Imagine a world where materials repair themselves like human skin. No more costly repairs, no more wasted resources, just long-lasting, self-healing surfaces.
Self-healing materials are no longer a futuristic concept. Industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to electronics and medicine are investing in materials that can fix cracks, seal punctures, and restore functionality without human intervention.
Tracing the Origins of Self-Healing Materials
The earliest ideas behind self-healing materials date back to the early 1900s. While modern breakthroughs rely on microcapsules, shape-memory polymers, and bio-inspired chemistry, early patents explored ways to repair structural damage in coatings and composites.
One of the earliest known patents in this field is US3071316A, titled “Self-sealing structure for fuel tanks” which dates to 1959. The patent assigned to Goodyear Aerospace Corporation covers a self-sealing polymer system designed to automatically repair punctures in aircraft fuel tanks, preventing leaks and enhancing durability.
Since then, self-healing materials have evolved dramatically, from polymeric coatings to bioengineered repair systems. Today, we’re witnessing next-generation materials that can heal at a molecular level, restoring their properties after damage.
How We Identified Latest Innovations in Self-healing Materials?
To find the top players in self-healing materials, we ran a patent search using the Global Patent Search tool with the query:
Materials that repair themselves after damage, increasing longevity.
Our priority dates were after 2015. Here’s what the search revealed:
#1. KR102184247B1 – A Protective Coating Having Secondary Damage Preventing Ability
This patent, filed on November 30, 2018, describes a self-healing polymer coating designed to repair itself when damaged, preventing further degradation. The coating consists of a polymer matrix embedded with microcapsules containing a healing agent – a vegetable oil blend and a divinyl compound.
When cracks or scratches appear on the coating, the microcapsules rupture, releasing the healing material. Upon exposure to oxygen, the material transforms into a viscoelastic repair layer, effectively sealing the damage and preventing secondary damage from spreading.
Source: KR102184247B1
Why this Innovation shines?
Traditional coatings require manual maintenance to repair cracks, leading to high upkeep costs and shorter lifespans. This self-healing coating automatically repairs itself without human intervention, allowing for multiple healing cycles and significantly extending the material’s durability. By reducing repair frequency and enhancing material integrity, this innovation makes coatings more sustainable and cost-effective in industries like construction, aerospace, and automotive.
Who’s behind this Innovation?
This patent results from research by Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University, two of South Korea’s leading institutions in advanced materials.
Yonsei University has been at the forefront of functional materials research, focusing on smart coatings, nanotechnology, and self-healing polymers. Meanwhile, Sungkyunkwan University has contributed extensively to self-healing structural materials, with its research frequently cited in academic publications on polymer engineering and surface coatings. Their collaboration in this patent demonstrates their commitment to developing next-generation materials that enhance durability and efficiency across multiple industries.
#2. KR101780451B1 – Self-Healing Coating Formulation and Self-Healing Coating Material Using the Same
Filed on October 19, 2015, this patent describes a self-healing coating formulation designed to autonomously repair damages such as cracks or scratches, thereby extending the lifespan of the coated materials.
The innovation involves a polymer composition that forms a matrix embedded with microcapsules containing a healing substance. Upon damage to the coating, these microcapsules rupture, releasing the healing material, which then flows into the damaged area and reacts, potentially with atmospheric oxygen, to form a viscoelastic substance that seals the defect.
Source: KR101780451B1
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is attributed to the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Yonsei University Wonju. Yonsei University, located in South Korea, is renowned for its research in advanced materials and engineering.
The university has been actively involved in developing functional materials, including smart coatings and self-healing polymers. Their research focuses on creating sustainable and efficient solutions that can be applied across various industries, such as construction, automotive, and aerospace, to improve material performance and reduce maintenance requirements.
#3. CN113599566B – A Kind of Hydrophobic Polymer Hemostatic Repair Material, Its Preparation Method and Application
Filed on August 30, 2021, this patent introduces a hydrophobic polymer-based hemostatic repair material designed for rapid adhesion to wet tissue interfaces. The material comprises two main components:
- Component A: Includes a catalytic unit and a tissue interface linking agent.
- Component B: Contains a flowable hydrophobic polymer and a coupling unit.
The interaction between these components enables the material to quickly adhere to moist tissues, effectively promoting wound healing.
Source: CN113599566B
Why this Innovation shines?
Traditional hemostatic materials often struggle to maintain strong adhesion in wet environments, limiting their effectiveness in controlling bleeding and facilitating tissue repair. This hydrophobic polymer-based material addresses this challenge by leveraging its strong water-repellent properties to rapidly adhere to wet tissue interfaces.
Additionally, its excellent biocompatibility ensures that it can be used safely in clinical settings, offering a promising solution for effective hemostasis and tissue repair.
Who’s behind this innovation?
This patent is attributed to the Chongqing Institute of Intelligent Medical Industry, a research institution based in Chongqing, China. The institute focuses on the development of advanced medical technologies and materials. Their research in hydrophobic polymer-based hemostatic materials demonstrates a commitment to improving clinical outcomes through innovative solutions in wound management and tissue repair.
#4. CN107320786A – A Sustained-Release Anti-Infective Compound Soft Tissue Repair Material and Its Preparation Method
Filed on June 16, 2017, this patent describes a soft tissue repair material designed to deliver anti-infective agents in a controlled, sustained manner. The material consists of biological layers with embedded anti-infective components, strategically placed between layers or on the surface of the material to maximize their effectiveness. This structured arrangement ensures a continuous release of anti-infective agents, promoting healing while preventing infections.
Why This Innovation Shines
Conventional soft tissue repair materials often lack built-in infection control, requiring additional antimicrobial treatments that may not provide sustained protection. This material integrates anti-infective agents directly within the structure, offering long-term antimicrobial activity. By maintaining biocompatibility while enhancing resistance to infections, it improves healing efficiency and reduces complications in medical applications.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent was developed by Shanghai Zhuoruan Medical Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company specializing in advanced medical materials and biotechnology solutions. The company focuses on regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, contributing to innovations in wound healing and infection-resistant medical products.
#5. CN118141995A – Composite Tissue Repair Material and Preparation Method and Use Thereof
Filed on March 11, 2024, this patent introduces a composite tissue repair material designed to enhance the healing of damaged tissues. The material comprises a matrix with a fiber filament structure and a gel network structure present on at least one surface of the matrix. The gel network is derived from a natural polymer compound esterified with methacrylate, resulting in a biodegradable, self-adhesive material with multiple biological activities.
Why This Innovation Shines
Traditional tissue repair materials often face challenges such as inadequate biocompatibility, limited biodegradability, and insufficient mechanical strength. This composite material addresses these issues by combining a robust fiber filament matrix with a bioactive gel network.
The result is a material that not only supports tissue regeneration but also integrates seamlessly with the body’s natural healing processes, reducing the risk of rejection and promoting faster recovery.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is attributed to Beijing Bohui Ruijin Biological Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company specializing in the development of advanced biological materials for medical applications. Their focus on creating innovative solutions for tissue repair demonstrates their commitment to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge biotechnology.
#6. CN116370692A – A Kind of Restoration Material and Preparation Method Thereof
Filed on April 14, 2023, this patent introduces a restoration material specifically designed for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The material features a core-shell structure, with a core layer that provides growth factors and a shell layer that facilitates the controlled release of these factors. This innovative design ensures sustained delivery of essential biomolecules to accelerate tissue repair while minimizing potential side effects.
Source: CN116370692A
Why This Innovation Shines
Many existing wound repair materials struggle with maintaining a high concentration of growth factors due to the influence of external conditions. This material solves that problem by utilizing nanofibers configured with a core-shell structure, ensuring prolonged and efficient delivery of active substances directly to the wound site. It exhibits excellent antibacterial properties, enhances tissue regeneration, and minimizes allergic reactions, making it a significant advancement in medical wound care.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent was developed by Qingdao Zhongke Kaier Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company focused on medical biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Their work in nanofiber-based wound healing materials highlights their dedication to advancing tissue engineering solutions and improving recovery outcomes in clinical applications.
#7. CN110237054B – Scar Repair Material and Preparation Method Thereof
Filed on July 11, 2019, this patent introduces a scar repair material designed to enhance wound healing while minimizing scarring. The material consists of microcapsules embedded in a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel. These microcapsules contain active ingredients such as ectoin and allantoin, which are gradually released to promote skin regeneration, reduce inflammation, and prevent excessive scar formation. The gel structure ensures sustained effectiveness and optimal skin hydration during the healing process.
Why This Innovation Shines?
Scar treatment remains a major challenge in dermatology and wound care, with many existing solutions failing to provide long-term effectiveness. This material offers a controlled release system that continuously delivers active compounds, enhancing tissue repair and reducing the likelihood of visible scars. Its biocompatibility and ability to maintain an optimal healing environment make it a valuable breakthrough in post-surgical recovery, burn treatment, and cosmetic dermatology.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is attributed to Bloomage Biotechnology Corporation Ltd., a leading Chinese company specializing in hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials. Bloomage has developed numerous medical and cosmetic applications for skin regeneration and hydration, making them a major innovator in wound healing, anti-aging, and scar treatment technologies. Their work continues to push the boundaries of biomaterial-based skin repair solutions.
#8. CN115746388A – A Self-Adhesive Hemostatic Repair Gel Containing a Multi-Scale Pore Network, Its Preparation Method, and Application
Filed on October 26, 2022, this patent introduces a self-adhesive hemostatic repair gel designed for rapid wound sealing and tissue regeneration. The gel consists of a multi-scale pore network that enhances its ability to conform to soft tissues, improving adhesion and reducing wound trauma. The material is composed of a microporous hydrogel matrix layer combined with bioadhesive active molecules that bridge the gel matrix with tissue surfaces, facilitating fast hemostasis and wound closure.
Source: CN115746388A
Why This Innovation Shines
Traditional hemostatic agents often rely on external pressure or additional adhesives to maintain contact with the wound, leading to discomfort and potential complications. This gel-based material eliminates those challenges by offering instant and firm adhesion, reducing bleeding time, and promoting seamless tissue integration. The multi-scale pore network enhances biocompatibility and ensures a controlled healing process, making it highly effective for emergency medicine and surgical applications.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is attributed to the Army Medical University of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a prominent Chinese research institution focused on biomedical sciences and military medicine. Their research into advanced wound healing solutions aims to improve battlefield medical treatments and civilian healthcare alike. By leveraging bioadhesive technologies, they continue to push the frontiers of regenerative medicine and trauma care.
#9. WO2020113474A1 – Polyurethane Sponge Material, Preparation Method Therefor, Use Thereof, and Polyurethane Sponge Article
Filed on December 5, 2018, this patent introduces a polyurethane sponge material designed for advanced wound healing and tissue regeneration. The material incorporates strontium-boron bioactive glass into a polyurethane matrix, creating a highly biocompatible and biodegradable sponge structure. This composite material is intended to serve as an artificial skin substitute, promoting vascularization and skin regeneration while reducing secondary trauma during the healing process.
Source: WO2020113474A1
Why This Innovation Shines
Conventional wound dressings often fail to provide optimal healing conditions, leading to prolonged recovery times and complications such as infections and scarring. This polyurethane sponge material overcomes these issues by integrating bioactive components that enhance tissue repair while maintaining high flexibility and breathability. Its ability to induce vascularization and promote in-situ skin regeneration makes it a major advancement in artificial skin technology, benefiting burn victims and patients with chronic wounds.
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is credited to the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a leading research institute specializing in biomedical engineering and advanced materials. The institute has been at the forefront of developing biomaterials for regenerative medicine, contributing to breakthroughs in tissue scaffolds, wound healing, and artificial skin technologies. Their research in polyurethane-based biocompatible materials reflects their commitment to enhancing medical treatment options for severe skin injuries and tissue damage.
#10. US20240092945A1 – Self-Sensing and Self-Healing of Structural Polymers and Composites via Integration of Microvasculature and Optical Fibers
Filed on September 15, 2023, this patent introduces a self-healing system for structural polymers and composites that integrates microvasculature networks and optical fibers. The innovation involves embedding optical fibers or polymer waveguides within a structural polymer, alongside micro-channels that deliver a curing composition to damaged areas. Upon detecting structural damage, the system activates photo-polymerization using visible light, initiating an in-situ repair process that restores mechanical integrity.
Why This Innovation Shines
Traditional self-healing materials typically rely on passive healing mechanisms, such as microcapsules or reversible polymer bonds. However, these approaches have limitations in large-scale structural applications, such as aerospace and civil engineering. This patent introduces a proactive self-healing system, where embedded optical fibers detect damage and actively trigger healing through light-induced polymerization. By enabling real-time damage sensing and repair, this technology significantly improves structural durability and safety in high-stress environments.
Source: US20240092945A1
Who’s Behind This Innovation?
This patent is attributed to North Carolina State University (NC State), a leading institution in materials science and engineering. NC State has conducted extensive research in smart materials, polymer engineering, and self-healing composites. Their work in structural health monitoring and advanced polymer systems has applications in aerospace, automotive, and civil infrastructure, making them a key innovator in next-generation self-healing materials.
How GPS Can Help You Uncover Innovation in Self-Healing Materials?
Patents shape the future of technology, and self-healing materials are no exception. From self-repairing coatings and biomedical gels to intelligent structural polymers, the innovations covered in this article highlight how leading institutions and companies are pushing boundaries in materials science.
But how do you find the first few patents in a technology? How do you identify emerging players, track competitors, or uncover hidden innovation?
That’s where Global Patent Search comes in.
Source: GPS
Whether you’re a researcher, business strategist, or legal expert, GPS provides powerful tools to discover, analyze, and track patents worldwide:
- Find the First Few Patents in Any Technology – GPS helps you identify the earliest innovators and foundational patents in any domain.
- Support IP Litigation and Freedom-to-Operate Research – GPS enables businesses to identify potential patent infringements, ensuring compliance before launching new products.
- Analyze Competitor Patent Portfolios – See which companies and institutions are investing in self-healing technology and where they’re headed next.
Whether you are searching for game-changing innovations or conducting due diligence on intellectual property, GPS makes the process fast, accurate, and comprehensive.
With GPS, you can trace the origins of any technology, identify key innovators, and stay ahead of industry trends. The future of self-healing materials is being written one patent at a time. Are you ready to discover what’s next? Try the Global Patent Search tool today.
