Composite Hydrogel Composition for Antibacterial pH-Responsive Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogels lack antibacterial properties, pH-dependent behavior, and optimal biodegradability, which are crucial for effective drug delivery and tissue regeneration applications.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel composed of radiated chitosan, a natural gelling polymer, a hydrophilic synthetic polymer, and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) is prepared through irradiation and solvent mixing, enhancing drug delivery, swelling, thermal stability, and biocompatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hydrogels are used for drug delivery, then basic drug delivery function is achieved, but antibacterial properties are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidfunctional versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining chitosan (providing antibacterial properties) with gelatin and synthetic polymers (providing gelation and mechanical properties). This composite structure allows the hydrogel to simultaneously exhibit antibacterial activity, pH-responsive behavior, and adequate mechanical strength for drug delivery applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If chitosan is used to provide antibacterial properties, then antibacterial activity is improved, but solubility and processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidsolubility and processability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent irradiates chitosan to modify its molecular structure and reduce molecular weight, which improves its solubility in aqueous solutions while retaining its antibacterial properties. This parameter change (molecular weight reduction through irradiation) allows chitosan to be processed more easily while maintaining its functional benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines chitosan with gelatin and synthetic polymers to create a composite system where the other components compensate for chitosan's poor solubility. The gelatin and synthetic polymers provide additional solubility and processability while chitosan contributes antibacterial activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If natural polymers are used for biocompatibility, then biocompatibility is improved, but mechanical strength and stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidmechanical strength and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite hydrogel combining natural polymers (chitosan and gelatin) with synthetic polymers. The natural polymers provide biocompatibility and biodegradability, while the synthetic polymer component contributes mechanical strength and structural stability. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses different polymers with specific local functions: chitosan provides antibacterial activity in specific regions, gelatin provides gelation and biocompatibility, and synthetic polymers provide mechanical strength. Each component is positioned and formulated to optimize its local contribution to the overall hydrogel performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Stability of the object's composition

If crosslinking agents are used for chemical bonding, then structural stability is improved, but biocompatibility and biodegradability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbiocompatibility and biodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses irradiation to induce crosslinking in chitosan, creating a crosslinked structure that provides structural stability. The irradiation crosslinking method avoids the need for additional chemical crosslinking agents that might compromise biocompatibility. The crosslinked structure maintains integrity while the natural polymer backbone remains biodegradable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrogel exhibits excellent drug delivery ability, swelling properties, thermal stability, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for delivering radioactive drugs and maintaining stability in vivo.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating chitosan with radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

mixing radiated chitosan, a natural gelling polymer, and a hydrophilic synthetic polymer with a solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12496273B2Hydrogel and method for preparing the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RES INST

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a hydrogel having excellent drug delivery ability and having antibacterial properties as well as pH-dependent, biocompatible and biodegradable properties, and a method for preparing the same. The hydrogel including radiated chitosan, a natural gelling polymer, a hydrophilic synthetic polymer and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), and the method for preparing the same are provided.