Charged Water-Insoluble Carrier for Selective Activated Platelet Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adsorption materials fail to selectively remove activated platelets, leading to potential side effects from suppressing non-activated platelets and not addressing the role of growth factors released by activated platelets in pathological conditions.

Innovation Solution

A water-insoluble carrier with a specific surface kurtosis of 0.1 to 16, charged functional groups, and composed of polymers like polystyrene, is developed to selectively remove activated platelets and growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, and FGF, while maintaining biocompatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antiplatelet drugs are administered to suppress thrombus formation, then activated platelet function is suppressed, but non-activated platelet function is also suppressed causing side effects such as internal bleeding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus formation suppressionVSAvoidside effects including internal bleeding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the platelet population into activated and non-activated categories, and applies different removal strategies: activated platelets are removed via phagocytosis by macrophages through the carrier, while non-activated platelets are left unaffected and return to normal physiological function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by selectively targeting only the harmful activated platelets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier surface is designed with specific local properties (charged functional groups with specific extending length ratios of 4 to 7) that create selective interaction zones. These local surface characteristics enable the carrier to specifically bind and facilitate phagocytosis of activated platelets while maintaining inertness toward non-activated platelets, thus resolving the side effect issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If existing adsorption materials are used, then growth factors are adsorbed, but activated platelets cannot be selectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth factor adsorptionVSAvoidactivated platelet removal selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two functions into a single carrier system: (1) adsorption of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, FGF) through charged functional groups on the carrier surface, and (2) facilitation of activated platelet removal through phagocytosis by macrophages. The carrier simultaneously performs both functions, resolving the contradiction by achieving both growth factor adsorption and selective platelet removal in one system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is designed as a multi-functional material that can simultaneously adsorb multiple types of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, FGF) and facilitate removal of activated platelets through phagocytosis. This universal carrier addresses multiple pathological mechanisms (thrombus formation and disease progression) with a single material, resolving the limitation of existing single-function adsorption materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If adsorption materials suppress platelet adsorption, then immunosuppressive proteins can be adsorbed, but activated platelet removal is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmunosuppressive protein adsorptionVSAvoidactivated platelet removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of suppressing platelet adsorption as in conventional materials, this invention inverts the approach by actively promoting activated platelet removal through phagocytosis. The carrier surface properties (charged functional groups with specific extending length ratios) are designed to attract and facilitate the uptake of activated platelets by macrophages, while still maintaining the ability to adsorb immunosuppressive proteins and growth factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 carrier efficiently removes activated platelets and growth factors, reducing thrombus formation and suppressing the progression of diseases like arteriosclerosis, cancers, and infections, with high selectivity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a water-insoluble carrier which removes activated platelets, the carrier having a surface with a kurtosis of 0.1 to 16... the surface has a charge... the charge amount of the surface is 0.3 to 3.0 mmol per 1 g dry mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the surface has a charge... the charge amount of the surface is 0.3 to 3.0 mmol per 1 g dry mass... comprising an amino group on the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP4656215A1Water-insoluble carrier for activated platelet removal

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention aims to provide a water-insoluble carrier which removes activated platelets. The present invention provides a water-insoluble carrier which removes activated platelets, the carrier having a surface with a kurtosis of 0.1 to 16.0.