Bioabsorbable Drug Fibers via Solvent Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing drug-containing bioabsorbable polymeric fibers result in low drug-loading capacity, drug degradation during manufacturing, long degradation times of the polymer, and a non-programmable drug release profile, limiting their effectiveness in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving bioabsorbable polymers and drugs in organic solvents, forming fibers at controlled temperatures to maintain drug integrity, and using multi-layered fibers with additives to adjust degradation rates, allowing for high drug content and programmable release profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If co-extrusion process is used to produce drug-containing polymeric fibers, then fibers can be manufactured with continuous production, but drug degradation occurs during manufacturing due to high temperature processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from high-temperature melt extrusion to low-temperature solvent-based processing. The polymer is dissolved in a solvent at temperatures below the drug degradation point, then the solvent is removed to form the fiber, allowing continuous production without drug degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium to enable fiber formation without direct thermal processing of the drug. The solvent allows the polymer to be processed in a dissolved state, protecting the drug from thermal degradation while still enabling continuous manufacturing.
2Strength
If high molecular weight polymer is used to make mechanically strong fibers, then fiber strength is improved, but degradation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by incorporating hydrophilic additives into the hydrophobic polymer matrix. This composite approach allows the fiber to maintain the mechanical strength of the high molecular weight polymer while the hydrophilic additives create pathways for water penetration that accelerate degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by adding hydrophilic components specifically to control the degradation regions. The hydrophilic additives are distributed within the polymer matrix to create localized areas that facilitate water uptake and hydrolysis, enabling controlled degradation without compromising overall fiber strength.
3Reliability
If drug to polymer ratio is kept low to avoid fiber breakage during manufacturing, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but drug loading capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from melt extrusion to solvent-based processing, which allows for significantly higher drug loading ratios. The solvent system enables the polymer and drug to be mixed in high concentrations without causing fiber breakage during manufacturing, as the dissolved state provides better processability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional processing methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but drug release profile cannot be programmed or tailored to specific disease conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by incorporating multiple drugs with different properties into the fiber matrix. Each drug can be positioned and formulated with specific characteristics (hydrophilicity, molecular weight, concentration) to control its release rate, enabling customized drug release profiles while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing 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
The method enables the production of fibers with high mechanical strength, high drug loading, and controlled degradation, enabling effective drug delivery with customizable release profiles for treating various diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a bioabsorbable polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent together with a drug
Implementation Method 2
the organic solvent is removed by evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for producing drug-containing bioabsorbable fibers. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases using a bioabsorbable drug delivery device.