BAC-Embedded Mesostructured Silica for Sustained Antimicrobial Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) that can achieve high drug loading capacity, controlled or activated drug release, targeted drug delivery to specific cells and tissues, demonstrate proven biocompatibility, and be manufactured in a cost-effective and scalable manner, particularly for antibacterial applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of mesostructured silica particles templated with benzalkonium chloride (BAC), which are capable of embedding BAC within their pores, allowing for sustained release of the antimicrobial agent, especially under acidic conditions, and can be incorporated into various consumer products for antimicrobial purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If benzalkonium chloride is embedded within the pores of mesostructured silica particles, then sustained release of the antimicrobial agent is achieved, but the drug loading capacity and release control mechanisms need optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesustained release durationVSAvoiddrug loading capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes mesostructured silica particles with controlled pore structures to embed benzalkonium chloride. The porous framework provides both sustained release capability through controlled diffusion pathways and adequate loading capacity through high surface area and pore volume, resolving the contradiction between release duration and drug quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pH-dependent release mechanisms where the release rate of benzalkonium chloride is modulated by changes in environmental pH. This allows the system to provide sustained release over time while maintaining the ability to release higher quantities when triggered by pH changes, such as in inflammatory or infected tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If controlled or activated release mechanism is implemented, then targeted drug delivery to specific cells and tissues is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted delivery capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pH-responsive release behavior where the mesostructured silica particles release benzalkonium chloride in response to pH changes. This provides targeted delivery capability to acidic environments such as infected tissues or inflammatory sites without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the pH responsiveness is inherent to the silica-BAC interaction chemistry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If high drug loading capacity is achieved, then the antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but the release control and biocompatibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial loading amountVSAvoidrelease control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mesostructured silica framework provides a controlled porous environment that accommodates high loads of benzalkonium chloride while maintaining reliable release control through the physical constraints of the pore structure. The porous material allows high drug quantity to be stored while the pore architecture ensures controlled diffusion and release patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining mesostructured silica with benzalkonium chloride, where the silica framework provides structural integrity and controlled release properties while the embedded BAC provides antimicrobial activity. This composite structure allows high loading capacity while maintaining release control and biocompatibility through the synergistic properties of both materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 BAC-templated mesostructured silica particles provide a sustained release of BAC, effectively killing bacterial pathogens, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a controlled release mechanism that is pH-dependent, ensuring targeted antimicrobial action while maintaining biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

BAC forms micelles in aqueous solution above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of ca. 0.5 mM

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

capable of embedding BAC within their pores, allowing for sustained release of the antimicrobial agent, especially under acidic conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH-dependent release: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11547680B2Benzalkonium-embedded mesostructured silica compositions and uses of same

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RUTGERS THE STATE UNIV

AI summary

The present invention relates in one aspect to the discovery of novel mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) templated around and comprising benzalkonium chloride (BAC). In certain embodiments, the BAC-SiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles are capable of sustained release of BAC under acidic conditions, thereby acting as a long release antimicrobial agent. In other embodiments, the BAC-SiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles can be incorporated into a variety of consumer products as an antimicrobial agent additive, including for example, but not limited to, surgical dressings, bandages, deodorants, soaps, facial cleansers and industrial cleaners.