UV-Crosslinked Injectable Polymer Precursors for In Situ Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming injectable medical devices using crosslinked polymers are limited by the need for complex processes and materials that are not easily adaptable for in situ placement and rapid crosslinking.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the mixing of a first precursor functionalized with a thiol group and a second precursor functionalized with an alkene group, which covalently bond upon exposure to UV radiation, forming a crosslinked composition suitable for medical devices, using a supply assembly and mixing assembly with UV radiation to facilitate crosslinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional crosslinking methods are used to form injectable medical devices, then crosslinked compositions can be produced, but the process complexity increases and in situ placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor molecules are divided into two separate components (first precursor with first reactive member, second precursor with second reactive member) that remain stable until mixed. This segmentation allows each component to be stored and handled independently, simplifying the manufacturing and storage process while enabling rapid crosslinking upon mixing and UV exposure for in situ placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursors are pre-functionalized with reactive members (thiol and alkene groups) before use, but the actual crosslinking reaction is delayed until the moment of mixing and UV exposure. This preliminary preparation simplifies storage and handling while enabling rapid in situ formation of the crosslinked composition when needed.
2Productivity
If rapid crosslinking is achieved through UV radiation, then in situ placement is enabled, but the need for precise functional group pairing increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
UV radiation serves as an intermediary that triggers the crosslinking reaction between the thiol and alkene functional groups. By using UV light as a mediator, the system achieves rapid crosslinking without requiring complex control mechanisms for the chemical reaction, as the UV radiation provides a simple and reliable trigger that initiates the photochemical crosslinking process.
3Reliability
If biocompatible materials are used for the precursor cores, then medical device suitability is improved, but material selection limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal crosslinking approach where multiple biocompatible polymer cores (polyols, polyesters, polyether-esters, polyalkanols) can be functionalized with the same reactive members (thiol and alkene groups). This universality allows the same crosslinking mechanism to work with various biocompatible materials, maintaining material selection flexibility while ensuring biocompatibility through the use of medically acceptable polymer types.
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
Enables the rapid formation of biocompatible, crosslinked compositions for medical devices that can be used in various surgical and wound treatment applications, offering enhanced adherence, biodegradability, and ease of use with controlled strength and elasticity.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second reactive members covalently bonding with each other when exposed to UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
exposing the mixed first and second precursors to UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Cross-linked compositions include a first precursor functionalized with a first reactive member and a second precursor functionalized with a second reactive member, the first and second reactive members covalently bonding with each other when exposed to UV radiation. The compositions are useful in a variety of surgical and wound treatment applications.