Thermally Modified Microbial Cellulose for Implant Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable materials, such as synthetic polymers and cellulose derivatives, have limitations in mechanical properties and biocompatibility, particularly for specific surgical applications, and microbial-derived cellulose has not been fully utilized for medical and surgical applications due to limited availability of partially dehydrated forms suitable for in vivo implantation.

Innovation Solution

Thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose is produced by partially dehydrating microbial cellulose using temperature-induced removal of liquid, enabling non-pyrogenic, biocompatible, and conformable implantable materials with enhanced tensile strength and suture retention, suitable for various surgical procedures, including plastic and neurosurgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If microbial cellulose is fully dehydrated to improve mechanical strength and stability, then tensile strength increases, but conformability and absorption capabilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidconformability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial dehydration rather than complete dehydration of microbial cellulose. The material is dehydrated to a controlled extent (retaining some moisture content) to achieve the desired balance between mechanical strength and conformability. This partial action allows the material to gain sufficient structural integrity for implantation while maintaining the flexibility and absorption capabilities needed for tissue integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Strength

If microbial cellulose is thermally processed to improve mechanical properties, then tensile strength and suture retention increase, but biocompatibility may deteriorate due to pyrogen formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidpyrogenic activity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harmful effect of thermal processing (pyrogen formation) into a beneficial outcome by carefully controlling the thermal process parameters. The thermal treatment is applied at controlled temperatures and durations that enhance mechanical properties while staying below the threshold that would generate harmful pyrogens. This transforms a potentially harmful process into a beneficial one that simultaneously improves strength and maintains biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes thermal processing parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere) to achieve the desired mechanical properties without generating pyrogens. By precisely controlling these parameters, the material undergoes beneficial structural changes that enhance tensile strength and suture retention while avoiding the formation of harmful substances. The parameter optimization ensures biocompatibility is maintained throughout the thermal modification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If microbial cellulose is used in wet form to maintain conformability, then adaptability improves, but mechanical strength and handling properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconformabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial dehydration to achieve the optimal balance between conformability and mechanical strength. Rather than using the material in fully wet form, a controlled degree of dehydration is applied that removes excess moisture while retaining enough water to maintain flexibility and conformability. This partial action results in a material that is easy to handle and implant while still achieving adequate mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose exhibits superior mechanical properties, conformability, and absorption capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of medical and surgical applications, including tissue repair and augmentation, with improved biocompatibility and sterilization methods.

Implementation Method 1

partially dehydrating microbial cellulose using temperature-induced removal of liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal dehydration: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

exhibits superior mechanical properties, conformability, and absorption capabilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8198261B2Thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose for in vivo implantation

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 SYNTHES USA PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose material is described for use as an implantable material in general surgery, plastic surgery and neurosurgery.