Abstract: 

The invention herein described refers to a device based on a bio-functionalized structure with a core/shell architecture intended to be used for partial or total substitution of tendons or ligaments.

Background: 

The device is based on a bio-functionalized textile structure with a core/shell architecture intended to be used for partial or total substitution of human tendons or ligaments. 

The structure is produced using a textile technology and it may be based on different monofilament and/or multifilament yarns assembled with a specific arrangement in core, being enclosed by the shell also composed by monofilament and/or multifilament yarns. 

When the device is intended to be used to replace either a tendon or a ligament, the yarns in core may have a bioactive surface treatment that improves cell adhesion and proliferation that promotes efficiently the native tissue ingrowth and a faster recovery process. The yarns in shell may have a biopassive surface treatment to avoid the cell adhesion and consequent formation of adhesion plates between the device and the surrounding tissues.

Benefits: 

This invention is based on the combination of an appropriate architecture, which grants to the structure the required mechanical features, with a bio-functionalized core, which allows a better and faster cell adhesion and proliferation, and a biopassive shell. These features will lead to a more efficient and long-term recovery process.

Potential comercial use/applications: 

This device can be implanted by any orthopaedist in a patient in need to recover from a tendon or ligament injury of large extension. It can allow mitigating these injuries, which have high incidence in aged population and sports people.
Therefore, this technology can be incorporated in prosthetic devices manufacturers’ portfolio. 

 

A proteção dos direitos de propriedade industrial é cofinanciada por: