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Technology Details
| Injectable Polymeric Gels for Treatment of Spinal Disorders |
| Reference: |
2930 |
| Summary: |
ISU researchers have developed novel block copolymers that can be injected to augment bodily prosthetics, such as in the treatment of degenerative disc disorders or spinal injuries. |
| Description: |
Interest in the development of environmentally sensitive biomaterials for applications such as drug delivery or treatment of spinal injuries has grown in recent years. Hydrogels, such as Pluoronics, have been investigated for use in the replacement of the nucleus purposes of injured or degenerated spinal discs. However, injectable hydrogels lack long-term stability. Other synthetic implants, such as Charite, lead to deleterious effects including stress shielding and require invasive surgery. Additional treatment options include bed rest and highly invasive surgical procedures, such as spinal fusion and discectomy, which offer pain relief without restoring the mechanical function of the spine. To overcome these drawbacks, ISU researchers have developed injectable polymeric gels for nucleus pulposes replacement. These polymeric gels are capable of forming thermo-reversible gels that can injected as aqueous solutions into the appropriate inter-vertebral region(s). Once injected, the polymers rapidly form supportive gels in situ helping to cushion and stabilize the spine. The chemical composition of these gels comprises block copolymers of poly (ethylene glycol), poly (dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) and poly (propylene glycol).
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| Advantage: |
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Thermo-reversible: the injectable material is an aqueous solution at room temperatures (or lower) and will instantaneously form gels at body temperatures (37°C).
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Biocompatible: non-cytotoxic towards fibroblast cells.
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Improved mechanical properties, such as stiffness, compared to other thermo reversible gels.
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pH sensitive: can macroscopically self assemble based on pH.
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Easily chemically cross-linked via functionalized side chains.
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| Application: |
Structural supplements for injectible bodily prosthetics; treatment of degenerative disc disorders or spinal injuries.
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| Stage: |
Patent issued: US Patent No. 7,813,369
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| References: |
“Synthesis and Characterization of Diblock and Gel-Forming Pentablock Copolymers of Tertiary Amine Methacrylates Poly(ethylene glycol), and Poly(propylene glycol)”, Brian C. Anderson, Suzan M. Cox, Paul D. Bloom, Valerie V. Sheares, and Surya K. Mallapragada, 2003, Macromolecules 36:1670-1676.
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| Supporting Documents: |
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| Patents: |
Patent(s) Applied For
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| License Associate: |
Dario Valenzuela
E-mail: dariov@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-4470
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| Keywords: |
Nucleus pulposes, injectable gels, copolymer, Methacrylate, spinal, discs
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| Entry Date: |
July 5, 2007 |
| Revised Date: |
July 9, 2007 |
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