Cationic Nanogels for Immediate Physiological Drug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature-sensitive nanogels do not exhibit an immediate response to phase transition temperature changes, particularly in the physiological temperature range, which limits their effectiveness in controlled release applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of biocompatible cationic nanogels formed from a cross-linked polymer network of N-vinylcaprolactam monomer units, polymerized in a dispersed medium with a cationic or non-ionic emulsifier and cationic initiator, which undergoes an instantaneous volumetric change from collapsed to swollen state at the phase transition temperature (32-38°C), enabling immediate release of active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional temperature-sensitive nanogels are used, then they can respond to temperature changes, but they do not exhibit an immediate response in the physiological temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition of the nanogel by incorporating N-vinylcaprolactam monomer units with a specific phase transition temperature (32-38°C) that matches the physiological temperature range. This parameter change in the polymer chemistry enables the nanogel to undergo immediate volumetric phase change at physiologically relevant temperatures, resolving the contradiction between response speed and operational temperature range.
2Speed
If poly(alkylacrylamides) are used for temperature sensitivity, then the nanogels exhibit temperature response, but they show toxicity and are not biocompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical identity of the temperature-sensitive polymer from poly(alkylacrylamides) to N-vinylcaprolactam-based polymers. This substitution maintains the desirable temperature-responsive behavior while eliminating the toxicity associated with poly(alkylacrylamides), thereby achieving both temperature sensitivity and biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite nanogel system incorporating N-vinylcaprolactam monomer units within a cross-linked polymer network. This composite structure combines the temperature-sensitive properties of N-vinylcaprolactam with the structural integrity provided by cross-linking, achieving both functional responsiveness and biocompatibility.
3Reliability
If nanogels are used as delivery vehicles, then they can carry active ingredients, but they must remain chemically unaltered and pharmacologically stable during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the nanogel in a pre-stabilized cross-linked structure that maintains chemical integrity and pharmacological stability during storage and transit. The cross-linked network is designed to remain inert and stable under storage conditions, ensuring the nanogel arrives at the target site unchanged and ready for controlled release upon temperature stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the nanogel with dynamic responsiveness to temperature changes. The cross-linked polymer network maintains structural stability during transit but undergoes controlled volumetric phase change at the target temperature (32-38°C), enabling the nanogel to transition from a stable delivery vehicle to an active release system at the appropriate moment and location.
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 nanogels maintain biocompatibility and thermo-sensitivity, allowing for immediate release of active ingredients within the physiological temperature range, ensuring effective delivery and stability during transit and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The nanogels capable of undergoing a volumetric phase change upon changing the temperature of the medium in which they are dispersed, or temperature sensitive nanogels, are very interesting in those biotechnological applications
Implementation Method 2
The nanogels undergo an instantaneous volumetric change at the phase transition temperature of the polymer (32-38°C), changing from the collapsed state to the swollen state as the temperature increases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biocompatible cationic nanogel comprising a polymer network, said polymer network comprising polymer units interconnected with one another through a cross-linking agent, wherein said polymer network can be obtained by polymerizing N-vinylcaprolactam and a cross-linking agent in a dispersed medium, in the presence of a cationic initiator and a cationic or non-ionic emulsifier. The invention also relates to methods for obtaining the mentioned nanogels as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.