Amphiphilic Entity Nanoparticles via Microfluidization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing polymer nanoparticles are slow, costly, and require toxic solvents, limiting their commercial feasibility and efficiency, especially in loading biologically active agents.
Innovation Solution
The use of high shear forces, such as those generated by microfluidization, to manufacture nanoparticles, eliminating the need for toxic solvents and increasing the loading capacity and yield of nanoparticle production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional solvents (DMSO, chloroform, etc.) are used to manufacture nanoparticles, then nanoparticle formation is achieved, but the process becomes toxic and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the toxic solvent component from the nanoparticle manufacturing process. By using supercritical carbon dioxide as a replacement solvent system, the invention eliminates the harmful toxic solvents (DMSO, chloroform, etc.) while maintaining the nanoparticle formation capability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the solvent system by transitioning from traditional liquid solvents to supercritical carbon dioxide. This parameter change involves adjusting temperature and pressure to achieve the supercritical state, which enables nanoparticle formation without toxic components, thereby resolving the toxicity issue while maintaining manufacturing effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional nanoparticle assembly methods are used, then nanoparticles are formed, but the process takes several days and gives low yields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the use of supercritical fluid processing cycles. The rapid compression and decompression cycles of supercritical carbon dioxide enable quick nanoparticle formation and precipitation, replacing the slow days-long assembly process with a much faster periodic process that achieves both high speed and high yield simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide (between supercritical and gaseous states) to control nanoparticle formation. The rapid phase transition during decompression causes quick precipitation of nanoparticles, dramatically increasing production speed and yield compared to traditional slow assembly methods, thus resolving the productivity contradiction.
3Quantity of substance
If biologically active agents are incorporated into nanoparticles through diffusion, then loading is achieved, but the amount is limited and takes a great deal of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating biologically active agents into the polymer matrix before nanoparticle formation occurs. This pre-loading approach allows the active agents to be trapped within the nanoparticles during the rapid formation process, achieving high loading capacity instantly without requiring slow post-formation diffusion, thus resolving both the time and quantity limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses supercritical carbon dioxide as an intermediary medium that facilitates the incorporation of biologically active agents during nanoparticle formation. The supercritical fluid acts as a mediator that can dissolve both the polymer and active agents, enabling simultaneous incorporation at high concentrations during the rapid phase transition, thereby overcoming the slow diffusion-limited loading process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method results in faster, more cost-effective production of nanoparticles that are free from toxic components, with enhanced loading capacity for biologically active agents, improving their commercial utility and delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when an amphiphilic polymer is present in a solvent at a concentration above its critical micellar concentration, it will self-assemble into nanoparticle structures
Implementation Method 2
AE nanoparticle compositions may be generated by exposure to high shear forces
Implementation Method 3
AE nanoparticle compositions may be generated high pressure homogenization
Implementation Method 4
AE nanoparticle compositions may be generated by cavitation
Implementation Method 5
AE nanoparticle compositions may be generated by microfluidization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions comprising AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides AE nanoparticles comprising one or more amphiphilic entities and pharmaceutical compositions comprising AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides methods of manufacturing AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides methods of delivering a biologically active agent to a subject by administering AE nanoparticles containing a biologically active agent to a subject.