Chitosan Polymer Matrix for Dry Eye Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for dry eye syndrome, such as artificial tears, have limited bioavailability due to rapid drainage and permeability barriers in the eye, leading to insufficient contact time and reduced effectiveness in addressing the underlying issues of tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation.

Innovation Solution

A freeze-dried composition comprising non-autologous plasma or serum and a polymer, specifically chitosan with a molecular weight of 100 to 1200 kDa, which forms a matrix that slows the release of biologically active components, enhancing ocular surface retention and promoting healing when reconstituted for topical application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If artificial tears are applied topically to treat dry eye syndrome, then moisture and lubrication are provided on the ocular surface, but the composition is rapidly drained and washed away within 15-30 seconds, resulting in insufficient contact time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact timeVSAvoidcomposition drainage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymer matrix as an intermediary carrier that absorbs and retains the bioactive components (growth factors, proteins, etc.) within its structure. This matrix acts as a mediator between the applied composition and the ocular surface, preventing rapid drainage while maintaining controlled release. The polymer network traps the therapeutic molecules, extending contact time from seconds to hours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite formulation combining polymer matrix material with bioactive components. This composite structure integrates the retention capability of the polymer with the therapeutic properties of the biological molecules. The composite material provides both structural support for extended contact and functional activity for treating dry eye syndrome, resolving the contradiction between rapid loss and sustained action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional artificial tears are applied frequently to maintain moisture, then lubrication is provided, but preservatives cause toxic and allergic reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and allergies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful preservative components from the artificial tear formulation. By taking out the toxic elements while retaining the essential bioactive components (growth factors, proteins, lipids), the invention maintains lubrication effectiveness without the harmful side effects. The polymer matrix allows the formulation to be preservative-free while still providing sustained therapeutic action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the artificial tear formulation by replacing conventional preservative systems with a polymer-based delivery system. This parameter change transforms the formulation from one that relies on toxic preservatives for stability to one that uses a biocompatible polymer matrix, eliminating harmful reactions while maintaining therapeutic reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If topically administered solutions are used to treat ocular surface diseases, then drug delivery is attempted, but precorneal factors (drainage, blinking, tear turnover) reduce bioavailability to less than 5%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug delivery efficiencyVSAvoidbioavailability loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-absorbing the bioactive components into the polymer matrix before application to the ocular surface. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the therapeutic molecules are already trapped and positioned for sustained release, counteracting the rapid drainage and blinking that occur upon application. The pre-prepared composite material resists the precorneal factors that would otherwise wash away conventional solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composition provides prolonged ocular surface retention, improving tear break-up time and promoting the health of the corneal epithelium, effectively addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of dry eye syndrome.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

when reconstituted for topical application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20230321145A1Compositions and methods of treating dry eye syndrome and other traumatized non-keratinized epithelial surfaces

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 EYE CARE INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a composition including non-autologous plasma or serum and a polymer; method of treating ophthalmic diseases (e.g., dry eye syndrome) or moisturizing and/or repairing non-keratinized surfaces including nonhealing wounds with a composition including non-autologous plasma or serum and a polymer; and a therapeutic agent delivery device for delivery of the composition to the eye or a non-keratinized surface of a subject.