Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogel Freeze-Drying for Biologic Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellulose nanofibril hydrogels are challenging to dewater and freeze-dry, and biological materials within them often do not survive the process, leading to structural damage and loss of viability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving freeze-drying a hydrogel composition comprising cellulose nanofibrils, saccharides, and amino acids, followed by reconstitution with water, to achieve a residual water content of at most 5 w-%, preserving the hydrogel structure and biological integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If freeze-drying is applied to cellulose nanofibril hydrogels to remove water and enable storage, then the hydrogel can be dried and stored long-term, but the biological material within the hydrogel does not survive the process and structural damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating protective agents (saccharides and amino acids) into the hydrogel composition before the freeze-drying process. These agents are pre-positioned to protect biological materials during the subsequent drying process, preventing structural damage and maintaining viability throughout storage and reconstitution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses saccharides and amino acids as intermediary substances that mediate between the harsh freeze-drying conditions and the delicate biological materials. These intermediaries form protective complexes or matrices that shield biologics from damage during water removal, enabling both drying and preservation of biological integrity
2Quantity of substance
If conventional freeze-drying methods are used on hydrogels, then water removal is achieved, but the hydrogel structure collapses and biological integrity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining cellulose nanofibrils with protective saccharides and amino acids. This composite structure provides mechanical support and protective functionality simultaneously, maintaining hydrogel shape integrity during water removal while enabling effective drying through the synergistic interaction of components
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 allows for successful drying and reconstitution of hydrogels with minimal structural and biological damage, enabling stable long-term storage and preservation of biologics such as cells and lipid structures.
Implementation Method 1
freeze-drying the hydrogel composition, thereby obtaining a freeze-dried hydrogel composition
Implementation Method 2
freeze-drying the hydrogel composition
Implementation Method 3
adding water or an aqueous solution to the freeze-dried hydrogel composition
Data Source
AI summary
A method for freeze-drying a hydrogel composition is disclosed, the method comprising providing the hydrogel composition, wherein the hydrogel composition comprises cellulose nanofibrils and/or cellulose nanocrystals, at least one saccharide, at least one amino acid, and biologics; and freeze-drying the hydrogel composition, thereby obtaining a freeze-dried hydrogel composition.