Cell Membrane Modulation for Shear Force Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical circulatory support devices, such as ventricular assist devices, subject blood cells to extreme shear forces, leading to membrane fragmentation and thrombosis, which conventional anti-platelet agents are ineffective in addressing under high shear conditions.
Innovation Solution
Administering compositions that modulate cell membrane function, submembrane assemblies, intracellular microfilament, and microtubule functions, or applying external coatings to protect cells from exogenous physical stimuli, including polymeric coatings to insulate cells from mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical circulatory support devices are used to assist heart function, then cardiac output is improved, but blood cells are subjected to extreme shear forces causing membrane fragmentation and thrombosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compositions containing specific agents (such as statins, fibrates, niacin, and their combinations) as intermediary substances that mediate between the mechanical circulatory support device and blood cells. These agents modify cell membrane properties and intracellular signaling to reduce harmful shear force effects while allowing the device to maintain its cardiac output function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of blood cells through pharmacological agents. Specifically, the compositions alter membrane fluidity, cytoskeletal structure, and signaling pathway activity to change how cells respond to shear forces, thereby reducing membrane fragmentation and thrombosis while preserving device effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional anti-platelet agents are used to prevent thrombosis, then thrombus formation is reduced under normal conditions, but they become ineffective under high shear conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional therapeutic approach by combining multiple agents (statins, fibrates, niacin, and their combinations) that work through different mechanisms. This universal composition addresses both baseline thrombus prevention and high-shear-specific damage, providing adaptability across different operational conditions of mechanical circulatory support devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite therapeutic compositions that integrate multiple pharmacological agents with complementary functions. This composite approach combines the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins with the anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing effects of fibrates and niacin, creating a synergistic formulation that maintains effectiveness across varying shear conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cell membrane stability is maintained to prevent fragmentation, then cell integrity is preserved, but cell responsiveness to physical stimuli may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively modifying specific aspects of cell membrane properties and intracellular structures. The compositions target specific membrane regions and signaling pathways to enhance stability where needed while preserving responsiveness in other areas, allowing differentiated functional outcomes based on local cellular requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, compositions, and devices to limit, modulate, insulate, and/or otherwise alter the effects of exogenous physical stimuli on cells are described herein. The cells may be removed from the body, preferably isolated, and treated ex vivo with the composition to limit the effects of physical stimuli on the cells and then returned to the patient. Alternatively, the cells may be treated in vivo. The compositions can be administered a variety of manners, such as systemically, locally or regionally.