Compositions and methods for adhesion to surfaces
Inventors
Hess, Brian J. • Kay, George W.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12122717-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-22
Expiration Date
2037-08-08
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Abstract
Provided herein are compositions and their methods of use to adhere (e.g., in wet and dry environments) a variety of materials together.
Core Innovation
The invention provides adhesive, self-setting compositions designed to bond various materials together in both wet and dry environments. These compositions are comprised of a mixture that includes a multivalent metal salt, typically selected from tetracalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate, a small molecule anionic reactant such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and an aqueous medium. The bonding results from specific interactions between the charged reagents and the mineral salt in water, leading to a setting reaction that forms a strong adhesive.
The problem addressed by these compositions relates to the limitations of traditional fixation and maintenance devices in medical and industrial contexts, especially when bonding in wet conditions such as orthopedics, dentistry, or underwater applications. Past solutions such as mechanical fasteners and resin-based cements have issues including inadequate adhesion to wet surfaces, toxicity, lack of biodegradability, weak intrinsic strength, and difficulties with injectability.
The core novelty of this invention lies in combining a specific multivalent metal salt with a small anionic organic molecule in an aqueous setting, enabling the adhesive to achieve robust bonding properties across different substrates and environments. This approach allows the composition to be injectable, possess tunable working times (tacky or putty states), and develop significant adhesive strength upon curing, thereby enabling its use in a wide variety of adhesive, sealing, and gap-filling applications.
Claims Coverage
There is one main independent claim in this patent, and it covers the primary inventive features of an adhesive composition with specific components and performance characteristics.
Adhesive composition with tetracalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate, aqueous medium, and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid yielding high adhesive strength
The invention claims an adhesive composition comprising: - A multivalent metal salt selected from tetracalcium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate. - An aqueous medium. - Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The composition is characterized by having an adhesive strength upon curing greater than 1,000 kPa. The scope specifically emphasizes the combination of these three ingredients and the requirement that the composition cures to a strong adhesive state, capable of high mechanical bonding performance.
The independent claim establishes coverage for adhesive compositions specifically based on tetracalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate, an aqueous medium, and EDTA, with the critical feature being the achievement of high adhesive strength upon curing.
Stated Advantages
Provides robust adhesive behavior toward bone and a variety of materials, including titanium, even in wet or dry environments.
Exhibits a tacky and adhesive reaction mixture that allows for bonding without the need for external clamping or pressure.
Achieves high adhesive strength upon curing, often exceeding 1,000 kPa, suitable for demanding fixation applications.
Can be injectable and workable for several minutes, enabling convenient placement and manipulation before setting.
Permits adhesion in difficult environments such as submerged or wet fields, where conventional adhesives fail.
Documented Applications
Medical applications including adhesion of implants, anchors, grafts, devices, biological tissues, prosthetic devices, dental crowns, and bone fragments to bone or other structures in both temporary and permanent scenarios.
Use as a gap or void filler in bone or tissue, either before or after placement of a structure, to create additional strength, stability, seal gaps, or prevent infection and tissue ingress.
Dental procedures such as ridge preservation grafting, cavity repair, fracture repair, contour reconstruction, and dental implant stabilization.
Facilitating bone volume augmentation for implant placement, through open or minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Repairing bone defects and fractures, especially for bones affected by osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, or congenital/developmental diseases.
Forming barriers to fluid and microbe ingress at surgical, percutaneous, or permucosal implant sites, or in wound closure.
Industrial applications including adhesion and sealing of metals, ceramics, glass, cement, pipes, hulls, tanks, and components exposed to vibration, wetness, and difficult environments.
Use as a patch, plug, or interposition device to repair cracks, defects, or reinforce structures such as pipes, boats, pavement, and construction materials.
Stabilizing mechanical relationships of structural elements in industrial assemblies subject to stress, vibration, or shifting.
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