Freeze-Dried TMJ Scaffold Porosity and Mechanical Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic matrix materials fail to replicate the unique combination of tensile strength, compressive resistance, and elastic deformability of fibrocartilage found in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc, and existing treatments for TMJ disorders are limited.
Innovation Solution
A TMJ scaffold structure is created by decellularizing and freeze-drying fibrocartilage tissue from a subject animal, followed by drilling holes to enhance porosity and mechanical compliance, allowing for the recreation of the TMJ disc's mechanical properties and potential for tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic matrix materials are used to create TMJ implants, then manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but the ability to replicate the unique mechanical properties (tensile strength, compressive resistance, elastic deformability) of native fibrocartilage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by freeze-drying the decellularized fibrocartilage scaffold to alter its physical and mechanical properties. This process reduces water content while preserving the extracellular matrix structure, thereby improving compressive resistance and elastic deformability to better match native fibrocartilage properties without compromising manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining decellularized fibrocartilage tissue with freeze-drying treatment to create a scaffold that replicates the complex mechanical properties of native fibrocartilage. This composite approach achieves both tensile strength and compressive resistance that synthetic materials alone cannot provide
2Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled in the freeze-dried scaffold structure, then porosity and tissue regeneration potential are improved, but compressive modulus and peak stress values decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by drilling holes in the freeze-dried decellularized fibrocartilage scaffold to create a porous structure. This increases porosity and surface area for cell attachment and tissue regeneration, while the freeze-drying process preserves enough structural integrity to maintain adequate compressive modulus despite the holes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating holes at specific locations in the scaffold structure where porosity is needed for tissue regeneration, while maintaining the overall structural framework intact to preserve compressive strength in load-bearing regions
3Duration of action of stationary object
If freeze-drying is applied to decellularized fibrocartilage, then storage stability and durability are improved, but mechanical properties (compressive modulus, peak stress) are reduced compared to non-freeze-dried tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions by using freeze-drying to remove water from the decellularized fibrocartilage scaffold while preserving its structural framework. This phase change process improves storage stability and durability for long-term storage, while the controlled drying maintains sufficient mechanical properties for implant functionality
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 freeze-dried TMJ scaffold maintains the mechanical integrity and energy dissipation capabilities of the native disc, providing a viable solution for TMJ disorders by serving as a durable and functional implant.
Implementation Method 1
freeze drying the decellularized TMJ scaffold structure to form a freeze-dried TMJ scaffold structure
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to TMJ implantation materials and implants (e.g., temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc), methods of making TMJ implantation materials and implants, methods of forming a TMJ implantation material or an implant, and the like.