Urethane-Crosslinked Biodegradable Elastomers for Tissue Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuing need for highly tunable biodegradable elastomer materials that can effectively and controllably present biological and physical signals and withstand repeated cycles of physiologic loads, which has remained elusive in existing biodegradable elastomer materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of elastomeric cross-linked polyester materials formed by reacting a multifunctional polyether or polyol component with a polyacid component to create a pre-polymer, which is then cross-linked using polyisocyanates to form urethane crosslinks, resulting in materials with specific mechanical and biological properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biodegradable elastomer materials are developed to mimic tissue viscoelastic properties, then compliance with dynamic environments and tissue compatibility are improved, but the ability to withstand repeated cycles of physiologic loads and controllably present biological signals remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polyol components with polyacid components to form polyester materials, which are then crosslinked with polyisocyanates. This composite approach creates a multi-functional material system that simultaneously achieves tissue-like viscoelasticity, mechanical strength for repeated loading cycles, and controllable degradation for biological signal presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the molecular weight, functional group composition, and crosslinking density of the polyester materials. By adjusting these parameters, the material properties can be tuned to simultaneously achieve compliance with dynamic environments and resistance to repeated physiologic loads, while controlling degradation rates for biological signal presentation.
2Strength
If crosslinking is increased to improve mechanical strength and elasticity, then tensile strength and durability are improved, but biodegradability and controllability of degradation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating heterogeneous crosslinking distributions within the material structure. By controlling the spatial arrangement and density of crosslinks through the polyol-polyacid-polyisocyanate system, regions with different mechanical properties and degradation rates can be achieved, allowing simultaneous high tensile strength and controlled biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by designing a crosslinked network that can dynamically adjust its structure during degradation. The urethane crosslinks provide initial mechanical strength, while the polyester backbone maintains biodegradability, allowing the material to transition from a highly crosslinked strong state to a progressively degrading state that presents biological signals over time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If highly tunable biodegradable elastomers are developed to present biological signals, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but mechanical durability under repeated physiologic loads remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the material into distinct functional components: polyol segments providing flexibility and biodegradability, polyacid segments contributing to structural integrity, and polyisocyanate crosslinks providing mechanical strength. This segmented architecture allows each component to optimize its function while working together to achieve both biological signal presentation and mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a multi-functional material system where the polyester-polyisocyanate crosslinked network simultaneously provides mechanical durability for repeated loading, biodegradability for controlled signal presentation, and tunable properties for various biological applications. The material serves multiple functions that were previously achieved by separate materials.
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
These materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elasticity, while also being biocompatible and capable of controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering applications, with potential for use in medical patches and tissue reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
A-B has a chemical structure that is achieved when a polyol component A' is condensed with a polyacid component B'
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material. Such an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of polymeric units of the general formula (-A-B-)p, wherein p is an integer greater than 1; and a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another, which two linked polymeric unit each had at least one free hydroxyl or amino group prior to formation of the crosslink.