Photo-Crosslinked Collagen Hydrogel via UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing hydrogels, such as physical crosslinking using a repeated freeze-thaw process or chemical crosslinking with agents, are complex, equipment-intensive, and raise concerns about toxic residues, limiting their biocompatibility and practicality for tissue repair and engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A photo-crosslinked biomaterial is developed using ultraviolet light to crosslink modified collagen, eliminating the need for crosslinking agents and offering a fast, simple process with reduced toxicity, achieving in-situ crosslinking and high grafting rates, thereby enhancing biocompatibility and physical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical crosslinking method using repeated freeze-thaw process is used, then hydrogel is formed, but the process becomes complicated and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical freeze-thaw process with a photochemical crosslinking method using ultraviolet light irradiation. Instead of repeatedly freezing and thawing the collagen solution to form hydrogels, the invention uses photoinitiators that undergo photo-polymerization when exposed to UV light, creating crosslinked hydrogels through a simple one-step irradiation process. This substitution eliminates the need for complex freezing equipment and multiple操作步骤, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining hydrogel formation capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If chemical crosslinking method with crosslinking agent is used, then hydrogel is formed, but toxic residues are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical crosslinking agents with a photochemical initiation system. Instead of using potentially toxic crosslinking chemicals that leave harmful residues, the invention employs photoinitiators that decompose under UV light to generate radicals for crosslinking. These photoinitiators break down into harmless byproducts (water, carbon dioxide, or simple organic molecules) after completing their function, eliminating the toxic residue problem associated with traditional chemical crosslinking methods while maintaining effective hydrogel formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photo-oxidation reactions initiated by UV light exposure. The photoinitiators absorb UV energy and generate reactive oxygen species or free radicals that accelerate the crosslinking process through oxidation mechanisms. This photo-oxidative crosslinking approach replaces conventional chemical crosslinking, achieving rapid gel formation without requiring toxic crosslinking agents, thereby eliminating harmful residues while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Productivity
If traditional hydrogel preparation methods are used, then hydrogel is formed, but curing time is long and process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed UV light irradiation to initiate and control the crosslinking process. Instead of continuous prolonged exposure, the system uses controlled UV irradiation cycles that efficiently trigger photo-polymerization reactions. This periodic action allows rapid crosslinking completion within minutes, significantly reducing preparation time compared to traditional methods that require hours of incubation or repeated freeze-thaw cycles, while maintaining complete curing through the photochemical reaction.
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 provides a biocompatible, photo-crosslinked collagen hydrogel with excellent physical strength, reduced toxicity, and improved applicability in tissue repair, reconstruction, and engineering, with the ability to form tightly bonded hydrogels that closely fit biological tissues, potentially replacing traditional suture surgery and offering advantages in drug delivery and 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
The present inventors found that if the crosslinking and curing process is carried out through ultraviolet light, and then no crosslinking agent is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In a modified collagen, photo-crosslinked biomaterial and its preparation method and application, the modified collagen includes a collagen grafted with a group represented by Formula (A). The photo-crosslinked biomaterial includes a hydrogel formed by curing the modified collagen. The photo-crosslinked biomaterial of the present invention is a biomaterial with good biocompatibility and cell compatibility, which has important application value in the following fields: repair and reconstruction of tissues and organs in vivo or in vitro, tissue engineering, 3D printing substrates and cell culture carriers, etc.