Two-Phase Gelatin Scaffolds for Injectable Porosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectable hydrogels face challenges in achieving biocompatibility, rapid crosslinking, and porosity to facilitate tissue regeneration, while maintaining mechanical integrity and minimizing invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase injectable composition comprising a low-melting point gelatin solution and gelatin beads with a higher melting point is used, which forms a porous scaffold in situ through photopolymerization, allowing for minimally invasive application and adaptation to tissue defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If preformed hydrogels are implanted, then the scaffold provides mechanical support and structure, but the procedure becomes invasive, causes pain, and requires long recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the sol-gel phase transition of gelatin-based polymers to enable injectable hydrogels. The precursor solution (sol state) can be easily injected through minimally invasive procedures, and then transforms into a gel state in situ to provide the required mechanical support and structural integrity, eliminating the need for invasive implantation of preformed hydrogels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the hydrogel from solid (preformed) to liquid injectable form. By formulating the hydrogel as a low-viscosity precursor solution that can be injected, and then triggering gelation in situ through temperature change or chemical crosslinking, the patent achieves both ease of administration and mechanical functionality
2Strength
If the hydrogel viscosity is increased to provide mechanical integrity, then the scaffold maintains structural stability, but the injectability decreases and clogging of syringe nozzle occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic viscosity system where the hydrogel precursor maintains low viscosity during injection for ease of administration, and then undergoes rapid gelation after injection to achieve the required mechanical integrity. This temporal separation of low-viscosity (injectable) and high-viscosity (structurally sound) states resolves the contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the gelation action preliminary planned - the precursor solution is formulated with crosslinking agents or temperature-sensitive properties that trigger gelation immediately upon injection or exposure to physiological conditions, ensuring mechanical integrity is achieved right after administration without compromising injectability
3Reliability
If the crosslinking reaction is made fast to achieve quick solution-gel transition, then the material remains at the target site, but toxic or harmful processes may be involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical crosslinking mechanisms that may involve toxic reagents with physical crosslinking methods such as thermal gelation or ionic interactions. These physical mechanisms achieve rapid solution-gel transition and material retention at the target site without introducing harmful chemical substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable gelatin-based polymers that undergo rapid gelation through benign physical processes. The temporary nature of the precursor state allows for quick transformation to gel form, ensuring material retention while using safe, biocompatible components that degrade naturally in the body
4Productivity
If the scaffold porosity is increased to facilitate cell migration and nutrient exchange, then tissue regeneration is improved, but the mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local porosity within the hydrogel scaffold to facilitate cell migration and nutrient exchange in specific regions, while maintaining overall structural integrity. The porous architecture is strategically designed to provide channels for tissue regeneration without compromising the global mechanical strength of the scaffold
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite gelatin-based polymer systems that combine different polymer components or additives to achieve both porosity and mechanical strength. The composite structure allows the scaffold to have interconnected pores for tissue regeneration while the polymer matrix maintains the necessary mechanical properties
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 method enables the formation of a porous scaffold that supports tissue regeneration by providing a biocompatible, mechanically robust, and porous structure that integrates well with the tissue, facilitating cell infiltration and nutrient exchange.
Implementation Method 1
initiating the polymerization of the liquid dispersant phase by applying light radiation
Implementation Method 2
raising the temperature to 35-40°C and allow the melting of the microdroplets or beads of the dispersed phase
Implementation Method 3
forming a porous scaffold in situ through photopolymerization
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
Method for generating a porous injectable scaffold that includes providing a liquid composition of 2 phases at a temperature below 25°C, of Newtonian behavior, where the composition comprises: a liquid dispersant phase at room temperature formed by a gelatin with a low melting point, less than 15°C, functionalized with methacryloyl or methacrylamide groups; and a photoinitiator; and a dispersed phase, of microdroplets or beads in solid state, of a gelatin solution with a melting point greater than 25°C; initiating the polymerization of the dispersing phase by light radiation; raising the temperature to 35-40°C and allowing melting of the dispersed phase; and obtaining a porous scaffold. The formed porous scaffold and its use as a biological support for tissue regeneration/generation; as a biological matrix as a support for cells, for cell invasion; as an acellular biological matrix, a biological matrix as a mechanical support and/or a biological matrix for active components.