Urethane-MMA Copolymer Adhesive for Implant-Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in achieving robust and biocompatible fixation of compliant orthopedic implants to bone surfaces, particularly in medical applications, as conventional methods rely on interdigitation rather than direct adhesion, and there is a need for a material that provides both mechanical strength and ease of application.
Innovation Solution
A urethane dimethacrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer is used, which forms a chemical and physical bond with bone and orthopedic implants, incorporating a urethane dimethacrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer with varying ratios and additives to enhance mechanical properties and biocompatibility, allowing for direct adhesion and secure bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional interdigitation methods are used to fix orthopedic implants to bone, then the fixation method is simple to apply, but the mechanical strength and direct adhesion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite adhesive system comprising a first polymer (e.g., polyurethane or polyether urethane) and a second polymer (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(ethyl methacrylate)). This composite approach combines the biocompatibility and flexibility of the first polymer with the mechanical strength and bonding capabilities of the second polymer, achieving both high mechanical strength and ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by varying the ratio of first polymer to second polymer, adjusting molecular weights, and controlling the composition of soft and hard segments in polyurethane-based polymers. These parameter changes optimize the balance between mechanical strength, flexibility, and ease of application.
2Reliability
If polyurethane polymers are used to adhere hydrated polymers to bone, then biocompatibility is improved, but the mechanical strength and adhesive properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite adhesive system where the first polymer (polyurethane or polyether urethane) provides biocompatibility and the second polymer (PMMA or PEMA) provides enhanced adhesive properties and mechanical strength. The synergistic combination resolves the contradiction between biocompatibility and adhesive strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different polymer compositions to different regions or aspects of the adhesive system. The first polymer contacts and bonds to the hydrated polymer surface requiring biocompatibility, while the second polymer provides the mechanical strength and bonding to bone, with each polymer optimized for its specific function.
3Strength
If semi- and fully interpenetrating polymer networks are used, then adhesive properties are enhanced, but the complexity of the material system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the degree of interpenetration and crosslinking by adjusting polymer composition parameters, molecular weights, and curing conditions. This allows achieving strong adhesive properties through controlled IPN formation rather than complex multi-component systems.
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 copolymer provides high mechanical strength, secure bonding to bone and orthopedic implants, with reduced monomer release and improved biocompatibility, suitable for rapid curing and long-term stability in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A urethane dimethacrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer is used, which forms a chemical and physical bond with bone and orthopedic implants
Implementation Method 2
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/499,041 filed Jul. 7, 2009, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/219,348 filed Aug. 26, 2011, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/347,647 filed Jan. 10, 2012 (all of which are incorporated by reference herein) describe IPNs formed from hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, compositions, and kits for adhering polymers and other materials to another material, and in particular to bone or bone-like structures or surfaces. A composition of matter includes a urethane dimethacrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer with a plurality of first polymer regions based on urethane dimethacrylate and a plurality of second polymer regions based on methyl methacrylate. The method includes placing an orthopedic joint implant having an attachment surface in a joint space, applying a first non-urethane-containing precursor, a second urethane-containing precursor, and a initiator to the attachment surface; contacting the first and second precursors and the initiator with the joint surface; and copolymerizing the first and second precursors and forming an adhesive copolymer and attaching the implant to the joint.