Shape-memory sponge hydrogel biomaterial
AssigneeClemson University
InventorsDan Simionescu, Jeremy J. Mercuri
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hydrogel biomaterial that can be utilized as a nucleus pulposus replacement material is described. The hydrogel biomaterial can is an elastin-glycosaminoglycan-collagen composite hydrogel biomaterial that can mimic the biochemical and functional characteristics of the human nucleus pulposus. Methods for forming the hydrogel biomaterial are also described as are methods for use of the hydrogel biomaterial, one of which is as an in vivo nucleus pulposus replacement material, another of which is a scaffolding material for use in nucleus pulposus tissue engineering applications.
Claims20
A hydrogel biomaterial comprising a soluble elastin, collagen, and at least one glycosaminoglycan, wherein the collagen and the glycosaminoglycan are crosslinked to one another, the soluble elastin being non-fibrous, and in the form of microspheres within the hydrogel biomaterial, the hydrogel biomaterial expelling water under a load and regaining an original shape following removal of the load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.