Umbilical Cord Wall Implants With Cross-Linked Mechanical Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in manufacturing implantable devices from biological tissues that replicate the precision and structural integrity of synthetic materials, while ensuring sufficient availability, biocompatibility, and avoiding rejection reactions, particularly due to the fragility and flexibility of amniotic membranes, and the need for specific mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of umbilical cord walls, treated with a strong base for at least one hour and cross-linked to enhance mechanical properties, preserving the native structure and integrity, resulting in devices with sufficient thickness and rigidity for various surgical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If amniotic membrane is used as starting material, then biocompatibility is improved, but mechanical strength and structural integrity deteriorate due to fragility and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the amniotic membrane with a strong base (sodium hydroxide) for at least one hour, which fundamentally alters the physical and chemical parameters of the tissue. This treatment transforms the fragile, flexible membrane into a structurally robust material with enhanced mechanical strength while preserving biocompatibility, directly resolving the contradiction between soft tissue compatibility and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining treated amniotic membrane with cross-linked collagen framework. This composite approach integrates the biocompatibility of biological tissue with the structural strength of cross-linked collagen, achieving both high reliability and mechanical strength simultaneously
2Reliability
If amniotic membrane is used as starting material, then biocompatibility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The strong base treatment fundamentally changes the physical parameters of the amniotic membrane, making it more amenable to precise shaping and manufacturing. The treated membrane becomes less fragile and more stable during processing, enabling surgeons to create precisely shaped implants while maintaining biocompatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the strong base treatment and cross-linking processes during manufacturing, before the implant is used surgically. This preliminary preparation ensures the tissue is pre-shaped and pre-stabilized, making the actual surgical procedure simpler and more precise
3Strength
If tissue thickness is increased to improve mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but availability deteriorates due to limited tissue quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The strong base treatment and cross-linking process dramatically improves the mechanical strength of the amniotic membrane without requiring increased tissue thickness. The chemical treatment and cross-linking create a densely packed, highly resistant structure that achieves the mechanical properties of thick tissue from thin membrane, preserving tissue availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the mechanical reinforcement through cross-linking at the molecular level within the tissue structure. Rather than increasing overall thickness, the cross-linking creates localized regions of enhanced strength and rigidity throughout the membrane, achieving high mechanical properties from limited tissue quantity
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 process produces implantable devices with superior mechanical properties, enabling precise shaping and handling without supports, suitable for applications like biological lenses, nerve guides, and artificial heart valves, with improved biocompatibility and reduced risk of rejection.
Implementation Method 1
The umbilical cord wall is treated with a strong base for a period of at least one hour
Implementation Method 2
At least one cross-linking step is performed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of implantable devices usable as allografts in surgery. It relates in particular to a method for manufacturing an implantable device consisting of a reticulated umbilical cord wall, said implantable device being selectable from the group comprising a biological lens, an intracorneal implant consisting of a ring or ring segment, a nerve, ligament, and/or tendon regeneration guide, and/or an artificial heart valve. The invention also relates to the devices thus obtained and their surgical uses.