Tropoelastin Self-Assembly Without Cross-Linking Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing elastin using recombinant tropoelastin are limited by the need for cross-linking agents, which can be toxic and restrict the range of elastic properties, and pose challenges for delivery via standard administration routes like injection, as they can cause unwanted tissue reactions and limit the range of elastic properties that can be achieved.
Innovation Solution
A process involving heating a solution of tropoelastin at an alkaline pH, with a salt concentration of at least 25 mM and a temperature of about 37°C, to form an elastic material without the need for cross-linking agents, allowing for the creation of elastic materials with unique properties suitable for tissue repair and medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde are used to produce elastin from recombinant tropoelastin, then the elastic material can be formed with desired elastic properties, but the cross-linking agents may be toxic and cause unwanted tissue reactions or allergy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful cross-linking agent (glutaraldehyde) from the system and replaces it with a physical method involving alkaline pH and heat treatment. This extraction of the toxic substance eliminates the harmful effects while maintaining the desired elastic material formation through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the formation parameters from chemical cross-linking to physical parameters (pH and temperature). By adjusting the pH to alkaline levels and applying heat, the tropoelastin molecules self-assemble into elastic materials without requiring toxic cross-linking agents, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving elastic properties and avoiding toxicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cross-linking agents are used to form elastin, then the elastic properties can be controlled, but the range of elastic properties is limited and the cross-linking agent may cause the elastin to form prior to delivery to the site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the formation process dynamic and controllable by using pH and temperature as可调 parameters. The elastic material forms only under specific conditions (alkaline pH and heat) after delivery, allowing flexible control over when and where the material transforms, thereby improving both the range of properties and ease of delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the tropoelastin solution in a stable, non-gelling state for easy delivery, then triggers the formation of the elastic material only after delivery to the target site through pH and heat activation. This preliminary preparation avoids premature formation while maintaining deliverability.
3Reliability
If cross-linking is used to produce elastin, then the material can be formed with desired properties, but the requirement for cross-linking precludes effective delivery via standard administration routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cross-linking requirement from the system, allowing tropoelastin to be delivered via standard injection routes in a stable solution form. The elastic material forms only after delivery through pH and heat activation, resolving the contradiction between reliable formation and ease of delivery.
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
This approach enables the production of bio-compatible elastic materials that can be formed in situ, providing enhanced tensile and extensile strength, recoil, and biodegradability, facilitating effective tissue repair and medical device applications without the risks associated with cross-linking agents.
Implementation Method 1
heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH to form an elastic material from the tropoelastin in the solution
Implementation Method 2
heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH and a temperature of about 37° C. to form an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to tropoelastin and to tissue repair and restoration using elastic materials. Disclosed is a process for producing an elastic material from tropoelastin including heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH to form an elastic material from the tropoelastin in the solution. Also disclosed are elastic materials prepared according to this process and their applications.