Anhydrous Hydrogel Composition for Moisture-Sensitive Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogels are limited by their water content, making them unsuitable for moisture-sensitive active agents and environments where moisture is contraindicated, and their physical properties are reactive to acids and bases, restricting their utility.
Innovation Solution
Anhydrous hydrogels are formed by combining biocompatible polymers like sodium carboxymethylcellulose with polyalcohols such as glycerin, using heat or radiation, which are resistant to drying and 'cold creep, and can incorporate moisture-sensitive active agents, maintaining a water-free state through hygroscopy and post-production processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hydrogels are used with high water content, then flexibility and tissue-like properties are improved, but suitability for moisture-sensitive active agents and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of water content from high (conventional hydrogels) to essentially zero (anhydrous). This is achieved by replacing water with organic solvents and using crosslinked polymer networks that maintain gel structure without aqueous content, enabling compatibility with moisture-sensitive active agents while preserving gel-like flexibility through molecular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite anhydrous hydrogel systems combining crosslinked polymer networks with organic solvents and hydrophilic polymers. This composite structure enables the material to exhibit both gel-like flexibility and anhydrous properties, resolving the contradiction between water-dependent mechanical properties and water-free formulation requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydrogels are used with water as dispersion medium, then polymer dispersion and gel formation are improved, but reactivity to acids and bases and limitation to water-sensitive environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the dispersion medium from water to organic solvents. This substitution eliminates the chemical reactivity issues associated with aqueous systems (acid-base reactions, hydrolysis) while maintaining gel formation capability through organic solvent-polymer interactions and crosslinking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an chemically inert anhydrous environment by eliminating water and using stable organic solvents. This inert environment prevents unwanted chemical reactions with acids, bases, and other reactive species, significantly improving chemical stability and expanding applicability to moisture-sensitive active agents
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
The anhydrous hydrogels provide stable, moisture-independent delivery systems for a wide range of active agents, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives, with enhanced shelf life and release kinetics, and are suitable for various applications from wound healing to odor control and veterinary medicine.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining a water-free state through hygroscopy and post-production processes
Implementation Method 2
combining biocompatible polymers like sodium carboxymethylcellulose with polyalcohols such as glycerin, using heat or radiation
Implementation Method 3
using heat or radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to anhydrous hydrogels useful as mucoadhesive (oral compositions) or as topical agents and may be used to deliver an active agent such as active pharmaceutical agents (API's), coagulants, fragrances, flavors, and other actives and excipients.