Biocompatible polymer modification to prevent degeneration of bioprosthetic heart valves
This technology is a polymer-based modification that protects bioprosthetic heart valves from biochemical degeneration and improves long-term performance.
Unmet Need: Method to protect bioprosthetic tissue against glycation-driven degeneration
Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV), typically made from crosslinked bovine or porcine tissue, are widely used as replacement valves for patients with severe heart valve disease. However, these biomaterials progressively degrade over time due to calcification and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and serum proteins. This biochemical remodeling increases tissue crosslinking, stiffens valve leaflets, and promotes inflammatory signaling, ultimately leading to structural valve degeneration and device failure. Therefore, new strategies are needed to prevent serum protein- and glycation-mediated degeneration and to improve the long-term durability of BHVs.
The Technology: Polymer modification for long-lasting bioprosthetic heart valves
This technology modifies bioprosthetic tissue with poly(2-oxazoline) (POZ), a biocompatible polymer, to limit serum protein infiltration and prevent subsequent prosthesis dysfunction. When covalently attached to BHV leaflets, POZ reduces tissue oxidation, serum protein uptake, and inflammation associated with structural valve degeneration. By limiting these degradation pathways, this modification may reduce AGEs accumulation in vivo and extend the functional lifespan of bioprosthetic valves.
Applications:
- Protection of bioprosthetic heart valves
- Protection of other bioprosthetic tissues, protein-based prosthetics, implants, and scaffolds
- Tissue preservation for biological research
- Hernia and soft-tissue repair implants
- Vascular grafts
Advantages:
- Utilizes an easy-to-synthesize, biocompatible polymer
- Prevents adsorption of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and serum proteins
- Mitigates the contribution of AGEs and serum proteins to heart valve degeneration
- Applicable to multiple types of prosthetic tissue
- Compatible with existing valve manufacturing processes
- Scalable for commercial manufacturing workflows
- Potential to extend implant lifespan and reduce reintervention rates
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (US20230048369)
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU20085, IR CU19082, IR CU19243, IR CU20078, IR CU22171
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka