Conductive Hydrogel Sensing for Controlled Bioactive Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogel systems lack the ability to reversibly control the sequestration and release of bioactive substances due to their intrinsically imprinted physicochemical characteristics, limiting modulatability and specificity for interaction with certain bioactive substances.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a polymer network formed from anionically charged and uncharged building blocks, with an electrically conductive component, where the affinity for bioactive molecules is configurable based on parameters defining the anionically charged building blocks, allowing detection and influence of bioactive molecule uptake or release through changes in electrical resistance and charge storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (dialysis, ultrafiltration, centrifugal devices) are used to sense and influence absorption/release of bioactive substances, then measurement and control functions are provided, but the devices are complex, expensive, and require professional handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing function and the influencing function into a single integrated system. The conductive hydrogel simultaneously detects bioactive substances through electrical conductivity changes and delivers therapeutic substances through iontophoresis, eliminating the need for separate dialysis machines, ultrafiltration devices, or centrifugal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive hydrogel is self-sensing and self-actuating. It automatically detects changes in bioactive substance concentrations through its electrical conductivity and autonomously controls the release of therapeutic substances without requiring external complex control systems or professional operation.
2Reliability
If conventional medical devices are used for sensing and control, then functional capabilities are achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to professional handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive hydrogel performs sensing and actuation autonomously without requiring user intervention or professional operation. The hydrogel automatically detects bioactive substance levels and controls therapeutic substance release, making the system easy to use while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where the conductive hydrogel continuously monitors bioactive substance concentrations and automatically adjusts therapeutic substance delivery accordingly, ensuring reliable control without requiring user interpretation or manual adjustment.
3Area of stationary object
If standard wound care materials are used, then wound coverage is provided, but active sensing and controlled release of bioactive substances are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system where conductive polymers or conductive particles are incorporated into the hydrogel matrix. This combination provides both the mechanical properties needed for wound coverage and the electrical conductivity required for sensing and iontophoresis functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive hydrogel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wound dressing providing coverage, a sensor detecting bioactive substances, and a delivery system for therapeutic substances, replacing the need for multiple separate devices.
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
Enables precise detection and control of bioactive molecule uptake and release by monitoring changes in electrical resistance and conductivity, facilitating biocompatible and efficient interaction with bioactive substances.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a method for sensing and influencing an absorption and/or release of bioactive substances by a tissue, in particular for sensing and influencing an absorption and/or release of active substances by a wound tissue, by means of electrically conductive hydrogels
Implementation Method 2
In a preferred embodiment the influencing is carried out by means of iontophoresis. To this end, a direct current is applied between the two electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for sensing and influencing an absorption of bioactive substances in a hydrogel material (1) and/or a discharge of bioactive substances from the hydrogel material, wherein the hydrogel material is a polymer network formed of anionically charged building blocks and uncharged building blocks, the affinity of which polymer network for bioactive substances can be configured by means of parameters which define the anionically charged building blocks, and the hydrogel material has an electrically conductive component, the electrical resistance and electrical charge storage capacity of which depend on an interaction with the hydrogel building blocks and on bonding of bioactive substances to the hydrogel material, the electrically conductive component being suitable for changing the anionic charge of the hydrogel material and the affinity of the hydrogel material for bioactive substances by means of the influence of an electrical potential. In the method, the hydrogel material is brought into contact with a biofluid, and a change in the electrical resistance and/or a change in the charge storage capacity of the hydrogel material is sensed and an absorption of bioactive substances into the hydrogel material or a discharge of bioactive substances from the hydrogel material into the biofluid is determined on the basis of the sensed change in the electrical resistance and/or on the basis of the sensed change in the charge storage capacity, and/or a concentration of bioactive substances in the biofluid and/or a concentration of bioactive substances in the hydrogel material is influenced by means of an electrical potential acting on the hydrogel material. The invention also relates to a suitable electrically conductive hydrogel material.