Biodegradable Multi-Cavity Microparticles for Sustained Vascular Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery methods for vascular diseases, particularly those related to atherosclerosis, face challenges such as low efficiency in targeting, image-guided positioning accuracy, and distribution of therapeutics, with existing microbubbles being unsuitable for chronic conditions due to rapid destruction in acoustic fields, leading to inadequate sustained drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
Development of core-shell, multi-cavity, biodegradable microparticles with a biodegradable polymer shell and surface cavities that can be localized using pressure waves like HIFU, allowing for slow degradation and prolonged release of drugs at the disease site, reducing inflammation and plaque volume in vascular diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If microbubbles are used for drug delivery, then cavitation can be nucleated at reduced acoustic pressure amplitudes, but the microbubbles are rapidly destroyed in the acoustic field, preventing sustained drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cavitation nuclei by transitioning from gas-filled microbubbles to solid microparticles with controlled hardness, elasticity, and size. These parameter changes enable the particles to withstand acoustic fields longer while still nucleating cavitation, thereby extending drug delivery duration without requiring excessive acoustic pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite microparticles comprising a biodegradable polymer shell containing drug payload and internal gas pockets. This composite structure combines the cavitation-nucleating capability of gas with the structural stability of solid polymer, allowing sustained circulation and prolonged drug delivery while maintaining low cavitation thresholds
2Duration of action of moving object
If non-degradable particles are used for sustained drug delivery, then prolonged treatment is achieved, but the particles cannot be safely eliminated from the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the particle shell from non-biodegradable materials to biodegradable polymers with controlled degradation rates. This allows the particles to maintain structural integrity during circulation and drug delivery while gradually degrading into harmless byproducts that can be safely eliminated, thus achieving sustained delivery without long-term accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable shell provides continuous drug delivery over an extended period as it gradually degrades. The degradation process itself becomes part of the useful action, slowly releasing the drug payload over days to weeks while maintaining particle functionality, thereby achieving sustained therapeutic effect without abrupt cessation or harmful accumulation
3Reliability
If drug-loaded vesicles are used for targeted therapy, then penetration across blood tissue barriers is improved, but distribution of therapeutics through lesion sites remains inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic cavitation (mechanical vibration) to enhance therapeutic distribution. The oscillating microparticles generate localized mechanical forces that facilitate deeper penetration into lesion sites and improve drug distribution throughout the targeted area, overcoming the limitations of passive diffusion while maintaining targeting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs acoustic pressure waves (hydraulic energy) to drive microparticle penetration and drug release. The acoustic field creates pressure variations that propel particles through tissue barriers and enhance fluid dynamics at the lesion site, improving therapeutic distribution without requiring invasive surgical techniques
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 described microparticles effectively reduce inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerotic plaque volume, providing sustained drug delivery and improved treatment outcomes for chronic vascular diseases without the need for multiple administrations, while avoiding the limitations of non-degradable particles.
Implementation Method 1
the shell is made from a biodegradable polymer and degrades slowly to release the loaded drug
Implementation Method 2
the particle can be localised at a diseased site, using pressure waves such as HIFU
Implementation Method 3
Ultrasound can be used to mediate drug delivery, often via acoustic cavitation, i.e., the dynamic oscillations of gas or vapour bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a core-shell microparticle comprising a biodegradable polymer with at least two or more surface cavities for use in the treatment of vascular disease, wherein the shell further comprises one or more drugs. The present invention further provides a core-shell microparticle which can be used for such treatments, the microparticle comprising a biodegradable polymer with at least two or more surface cavities, wherein the shell further comprises one or more drugs, wherein the one or more drugs are selected from anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, anti-proliferative drugs, anti-coagulants and combinations thereof.