinforcement and reconstruction of tissues within the body and can be comprised of a majority of synthetic components and minority of naturally-derived components which mimic the structure and function of a naturally-derived mesh.